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What Causes Palpitations, Racing Thoughts And High BP During Sleep?
Question: For the past three weeks, I have been waking up after a half an hour of sleep with palpitations, racing thoughts, shortness of breath, sore left arm and high blood pressure. Got a home blood pressure machine and I take my BP when this happens. Right now I am having an "attack" at 1am and my reading is 123 over 93, heart rate of 87. Already went to ER when this first started happening; found nothing wrong. My PCP keeps doing EKG on me and they look perfect. Going to cardiologist on Thursday to get echo done and get a heart monitor. I am 36, petite and normally had BP of 102 over 60 in the past. Now I am upset about this recurring event and dread going to bed everynight, wondering if it will happen again. Any advice and how do I get the most out of my cardiology appointment later this week? I can't run to the ER everytime this happens but I am afraid I may be missing something else or may die from this.
Brief Answer:
Likely to be panic attacks
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern , it can be very frightening.
You have panic attacks. This is because of a sudden increase in the activity of your sympathetic nervous system.
It is very likely that your echocardiogram would be normal or may show a mitral valve prolapse of little significance.
Your cardiologist might give you some simple medicine to tone down your sympathetic nervous system.
In the meantime live a healthy life, eat wholesome food, exercise and practice stress relieving measures like yoga, meditation or relaxation techniques.
Take care
Likely to be panic attacks
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern , it can be very frightening.
You have panic attacks. This is because of a sudden increase in the activity of your sympathetic nervous system.
It is very likely that your echocardiogram would be normal or may show a mitral valve prolapse of little significance.
Your cardiologist might give you some simple medicine to tone down your sympathetic nervous system.
In the meantime live a healthy life, eat wholesome food, exercise and practice stress relieving measures like yoga, meditation or relaxation techniques.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I sincerely appreciate your feedback. For the past week, I have been exercising again and trying relaxation techniques. I know these changes may not happen overnight but I will keep working on this. Just took my blood pressure again and have a reading of 108 over 89, heart rate 77. Glad to see my numbers go down already and will try to take this one day at a time.
Brief Answer:
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Appreciate your insight and efforts.
I am sure you will be successful.
Wish you good health and a great day.
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Appreciate your insight and efforts.
I am sure you will be successful.
Wish you good health and a great day.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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