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I Am A 46 Year Old Woman. I Am 5'4,

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Posted on Wed, 1 Apr 2020
Question: I am a 46 year old woman. I am 5'4, I weigh 130. I do not drink or smoke. I do deal with Fibromyalgia and it affects my life quite a lot.

3 years ago, I woke from my mother calling me. She was quite upset. I literally jumped out of bed. My heart rate went from 65-185. It was racing.
I rang an ambulance as I was scared. They took me to hospital and did an EKG and blood work, which all came back normal. But they did caution me to watch for a rise in my heart rate like that again as it wasn't normal.

The past week or two, I have been waking with a racing heart. It can be after a nightmare or it can be waking from a regular dream. But my heart is racing and no doubt if measured it would once again be about 180.
It lasts for only 1-2 mins and then it returns to normal.
But I am getting concerned as it is happening more often.

These episodes are very specific. They only occur when I have been asleep and am waking and normally when I have been dreaming. They can happen when I wake in the morning or they can happen when I nap but they don't happen any other time of the day.

It is possible that they are Afib related? What about hormone related as I am coming closer to menopause? Do you think this is dangerous where one day it could cause a heart attack and my heart won't stop racing?

I try to keep calm when these episodes occur but they do scare me quite a lot as it feels like my heart is out of control.
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
I am a 46 year old woman. I am 5'4, I weigh 130. I do not drink or smoke. I do deal with Fibromyalgia and it affects my life quite a lot.

3 years ago, I woke from my mother calling me. She was quite upset. I literally jumped out of bed. My heart rate went from 65-185. It was racing.
I rang an ambulance as I was scared. They took me to hospital and did an EKG and blood work, which all came back normal. But they did caution me to watch for a rise in my heart rate like that again as it wasn't normal.

The past week or two, I have been waking with a racing heart. It can be after a nightmare or it can be waking from a regular dream. But my heart is racing and no doubt if measured it would once again be about 180.
It lasts for only 1-2 mins and then it returns to normal.
But I am getting concerned as it is happening more often.

These episodes are very specific. They only occur when I have been asleep and am waking and normally when I have been dreaming. They can happen when I wake in the morning or they can happen when I nap but they don't happen any other time of the day.

It is possible that they are Afib related? What about hormone related as I am coming closer to menopause? Do you think this is dangerous where one day it could cause a heart attack and my heart won't stop racing?

I try to keep calm when these episodes occur but they do scare me quite a lot as it feels like my heart is out of control.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Get thyroid checked.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think you should get further evaluated and examined.
Taking count that the heart rate increases only while sleeping or waking up and also having previous normal heart tests may not likely be caused by heart.
The increased heart rate especially at night while sleeping or in the morning it may be related to hyperthyroidism or hyperactive thyroid. You should do T3,T4 and TSH levels.

If thyroid tests are normal and you still experience these episodes you may need a heart monitor ( Holter) to monitor the rythm. Also may need an ECG and ultrasound of heart.
If everything is normal then anxiety is causing this situation.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Get thyroid checked.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think you should get further evaluated and examined.
Taking count that the heart rate increases only while sleeping or waking up and also having previous normal heart tests may not likely be caused by heart.
The increased heart rate especially at night while sleeping or in the morning it may be related to hyperthyroidism or hyperactive thyroid. You should do T3,T4 and TSH levels.

If thyroid tests are normal and you still experience these episodes you may need a heart monitor ( Holter) to monitor the rythm. Also may need an ECG and ultrasound of heart.
If everything is normal then anxiety is causing this situation.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)
Hello :)
I have had all sorts of testing done concerning my Fibromyalgia. One of them was Thyroid, and it all came back good.
I also had a Holter monitor about 2 years ago and funnily enough it did show an episode in the morning. The doctor at the time said again that since was was a single episode and since it lasted a short time (under 5 mins) that they didn't feel it was a significant finding and again told me to just keep and eye out for it.
As for ECG's, I've had many over the past 3 years mainly because I have been sick with other things like Gallbladder and Fibromyalgia. My last ECG was before Christmas and every time I have had one, it's all come back fine.
Is it possible for Afib to be missed if the episode isn't occurring when I have the ECG? Also, is this possibly dangerous and could turn into a heart attack?
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Hello :)
I have had all sorts of testing done concerning my Fibromyalgia. One of them was Thyroid, and it all came back good.
I also had a Holter monitor about 2 years ago and funnily enough it did show an episode in the morning. The doctor at the time said again that since was was a single episode and since it lasted a short time (under 5 mins) that they didn't feel it was a significant finding and again told me to just keep and eye out for it.
As for ECG's, I've had many over the past 3 years mainly because I have been sick with other things like Gallbladder and Fibromyalgia. My last ECG was before Christmas and every time I have had one, it's all come back fine.
Is it possible for Afib to be missed if the episode isn't occurring when I have the ECG? Also, is this possibly dangerous and could turn into a heart attack?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It can be anxiety.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.

If the AFib is missed in ECG you can do Holter. I don't think this can return in a heart attack. I believe it is related to anxiety.

I can recommend you do a Holter to get checked and if it is normal then the reason can be anxiety.

I can advise you to stop taking coffee, caffeine beverages, etc.
Take vagostabyl because it can be helpful.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
It can be anxiety.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.

If the AFib is missed in ECG you can do Holter. I don't think this can return in a heart attack. I believe it is related to anxiety.

I can recommend you do a Holter to get checked and if it is normal then the reason can be anxiety.

I can advise you to stop taking coffee, caffeine beverages, etc.
Take vagostabyl because it can be helpful.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (30 minutes later)
My last question.

I agree that this could very well be anxiety, however I am still wondering about Afib.

If this was Afib related, is it dangerous and can it be treated? If so, how is it treated?

