About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Palpitations When Sleeping
Introduction
Heart palpitations are the sensation of a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. They can occur at any time but may feel more noticeable when you are lying down to sleep. While often benign, persistent or severe palpitations may indicate an underlying heart condition or other medical issues.
Possible Causes
1. Physiological Factors
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress or panic attacks can trigger palpitations, particularly at night.
- Caffeine, Alcohol, or Nicotine: Stimulants can increase heart rate and lead to palpitations.
- Dehydration: Low fluid levels may disrupt electrolyte balance, causing palpitations.
2. Heart-Related Causes
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms (such as atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions) can cause noticeable palpitations.
- Structural Heart Disease: Conditions like valvular disease or cardiomyopathy may contribute.
- Heart Failure: Fluid retention and increased heart workload may be involved.
3. Other Medical Conditions
- Thyroid Disorders: Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can lead to palpitations.
- Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea can strain the heart and contribute to irregular heart rhythms.
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Can stimulate adrenaline release, triggering palpitations.
Diagnosis and When to See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if you experience: - Frequent palpitations or those lasting more than a few minutes - Dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain - History of heart disease with new or worsening symptoms Diagnostic tests may include: - Electrocardiogram (ECG): To record heart rhythm. - Holter Monitor: A portable ECG to track activity over 24+ hours. - Echocardiogram: To assess heart structure and function. - Blood Tests: Check thyroid function, electrolyte levels, and anemia.
Treatment and Management
Lifestyle Changes
- Reduce Stimulant Intake: Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Manage Stress: Try relaxation techniques like meditation and breathing exercises.
- Hydrate Properly: Maintain adequate hydration.
- Sleep Improvement: Address sleep disorders like apnea and adopt good sleep hygiene.
Medical Treatment
- Beta-blockers or Calcium Channel Blockers: If arrhythmias are a concern.
- Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Thyroid issues, electrolyte imbalances need correction.
- CPAP for Sleep Apnea: If obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed.
Conclusion
Heart palpitations at night are often harmless, but consistent or severe palpitations need evaluation. If you experience symptoms that suggest a serious condition, seek prompt medical care.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
3. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20802247/
4. American College of Cardiology Guidelines on Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Risk
- https://www.acc.org/Clinical-Topics/Prevention/Sleep-Apnea
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000988
- https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2021/06/25/15/07/obstructive-sleep-apnea-and-cvd
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2008.05.002
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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