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Yesterday afternoon, I took a nap. My brother woke me up out of my sleep, and from the moment I got up my heart started to race so fat I couldn't keep up with the beats. The last time this happend was when I inhaled my abuterol for my asthma, I had one of the worst side affects- a racing heart beat. The difference between last night's incident and the abuterol side affect is that I have not taken abuterol since the side affect. In yet, last night, out of no where, my heart starts racing so fast I thouht I was going to do of cardiac arrest. But within 5-6 minutes my heart gradually went back to normal. What could it be? What should I do? I'm really scared it will happen again, and maybe it will be worst, or even fatal the next time.

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replied December 21st, 2009
Heart Disease and Heart Attack Answer A8644

You would like to know the cause of the racing heart beat that you experienced.

Tachycardia is increased frequency of the heart beat and may appear in cardiogenic shock, bleeding out, as disrhytmia, pheochromocytoma, etc. Tachycardia may often occur as a reaction of the body to stress, when the individual feels nervous. The body is relaxed when sleeping, but when it is suddenly awakened the body recognizes it as stress and reacts with increased heart rate. This is a normal reaction and there is no need to panic and do more exams.

Given the data that you described, it is not likely that there is any serious cause of the increased heart rate that you experienced. If the increased heart rate appears when you are awake and when not exerted, you may consider seeing a cardiologist for further advice.

Please keep in mind that I provide medical information only. I am not able to diagnose medical conditions online. Please contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider such as a cardiologist for further advice and information about diagnosis and treatment options.

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