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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Frequent Rise In Heart Rate During Sleep?

I have been having racing heart more frequently. Lately, it happens when I have been asleep either at night - 1 hour after going to sleep, usually when very tired anyway or this evening I napped in the chair and had been asleep maybe 25 minutes when I woke up with heart racing again. I took my 25 mg metropolol an hour early and had to go to the bathroom with a BM right away and then a second time. Usually this happens in the morning often where I have to go several times before I feel okay. But this time it happened this p.m. It seems it is connected to sleep issues and/or BMs. Very strange. It used to be that caffeine products set the heart racing and now this is going on too. I am a caregiver as well. It is another worry to have this going on. The only other over the counter med I took this afternoon was an aspirin.
Thu, 3 Dec 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thank you for your question. In my practice, for patients with symptoms like yours, I would consider doing some tests such as blood tests for thyroid and blood count, and tests for the heart such as an ECG (electrocardiogram) and possibly have you wear a heart monitor for 24 hours so that we could observe what is going on with the heart rate.

It is normal to have a change in heart rate with caffeine, with bowel movements, with exercise and with change in activity, or change in position, such as sitting down or lying down. To have such a change in heart rate that you feel your heart racing should be checked out. You do not mention any chest pain or shortness of breath, which is reassuring.

Again, I would encourage you to have a checkup with your regular physician to see if you need some tests. Please take good care of yourself as well as those for whom you are a caregiver.

I hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.
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What Causes Frequent Rise In Heart Rate During Sleep?

Thank you for your question. In my practice, for patients with symptoms like yours, I would consider doing some tests such as blood tests for thyroid and blood count, and tests for the heart such as an ECG (electrocardiogram) and possibly have you wear a heart monitor for 24 hours so that we could observe what is going on with the heart rate. It is normal to have a change in heart rate with caffeine, with bowel movements, with exercise and with change in activity, or change in position, such as sitting down or lying down. To have such a change in heart rate that you feel your heart racing should be checked out. You do not mention any chest pain or shortness of breath, which is reassuring. Again, I would encourage you to have a checkup with your regular physician to see if you need some tests. Please take good care of yourself as well as those for whom you are a caregiver. I hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.