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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:
TeloMere · 19/10/2021 07:32

I used to get this, turned out it was caused by acid reflux. This stimulated the vagus nerve and caused a vasovagal attack and I would wake up with my heart pounding.
Once I found out what it was I changed my diet (less fatty food, meat, cheese etc), and it stopped happening.
Good idea to see GP to rule out anything more serious though.

Dustingiseasy · 19/10/2021 07:32

I don’t mean to worry you but if you suspect it is a heart issue I think it is entirely appropriate to dial 999 and ask for urgent assistance.

Sprostongreen21 · 19/10/2021 07:33

@pegasus78

I agree with phoning 111

The same thing has been happening to me the last 3 weeks. The doctor booked me in for ECG and blood pressure check. But before this could be done, It got worse and I ended up in hospital.

ECG, bloods and chest x-ray all fine.
They have put it down to stress, I am not stressed over anything, other than the racing heart.

I spoke to the doctor last year saying I think I'm perimenopausal, and was just told no way I'm to young at 42.
After doing some research the last couple of weeks, I've again said I'm convinced it's hormonal, I want to try HRT, and been sent away with antidepressants!

Hope you're feeling a bit better now OP, it is scary!

This all happened to me last year.l too. I’m 42 now so the hormone thing is interesting as I’m heading that way. Urgh I hate doctors that don’t listen to women about peri/meno there is no exact age for things to happen! No way would I be taking anti depressants for suspected hormonal issues. My sister went to the doctor recently and was armed with all the symptoms she had, facts, official guidance etc. Came away with HRT. No arguments.

Anyway I ended up in A&E in the middle of the night after waking like that ( It wasn’t the first time to happen) -was given the all clear after the same tests. They were thorough even though I suspected anxiety. It was eventually put down to anxiety/panic attack. I work in the NHS so was pretty stressful last year.

I took some time off work, added more cardio more into my exercise ( spinning is amazing). My diet is pretty good anyway and I only drink once a week. I’ve not had one since. It was like once a medical cause had been ruled out I stopped being anxious about it.

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General health
Sprostongreen21 · 19/10/2021 07:37

I should add @AddictedToLuv definitely get checked out ASAP as it could be a number of things that no one online can diagnose. Good luck

YukoandHiro · 19/10/2021 07:39

I would go to the hospital and get your heart checked this morning.

pegasus78 · 19/10/2021 07:43

@Sprostongreen21 yes mine have improved now I know it's nothing medical. But haven't completely stopped.

I've also gradually reduced my caffeine intake, to only one normal cup of tea in the morning.
Completely overhauled my diet too.

It's frustrating when doctors dismiss anything you say. I started my periods at 9, only have one ovary, my mom and aunt went through menopause early.
So definitely possible I'm perimenopausal.

SheWoreYellow · 19/10/2021 07:48

I agree that if you’re suspecting heart issues you need to go to A&E. The GP can’t do anything. Don’t hang around waiting to call them.

ancientgran · 19/10/2021 07:54

I had something similar one night, I did have a sort of heavy weight pressing on my chest rather than the burning. I phoned GP and got a call back, GP asked me if anyone could take me to hospital if not she'd get an ambulance. I was admitted to hospital for 5 days as my ECG was all over the place. I had blood thinners and an angiogram, seems like I had a very small clot which was dealt with by the thinners.

Do get it checked out and good luck.

Stopsnowing · 19/10/2021 07:59

I would go to a and e. Not even a Gp can make a diagnosis over the phone.

overnightangel · 19/10/2021 08:02

“ 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.”

Confused Confused Confused

Meirou90 · 19/10/2021 08:12

Sounds like SVT or Atrial Fibrillation

Ohhhthepain · 19/10/2021 08:13

@pegasus78 That’s bullshit treatment from the Drs. There’s some great people over on the menopause board who might be able to offer advice, including the guidelines Drs should be looking at. I’m on HRT at 41, it’s entirely possible.

pegasus78 · 19/10/2021 08:19

@Ohhhthepain thanks, I'll take a look.

Lunaballoon · 19/10/2021 08:25

Agree with menopause/hormonal suggestions. Nighttime palpitations were one of several unexpected symptoms for me which fortunately HRT has sorted.

Redskyatmorn · 19/10/2021 08:28

Have you had covid in the last few months?
A couple of months after covid, I started suffering from this (and all manner of different symptoms)

Original poster
AddictedToLuv · 19/10/2021 08:32

Not Covid, but a very serious cold bug that has not shifted and resulted in me doing no exercise and eating poorly as had no energy/ felt sorry for myself.

I am just waiting on a call back from the GP.

OP posts:
DrinkingWishingSmokingHoping · 19/10/2021 08:38

It’s most likely to be alcohol and menopause induced anxiety with acid reflux, but you need to have heart attack symptoms excluded, as these can present similarly to what you’re describing in women. Hope you got through to the GP.

Missmissmiiiiiiiiisss · 19/10/2021 08:39

@AddictedToLuv

52
Super super common. It’s hormonal OP. Seek estrogen treatment from your GP.
Dinosaurwoman · 19/10/2021 08:51

I think it’s the alcohol that you’ve been drinking, I’ve have very similar symptoms which occurred every time I had a drink( which was quite a lot during lockdown). And now I’ve had to give up alcohol. It could be the menopause, I’m older than you and on HRT. Unfortunately even a small glass of wine gives me a racing heart now.

Newgirls · 19/10/2021 08:54

I had similar a couple of years ago and had heart tests etc. It was all normal. But when I went on hrt it stopped. Your diet/alcohol/cold will also put your body under strain as you say. Get the tests to rule out serious stuff but def be open to hrt - it really supports the heart.

Turangawaewae · 19/10/2021 08:58

Please get an ecg today to rule out a heart attack. Yes, it's probably fine but the consequences if it isn't are huge.

HollowTalk · 19/10/2021 09:06

That must have been really frightening.I hope your GP has an explanation.

BrilloPaddy · 19/10/2021 09:12

With the pain in your shoulder, I'd go straight to A & E.

TinaYouFatLard · 19/10/2021 09:12

DH had similar symptoms this week and has been diagnosed with blood clots. Go to an urgent care centre or A&E.

tickledtiger · 19/10/2021 09:27

You need to go to A and E or dial 999 please.