[30F] With rapid heart rate and other symptoms during sleep

Patient Description

A 30-year-old female reports waking up approximately 2 hours after falling asleep with a heart rate of 180 beats per minute, accompanied by feelings of faintness, disorientation, cold sweats, and a shaky, sore jaw. The episode lasted about 10 minutes, during which she focused on deep breathing, and her heart rate eventually returned to 80 beats per minute. This is the first occurrence of such an episode, with no identifiable triggers, recent stress, or anxiety contributing to the event.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you’ve described—waking up with a heart rate of 180 beats per minute, feeling faint, disoriented, experiencing cold sweats, and having a shaky and sore jaw—there are a few serious conditions that could be at play:

  1. Cardiac Arrhythmia: This is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, too fast, or too slow. A heart rate of 180 beats per minute is significantly higher than normal and could indicate a type of arrhythmia such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Arrhythmias can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

  2. Panic Attack: Although less likely given the severity of your symptoms, a panic attack can cause a rapid heart rate, sweating, and disorientation. However, the combination of symptoms you described, especially the high heart rate and jaw pain, makes this less likely.

  3. Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): This includes conditions like a heart attack or unstable angina. Symptoms can include a rapid heart rate, sweating, disorientation, and jaw pain. This is a medical emergency.

  4. Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can cause a rapid heart rate and other symptoms like sweating and disorientation. However, this is less likely to cause such a sudden and severe episode.

What you can do

Given the severity and nature of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Call 911 or Emergency Services: Given the potential for a serious cardiac event, it is important to get to a hospital as soon as possible. If you are alone, call 911 immediately. If someone is with you, have them drive you to the nearest emergency room.

  2. Do Not Drive Yourself: If you feel faint or disoriented, do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.

  3. Stay Calm and Rest: While waiting for emergency services, try to stay as calm as possible and rest in a comfortable position. Avoid any physical exertion.

  4. Inform Medical Personnel: When you reach the hospital, inform the medical staff about all your symptoms, including the rapid heart rate, disorientation, cold sweats, and jaw pain.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and it is essential to seek care from real health professionals to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your health and safety are the top priority.

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5 mo ago

People Also Ask

What is cardiac arrhythmia and how is it treated?

Cardiac arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, too fast, or too slow. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the arrhythmia and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures like cardioversion or ablation.

Can a panic attack cause symptoms similar to a heart condition?

Yes, a panic attack can cause symptoms like a rapid heart rate, sweating, and disorientation, which can mimic heart conditions. However, panic attacks usually do not cause the extremely high heart rates or jaw pain associated with cardiac issues.

What are the symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and why is it an emergency?

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) includes conditions like heart attacks and unstable angina, characterized by symptoms such as chest pain, rapid heart rate, sweating, and jaw pain. It is an emergency because it can lead to heart damage or death if not treated promptly.

How does hyperthyroidism affect heart rate and what are its other symptoms?

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid condition that can increase heart rate and cause symptoms like sweating, nervousness, and weight loss. It can lead to serious heart problems if untreated, but it typically does not cause sudden severe episodes like the one described.

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