What Causes Irregular Heartbeats At Night While Treating High BP?

Posted on Mon, 2 May 2016

Question: My heart is beating with an irregular beat, normal then speeds up and then back to normal. This has happened a few times before and usually at night. Is this something I should have checked now at an ER or check with my primary in the morning? I am on Atenolol, amlodipine for high BP & controlled well & on Lovastatin, also levothyroxine, omeprazole & ASA 81mg. I am 67 year old female.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Some suggestions:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I'm sorry you are having this problem.

If you are also having any chest pressure or discomfort OR shortness of breath OR light headedness OR nausea with the irregular heart beat then you should go in to the ER tonight.

Also, if you don't think you will be able to get in to see your primary doctor in the morning, go in to the ER tonight.

The ER has the advantage of being able to monitor your heart continuously (telemetry) rather than just an EKG, and checking heart enzymes. Your primary doctor will likely only be able to do an EKG and a rhythm strip (using the EKG machine), which, if the irregular beat isn't occuring then, won't be picked up. Then your primary doctor will probably set you up with a 24 hour at home holter moniter which will then be read afterwards. All of that takes time compared with what can be done in the ER.

I would error on the side of caution and go in to the ER tonight. You will get the problem sorted out faster and be in a safe place if the arrythmia turns out to be a concerning one.

I hope this information helps. If you are willing, please let me know how you are doing after you are evaluated.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (34 hours later)

Thank you for your help. I did go to the emergency room, but it wasn't as bad then as it had been at home, of course! Having an appointment with a cardiologist soon for follow-up. Thanks again. You relieved my mind about if the trip to ER was a foolish one or not.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I'm glad you went in to the ER.

Detailed Answer:
Yes, I know from personal experience that symptoms never seem to be as bad when at the doctor's office! But with a new arrythmia, it is a good idea to go in to make sure it is not a concerning type, so it is good that you went in. I'm glad you will have follow up with a cardiologist.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar