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Original poster

Something weird happened to me in middle of the night :(

219 replies

AddictedToLuv · 19/10/2021 06:32

I woke up at 3am and my heart started racing madly. It was like I had just ran a sprint. I then had a weird feeling and then it happened again about 10 mins later and then a short one after that. Then I had a burning sensation, like heartburn to the left.

I was really, really scared. At first I thought OMG I am having a panic attack, but I am not worried about anything or I wasn't panicking about anything at the time aside from the racing heart.

I couldn't get back to sleep and now I am really worried about what this was.

OP posts:
MrsLargeEmbodied · 19/10/2021 06:34

how old are you ?

Original poster
AddictedToLuv · 19/10/2021 06:36

52

OP posts:
lnsufficientFuns · 19/10/2021 06:37

Blimey op, that sounds terrifying!

I have nothing to advise sadly but hope you get some answers

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General health
GoodnightGrandma · 19/10/2021 06:38

Peri menopause or low iron.

MrsLargeEmbodied · 19/10/2021 06:38

i wonder if racing heart is a menopausal thing? panic attack type. i think it is

AutumnLeafy · 19/10/2021 06:39

Make an appointment with GP?

wakinguptosunshine · 19/10/2021 06:39

That sounds awful. I think you should call 111 immediately (if you're in the U.K.), they would be in a better position to advise.

niceupthedanceagain · 19/10/2021 06:39

I get this like mad adrenaline rushes. I think it's hormonal.

Mmmmdanone · 19/10/2021 06:40

I have had the racing heart at night thing but not the burning sensation. No idea what it was but has only happened twice in my life so I try not to worry. Maybe get checked out by gp. They might send you for a cardiogram. Racing heart is very scary while happening.

MissSmiley · 19/10/2021 06:40

You should definitely get it checked out by your GP, heart attack symptoms in women can vary but I had terrible palpitations before starting on HRT, it was my worse symptom and given your age that might fit

madisonbridges · 19/10/2021 06:41

I've had panic attacks and I haven't had any burning sensations. However, if it was a panic attack, it often isn't tied into anything you're aware of. I think they're more subconscious things really. Sorry, I've not been helpful there. I guess I'm saying, my panic attack didn't feel like that, but not feeling worried about anything doesn't mean it's not a panic attack.

Northernsoullover · 19/10/2021 06:42

I was about to say menopause too. The usual caveat about seeing your GP applies! Are you on HRT?

AutumnLeafy · 19/10/2021 06:42

Or if you drink loooads of coffee that might be it. My heart did funny things when I was on like 7 cups a day. Speak to GP though.

sarahc336 · 19/10/2021 06:43

Nocturnal panic attacks are a thing, can wake you up. Does sound Adrenalin related in my opinion, could be hormonal too xx

Lollyneenah · 19/10/2021 06:43

The burning is the concerning part OP. See a GP today for sure

Original poster
AddictedToLuv · 19/10/2021 06:45

I am not on HRT.

I am also wondering if it is linked to what I ate last night. I have had a terrible diet for a few months and this weekend was full on red and white wine. Last night I had a really heavy dinner with red meat and cooked in sherry, then I had made a cake with lashings of icing sugar drizzled all over the top.

I am normally a very fit and healthy person, but lately I've been on a sugar and alcohol bender as I have had a really bad cold for 5 weeks and can't shake it off.

I'm worried it was a panic attack. Thinking though that I have been poisoning my body lately. I'm really scared.

OP posts:
AdelindSchade · 19/10/2021 06:46

Phone nhs 24 and get some advice. You will need to get this checked out asap

AutumnLeafy · 19/10/2021 06:46

Phone 111 they'll let you know what to do .

GoodnightGrandma · 19/10/2021 06:47

I had palpitations, and a funny thing where I would get a full feeling in the top of my chest for a few seconds, then it would clear.
I just thought it was my age, but it went when I had iron for very low ferritin.
Do you have heavy periods ?

TopCatsTopHat · 19/10/2021 06:47

Sounds potentially serious, anything from hormones to great attack really. Definitely one to consult the doctors on I'd say..

madisonbridges · 19/10/2021 06:48

Could it be reflux?

ElftonWednesday · 19/10/2021 06:49

It could well be the food and alcohol, OP. I was just going to ask if you'd eaten anything different.

I would say it is best to rule out any heart issues. The GP might want to hook you up to an ECG or do a blood test to check your hormone levels.

FreeBritnee · 19/10/2021 06:52

Just sounds like menopause to me

madisonbridges · 19/10/2021 06:55

Sadly, as you get older more and more things start to act strangely, and more and more diagnoses contain the words, "it's your age"! Ugh. So first of all calm down because the likelihood it's nothing or, at the worst, nothing serious. It probably is just heartburn but if you're still concerned when it's daylight and night worries have shuffled away, call the surgery or 111 and have a chat.

FakeFruitShoot · 19/10/2021 06:55

You can be woken up by a panic attack as it's subconscious and you don't need to be panicking "about" anything. Mine manifest as (a feeling of) shortness of breath rather than anything heart related though.

I agree it's the burning sensation that sets this apart. Could be heartburn but maybe GP is the place to go.