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

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.