Sudden fast heart rate...HELP!! - Heart Disorders Message Board

Sheilia01 · 10-07-2005, 08:51 AM

It was 1:20 am this morning, I woke up and had to bend over to pull the blankets up. All of a sudden, there was a thud, then my heart raced! It made me panic..like an adrenalin surge I guess. This is like the 5th time this has happened in the last 3-4 years. All resulting from bending over. I had already read about the manuvers to try to get it to go back to normal, so thats what I did, and after 5 minutes, another thud and the panic was instantly gone. The very fast beats were gone too, although for the next few hours it was still beating between 100-120..but no panic. I believe it's PSVT??? Everything I have read it about sounds like what is happening to me. Infrequent sudden racing and sudden stopping of racing heartbeats. I have suffered with PACS and PVCS for about 15 years now. Been to heart Dr's, all tests etc.. and told my heart was fine. They don't scare me at all anymore. But when this sudden racing starts..it is very scarey!!! It feels like the beats are super fast (too fast to count, and too scared to even try to count) and I have like an airy, feeling in my upper chest. If this is happening in the upper heart, would it be called something else..like PSAT??? I have also read where PSVT mimics panic attacks. Many people are treated for panic disorder when they really have this PSVT. Can anyone relate to getting this sudden racing and sudden stopping? Has anyone ever experienced it...where you bending over at the time etc...Thanks to all who can help.

missy101 · 10-07-2005, 08:58 AM

I think you are on the right track. I have had similar experiences (also after bending over) but it did not stop suddenly..went on for over 4 hours.

I recognize your username

I would see a cardio just to get a definate diagnosis. I take a beta blocker daily now and am MUCH better. I went misdiagnosed with panic for over 8 years before getting the SVT/IST diagnosis (still not sure which I have..).

Sheilia01 · 10-07-2005, 09:11 AM

Thanks Cheers..but I have gone to the heart specialist, they said my heart was fine. I have told them what happened and they act like it's nothing. Of course it wouldn't happen while wearing monitors or while at the Dr's. The first time I had it about 3 years ago or so, I drove myself to the ER. As soon as I got out of the car, the thud came, then the racing stopped. It can't be caught on the monitors when it happens so infrequently. Would also like to here from others who have experienced this.

Laura B · 10-07-2005, 10:37 AM

It sounds like PAT ...paroxysmal atrial tachycardia... the symptom is periods of very fast heartbeats which begin and end suddenly.
I get these episodes for many years already. Have been checked out by cardiologist, heart is fine. Also get them sometimes from bending over, especially with a full stomach. My episodes are usually under 2 hours, sometimes just minutes. I am on beta blockers and when an episodes does not stop within 1 hour I take another beta blocker. I can tell the second an episode starts or stops, I get this weird pressure against my neck.

missy101 · 10-07-2005, 10:47 AM

For the two of you who get these sudden fast rates...how fast does it get?