Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Fast Rhythmic Heart Beats While Sleeping?
Question: Hi, In the last couple of weeks I have been experiencing a fast rhythmic heart beat while asleep around 3-4 am.
At first, I thought it was my adjustable bed massager because of the fast motor like speed of the heart area, but it also occurred after I got out of bed. Once I stand up, it seems to go away slowly. I'm puzzled butg also worried some. What is the problem?
At first, I thought it was my adjustable bed massager because of the fast motor like speed of the heart area, but it also occurred after I got out of bed. Once I stand up, it seems to go away slowly. I'm puzzled butg also worried some. What is the problem?
Brief Answer:
Disturbance in heart's electrical system
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. People can sometimes develop problems in the heart's electrical system that can result in irregular or rapid heartbeats (arrhythmias). There are many types of arrhythmias, some of which are totally benign and others which are potentially dangerous.
It is important to know what type of arrhythmia is occurring so proper treatment, if needed, can be started. This can be done with a Holter monitor, which is an EKG recording of your heart's rhythm over a period of hours to days.
Also I would want to know if something that is happening while you are sleeping that is causing the arrhythmia. One thing to consider is sleep apnea. A drop in oxygen normally occurs while sleeping, and if you have sleep apnea, the drop can be considerable. This puts stress on both heart and lungs, and can induce arrhythmias.
Check with your doctor and get a baseline EKG and then Holter monitor to identify the rhythm. Depending on what it is, or other factors, you may also want to discuss having a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea or other sleep problem this is causing the arrhythmia.
You don't mention what your sleep aid is, but some drugs can cause arrhythmias, even over the counter drugs. Ask your doctor about side effects of the medicine you are taking.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Disturbance in heart's electrical system
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. People can sometimes develop problems in the heart's electrical system that can result in irregular or rapid heartbeats (arrhythmias). There are many types of arrhythmias, some of which are totally benign and others which are potentially dangerous.
It is important to know what type of arrhythmia is occurring so proper treatment, if needed, can be started. This can be done with a Holter monitor, which is an EKG recording of your heart's rhythm over a period of hours to days.
Also I would want to know if something that is happening while you are sleeping that is causing the arrhythmia. One thing to consider is sleep apnea. A drop in oxygen normally occurs while sleeping, and if you have sleep apnea, the drop can be considerable. This puts stress on both heart and lungs, and can induce arrhythmias.
Check with your doctor and get a baseline EKG and then Holter monitor to identify the rhythm. Depending on what it is, or other factors, you may also want to discuss having a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea or other sleep problem this is causing the arrhythmia.
You don't mention what your sleep aid is, but some drugs can cause arrhythmias, even over the counter drugs. Ask your doctor about side effects of the medicine you are taking.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have been using CPAP therapy for about 5 years and the sleep aid medicine is a garden variety which reduces the kidneys from working for about 8 hrs. Other than that, I don't consume alcohol but I did recently install a 3 inch foam mattress overlay on my bed. If I reach down and touch the base of the bed while laying there I can also feel the vibrations but they disappear when I get up. The CPAP blows fine when used and the pressure is set to 12 lbs. I don't experience any palpitations while I am XXXXXXX
By the way, since you mentioned electrical I do use an electrical heating blanket for comfort.
By the way, since you mentioned electrical I do use an electrical heating blanket for comfort.
Brief Answer:
Still consider EKG and Holter
Detailed Answer:
The electric heating blanket should not affect your heart's rhythm, so no need to worry about that. I don't see any problem with the foam mattress. I don't know what you mean by a "garden variety" of sleep aid, but if it is reducing kidney function for 8 hours I would be very concerned about what other effects it's having. Changes in kidney function can affect the levels of salts such as sodium and potassium in the blood, and this can cause arrhythmias.
Do you mean you feel the same vibrations when touching the base of the bed that are the same as the ones in your heart area that occur while sleeping? Do you get into a position while sleeping where you may be in contact with the bed like that? If there is any possibility the vibrations of the massager are responsible for the feeling, stop using the massager for awhile and see if you stop experiencing them
Otherwise, I would still recommend getting the EKG and Holter to rule out any significant arrhythmias. Stop using the sleep aid if kidney function reduction is occurring. As we age, our kidneys also have reduced functioning and any medicine that also has that effect can seriously compromise them.
The CPAP sounds fine, unless you have experienced changes in your lungs and heart that require an adjustment of the pressure. In that case a new sleep study using your regular CPAP may be in order to be sure it's as effective as necessary. I don't think there is any need to do this unless the Holter confirms a significant arrhythmia.
So ultimately my suggestion is, that if there is any question about the heartbeat being an arrhythmia, best to be sure by checking an EKG and Holter. Hope this helps.
Still consider EKG and Holter
Detailed Answer:
The electric heating blanket should not affect your heart's rhythm, so no need to worry about that. I don't see any problem with the foam mattress. I don't know what you mean by a "garden variety" of sleep aid, but if it is reducing kidney function for 8 hours I would be very concerned about what other effects it's having. Changes in kidney function can affect the levels of salts such as sodium and potassium in the blood, and this can cause arrhythmias.
Do you mean you feel the same vibrations when touching the base of the bed that are the same as the ones in your heart area that occur while sleeping? Do you get into a position while sleeping where you may be in contact with the bed like that? If there is any possibility the vibrations of the massager are responsible for the feeling, stop using the massager for awhile and see if you stop experiencing them
Otherwise, I would still recommend getting the EKG and Holter to rule out any significant arrhythmias. Stop using the sleep aid if kidney function reduction is occurring. As we age, our kidneys also have reduced functioning and any medicine that also has that effect can seriously compromise them.
The CPAP sounds fine, unless you have experienced changes in your lungs and heart that require an adjustment of the pressure. In that case a new sleep study using your regular CPAP may be in order to be sure it's as effective as necessary. I don't think there is any need to do this unless the Holter confirms a significant arrhythmia.
So ultimately my suggestion is, that if there is any question about the heartbeat being an arrhythmia, best to be sure by checking an EKG and Holter. Hope this helps.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