Thank you, doctor.
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
My last question.

I agree that this could very well be anxiety, however I am still wondering about Afib.

If this was Afib related, is it dangerous and can it be treated? If so, how is it treated?

Thank you, doctor.
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 minute later)
Is it not dangerous for your heart to race up to 180?
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Is it not dangerous for your heart to race up to 180?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can take beta-blockers.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.

Of course, it is dangerous to have AFib or heart to race up to 180 bpm but it can be treated. You may take beta-blockers such as atenolol or propranolol after consulting your doctor. Taking atenolol will also help you with anxiety.

Regards



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
You can take beta-blockers.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.

Of course, it is dangerous to have AFib or heart to race up to 180 bpm but it can be treated. You may take beta-blockers such as atenolol or propranolol after consulting your doctor. Taking atenolol will also help you with anxiety.

Regards



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (37 minutes later)
Hello:
But this is my main problem.
I am not able to see my doctor for weeks. Even then, it will take even longer to get a holter monitor.
If it is dangerous for my heart rate to be going up to 180 then I will be worried every time this happens.
I won't be able to get treatment until tests are done and it could be a long time yet.
How can I stay calm when my heart races like this knowing it is dangerous?
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Hello:
But this is my main problem.
I am not able to see my doctor for weeks. Even then, it will take even longer to get a holter monitor.
If it is dangerous for my heart rate to be going up to 180 then I will be worried every time this happens.
I won't be able to get treatment until tests are done and it could be a long time yet.
How can I stay calm when my heart races like this knowing it is dangerous?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
If you can't wait for your doctor's appointment, better go to the ER.

Detailed Answer:
If you were my patient I would have given you Atenolol 25mg before bed. It is useful to be taken if you have hyperthyroidism, anxiety or tachycardia.
It is the preferable thing you can do while waiting for your doctor's appointment.
If you can't wait for a doctor's appointment you can go to the ER.

Let me know if I can assist you further.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
If you can't wait for your doctor's appointment, better go to the ER.

Detailed Answer:
If you were my patient I would have given you Atenolol 25mg before bed. It is useful to be taken if you have hyperthyroidism, anxiety or tachycardia.
It is the preferable thing you can do while waiting for your doctor's appointment.
If you can't wait for a doctor's appointment you can go to the ER.

Let me know if I can assist you further.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (23 minutes later)
I will definitely consider this next time it happens.

It is any safer for the fact that these episodes only lasts for a minute or two?

Also, if this has been happening for 3 years, wouldn't it have caused a serious issue by now?
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
I will definitely consider this next time it happens.

It is any safer for the fact that these episodes only lasts for a minute or two?

Also, if this has been happening for 3 years, wouldn't it have caused a serious issue by now?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It can cause fatigue and overload to heart.

Detailed Answer:
Taking count that this happens for a minute or two it is not so much dangerous or safer as you say.

It doesn't cause damage to heart even though it is happening during a course of three years but it can cause fatigue to heart and overload.

Let me know If I can assist you further.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
It can cause fatigue and overload to heart.

Detailed Answer:
Taking count that this happens for a minute or two it is not so much dangerous or safer as you say.

It doesn't cause damage to heart even though it is happening during a course of three years but it can cause fatigue to heart and overload.

Let me know If I can assist you further.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)
Now I am really scared.
I didn't think it was that big of deal being as the doctors I have seen in the past have all been so nonchalant about it and told me to keep an eye on it but didn't seem overly concerned.
After talking with you, I am going to have a hard time not panicking when it happens again thinking that this is going to cause something very bad.
I don't even know what fatigue or overload to the heart is or what it can do.
Can you explain further?
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Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Now I am really scared.
I didn't think it was that big of deal being as the doctors I have seen in the past have all been so nonchalant about it and told me to keep an eye on it but didn't seem overly concerned.
After talking with you, I am going to have a hard time not panicking when it happens again thinking that this is going to cause something very bad.
I don't even know what fatigue or overload to the heart is or what it can do.
Can you explain further?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow my previous advises.

Detailed Answer:
I am not telling you to be scared not talking for a certain pathology or what can happen. Having a180bpm means that your heart is contracting faster than usual which is an overload activity and fatigue to the muscle.
I can't say it is normal and do nothing.
You should follow my previous advises .
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Follow my previous advises.

Detailed Answer:
I am not telling you to be scared not talking for a certain pathology or what can happen. Having a180bpm means that your heart is contracting faster than usual which is an overload activity and fatigue to the muscle.
I can't say it is normal and do nothing.
You should follow my previous advises .
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Olgeta Xhufka

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 10166 Questions

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I Am A 46 Year Old Woman. I Am 5'4,

I am a 46 year old woman. I am 5'4, I weigh 130. I do not drink or smoke. I do deal with Fibromyalgia and it affects my life quite a lot. 3 years ago, I woke from my mother calling me. She was quite upset. I literally jumped out of bed. My heart rate went from 65-185. It was racing. I rang an ambulance as I was scared. They took me to hospital and did an EKG and blood work, which all came back normal. But they did caution me to watch for a rise in my heart rate like that again as it wasn't normal. The past week or two, I have been waking with a racing heart. It can be after a nightmare or it can be waking from a regular dream. But my heart is racing and no doubt if measured it would once again be about 180. It lasts for only 1-2 mins and then it returns to normal. But I am getting concerned as it is happening more often. These episodes are very specific. They only occur when I have been asleep and am waking and normally when I have been dreaming. They can happen when I wake in the morning or they can happen when I nap but they don't happen any other time of the day. It is possible that they are Afib related? What about hormone related as I am coming closer to menopause? Do you think this is dangerous where one day it could cause a heart attack and my heart won't stop racing? I try to keep calm when these episodes occur but they do scare me quite a lot as it feels like my heart is out of control.