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What Causes Severe Heart Palpitations At Night?

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Posted on Sat, 25 Feb 2017
Question: Only at night does my heart start to race. If I reposition my arm or arms, it stops until I move during sleep and it starts over. I do hear a popping sound when it stops, like a cracked knuckle but in my shoulder or middle back Is this a pinched nerve?
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to a pinched nerve.

Gastro-esophageal reflux or anxiety can trigger this situation.

I would recommend trying an antiacid or PPI (omeprazole, pantoprazole) before sleeping.

If it help relieve your symptoms it would be indicative of gastro-esophageal reflux.

But, if the problem persists, I would recommend consulting with your doctor for a physical exam and some tests:

- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count
- blood electrolytes
- thyroid hormone levels

An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring would help exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia, if suspicions during physical exam are raised.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
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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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9545 Questions

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What Causes Severe Heart Palpitations At Night?

Brief Answer: I would recommend as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to a pinched nerve. Gastro-esophageal reflux or anxiety can trigger this situation. I would recommend trying an antiacid or PPI (omeprazole, pantoprazole) before sleeping. If it help relieve your symptoms it would be indicative of gastro-esophageal reflux. But, if the problem persists, I would recommend consulting with your doctor for a physical exam and some tests: - a resting ECG - a chest X ray study - complete blood count - blood electrolytes - thyroid hormone levels An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring would help exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia, if suspicions during physical exam are raised. You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues. Hope to have been helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri