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Waking up from sleep with palpitations

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I am a 42 year old female suffering from panic and anxiety attacks for 7 years. I no longer get the attacks during the day.. but I have been waking up with severe heart palpitations most nights. Could this be caused by the anxiety or be cardiac related?

Category: Family Physician-GP

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Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
 32 Doctors Online

Hello,

Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.

I have discussed your concern with our Cardiologist.
We would like to know some additional information from you so that I can provide my best learned opinion.


1. Do you know your current blood pressure (or range ?) are you on any medication
2. Is there any sweating of chest pain associated with these palpitations ?
3. How long does each episode last ? How does it resolve ?
4. Have you checked your Thyroid function status ?
5. Do you feel any skipped beat ? Is the palpitation regular or irregular ?

You can reply as a followup
Thank you


Patient replied :

My blood pressure has been good. Usually 119/82 or so.. I wake up anywhere between 1 to 3 hours after falling asleep with a fast heart rate. Sometimes it feels like it's skipping, but mostly just going very fast.


The palpitations are most likely to be anxiety related considering your past history of panic attacks. But it is not prudent to attribute the symptoms to anxiety alone before and evaluation.

I would recommend a set tests (which can be easily done)

1. ECG
2. Thyroid function tests
3. Haemoglobin level

Based on the ECG finding you may require a couple more additional tests. (Holter and Echo). Let me assure you there is nothing to worry, but it just safe to get it done. Meanwhile you should take measures of reduce stress and anxiety if there is any. Exercise, yoga, meditation what ever works.
Avoid coffee and caffeinated drinks after 4:00 pm. Have an early light dinner and sleep well.

Hope this helps
Feel free to ask a followup.
Thank you


Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy
Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
Experience: 
MBBS from Sri Ramachandra University in December 2011
M.Med (Family Medicine) - TNMGR University, Chennai
MBA-MPH in Public Health in March 2016, SRM University
Finished AFIH in March 2016, SRM University
MRCP ( UK ), Internal Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, June 2016
Fellowship in Diabetology from Martin Luther University in January 2017

Currently Resident Physician, in MD Radiodiagnosis - Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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