Most people don’t notice their heartbeat. But some people may experience heart palpitations, which are sensations that feel like your heart is pounding or racing. Show It’s possible to experience heart palpitations at any time of day. However, some people may notice them more often or exclusively at night. Here’s what to know about heart palpitations felt at night. Heart palpitations at night involve feeling a strong pulse in your chest, neck, or head after you lie down to sleep. While these may seem unsettling, they’re usually not a sign of anything serious. Heart palpitations when lying down at nightIf you sleep on your side, you may be more susceptible to heart palpitations at night due to the way your body bends and pressure builds up internally. Another factor to consider when experiencing palpitations at night is that they may be happening all day without you noticing. In this case, you might notice them at night due to lower noise levels and reduced distractions while you lie in bed. The symptoms of heart palpitations can be concerning if they’re unexpected or you haven’t experienced them before. These symptoms include:
Short and infrequent palpitations at night are usually not a cause for alarm. Generally speaking, heart palpitations are usually harmless. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience heart palpitations along with any of the following symptoms:
There are several factors that can cause heart palpitations, some of which you may come into contact with every day, including:
Unless you’ve already seen a doctor and determined that you have an underlying heart condition, heart palpitations generally don’t require any treatment. Symptoms tend to go away within a few seconds. Avoiding triggers of palpitations is the most important way you can prevent them. For example, if you’re a heavy smoker or drinker, consider quitting or cutting back your tobacco or alcohol intake. One method of identifying triggers is to keep track of the nights that you experience heart palpitations and ask these questions:
Sharing this information with a doctor can also help them identify any underlying conditions that may require treatment. If you’re experiencing frequent heart palpitations at night, consider scheduling an appointment with a doctor. They can conduct a review of your medical history. They might recommend a physical examination and tests, such as:
If a doctor suspects you have an underlying condition, they may also need to conduct more invasive studies. While heart palpitations at night can be concerning, they’re likely nothing serious. If your symptoms worsen or persist for a long period of time, set up an appointment with a doctor. They can determine if you have a more serious condition or if your condition makes you more susceptible to heart enlargement. Read this article in Spanish. Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:
The heart's rhythm may be normal or abnormal when you have palpitations. Normally the heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. The rate may drop below 60 beats per minute in people who exercise routinely or take medicines that slow the heart. If your heart rate is fast (over 100 beats per minute), this is called tachycardia. A heart rate slower than 60 is called bradycardia. An occasional extra heartbeat out of rhythm is known as extrasystole. Palpitations are not serious most of the time. Sensations representing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) may be more serious. The following conditions make you more likely to have an abnormal heart rhythm:
Heart palpitations can be due to:
However, some palpitations are due to an abnormal heart rhythm, which may be caused by:
Things you can do to limit palpitations include:
Once a serious cause has been ruled out by your provider, try not to pay close attention to heart palpitations. This may cause stress. However, contact your provider if you notice a sudden increase or a change in them. If you have never had heart palpitations before, see your provider. Call 911 or the local emergency number if you have:
Call your provider right away if:
Your provider will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. You may be asked:
An electrocardiogram may be done. If you go to an emergency room, you will be connected to a heart monitor. However, most people with palpitations do not need to go to an emergency room for diagnosis and treatment. If your provider finds you have an abnormal heart rhythm, other tests may be done. This may include:
Heartbeat sensations; Irregular heartbeat; Palpitations; Heart pounding or racing Fang JC, O'Gara PT. History and physical examination: an evidence-based approach. In: Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 10. Miller JM, Tomaselli GF, Zipes DP. Diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias. In: Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli, GF, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 35. Olgin JE. Approach to the patient with suspected arrhythmia. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 56. Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Why is my heart pounding for no reason?Most of the time, they're caused by stress and anxiety, or because you've had too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol. They can also happen when you're pregnant. In rare cases, palpitations can be a sign of a more serious heart condition. If you have heart palpitations, see your doctor.
How can I calm my pounding heart?How can I manage heart palpitations and anxiety?. Coping with stress.. Diaphragmatic breathing.. Exercising regularly.. Getting enough sleep.. Meditation.. Pursed-lip breathing.. Tai chi, yoga or other mindful movement.. Why does my heart feel like its thudding?Causes of heart palpitations
lack of sleep. stress and anxiety. medicines (check the leaflet that comes with the medicine) alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and recreational drugs.
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