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What Causes Severe Heart Palpitations While Resting?

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Posted on Wed, 7 Oct 2015
Question: Hi, I am a 59 year old female, in good health and active for most of my life. I have been experiencing heart palpitations almost daily, usually when I lay down, for a couple of years or more. I really haven't been too concerned, but it can be a little alarming. Yesterday and the day before I experienced extreme dizziness and lightheadedness along with nausea and hot flashes followed by fatigue and shakiness. I've experienced this before but not this extreme. The first time (the day before yesterday) I was moving around and active. Yesterday it occurred while I was relaxing, and it was worse, lasting for more than an hour. I don't know if this has anything to do with my heart. I took my blood pressure yesterday and it was normal (125/75) but my heart rate was 59 (my resting heart rate is normally pretty low). I drink about 3 cups of coffee a day, non-smoker (I wear a nicotine patch but haven't smoked in many years), I occasionally have a glass of wine, I'm on HRT, no other medications or supplements. Next week I am having surgery to have breast implants removed and I'm a little concerned about being put under anesthesia. I would like your expert opinion on what my symptoms could be caused from and whether or not undergoing surgery at this time is wise. I have a regular doctor but haven't seen him in 2 years, only my Ob/Gyn. Thank you.
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Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Following causes to heart palpitations at resting...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

1. There are various causes to heart palpitations in your case:
- hormonal changes due to HRT you are currently taking
- changes in blood sugar levels as long as bp is ok and heart rate at resting is ok too
- nicotine patch

2. Before surgery, the doctor will evaluate your overall health condition:
- blood sugar levels
- hormonal balance
- reevaluate the use of nicotine patch (consider taking it off)
- complete blood count to rule out anemia
- cardiac tests : ECG, holter monitoring and echocardiogram

After this evaluation, they will decide for the surgery.
All the best!
Dr.Albana
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7312 Questions

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What Causes Severe Heart Palpitations While Resting?

Brief Answer: Following causes to heart palpitations at resting... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns. 1. There are various causes to heart palpitations in your case: - hormonal changes due to HRT you are currently taking - changes in blood sugar levels as long as bp is ok and heart rate at resting is ok too - nicotine patch 2. Before surgery, the doctor will evaluate your overall health condition: - blood sugar levels - hormonal balance - reevaluate the use of nicotine patch (consider taking it off) - complete blood count to rule out anemia - cardiac tests : ECG, holter monitoring and echocardiogram After this evaluation, they will decide for the surgery. All the best! Dr.Albana