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Waking up with my heart racing, thoughts?

Posted , 5 users are following.

ems74
ems74

Where do start? January 2017 I first went to the doctors with sudden waking at night and dizziness (as well as many other unpleasant symptoms). I was quickly diagnosed with vertigo, prescribed Prochlorperazine and referred to ENT. My first appointment they concurred however my second with a different doctor didn’t agree with the vertigo diagnosis believing it was something else and referred me to a sleep clinic and for an MRI. After a few tests for sleep apnoea this was ruled out. My MRI, however, showed an arnold Chiari malformation. A further referral to a neurosurgeon was done with a second MRI to check my cerebral fluid flow. During this time, my symptoms were worsening with chest pain and a numb left arm being thrown into the mix. Another visit to my GP resulted in a referral for a 24 hour ECG. The results from that showed I had 4 episodes in one night of tachycardia whilst asleep so the doctor diagnosed arrhythmia. A cardiologist appointment had already been arranged but not until the beginning of October. In the meantime hardly a night goes by now without me waking with one symptom or another and I’ve had to go off sick due to lack of sleep and inability to do my job properly (I’m a community nurse). I’m worried obviously and would like people’s thoughts. I’m trapped in this horrible world and it has affected my mood considerably which probably doesn’t help. I haven’t got stress or anxiety from my job which has been suggested. By the way my cerebral flow was fine so discharged from neuro now, my Chiari is a watch and wait. It’s rare I have issues during the day other than palpitations on occasion and every now and then tachycardia after eating. At the moment I’m controlling the best I can but I’m truly fed up now after 19 months of this.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • jx41870
    jx41870 ems74

    Posted

    Well you kind of lost me after the tachy, but shall we presume your blood pressure (BP) is at least OK?  I don't know about "waking with vertigo", that's beyond me.  Has anyone suggested a low dose of beta blocker, common drug used for tachycardia?  Maybe that's treating the symptoms but hey.

    • ems74
      ems74 jx41870

      Posted

      Feel lost myself and very frustrated. BP’s fine. GP won’t prescribe and leaving it to the cardiologist in October. We’ve established now that I don’t have vertigo and it is more than likely I feel lightheaded because I’m waking up suddenly with tachycardia.
  • moon53540
    moon53540 ems74

    Posted

    I had waking at night with dizziness and tachycardic episodes. Also pins and needles in my hands and feet. I used to get regular cramps in my legs and problems taking a deep breath in. I got diagnosed with multiple pulmonary emboli. Have a d-dimer blood test to rule it out.
  • katherine46823
    katherine46823 ems74

    Posted

    In the absence of a definitive diagnosis from a qualified cardiologist, I would say, as a SVT sufferer myself, that it sounds like SVT.  October is soon, so hang in there.  In the meantime, avoid all the SVT triggers: caffeine, alcohol, antihistamines etc. and try to sleep on your right side.  Read up about tachycardia, how to avoid it, etc. and put the advice given into practice.  I too am waiting for a cardiologist appointment in October, because in my case it seems like my SVT has morphed into IST but I need a formal diagnosis.  I've been fobbed off by the hospital ER dept too, and my GP had to fight to get me an appointment.  So I feel for you, knowing that in your case it is all a lot worse.  At least I can sleep and work, most of the time, but not both together, ha ha. The right tachycardia drugs should sort you out and if not, maybe ablation.

    • ems74
      ems74 katherine46823

      Posted

      Thank you for this your the first person that has actually told me what it could be. I’ve had a read and it sounds very much like what I have. Luckily I don’t drink much caffeine and alcohols just once a week so my triggers are already low.  The sleep thing has got me down but I try to go to bed with a positive attitude in the hope it doesn’t happen. Thankyou again 
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