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Causes of Heart Palpitations at Night

Causes of Heart Palpitations at Night
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Have you ever experienced heart palpitations at night? Palpitations are the sensation of your heart beating or noticing an irregular heartbeat.

In some cases, this may be a symptom of stress and anxiety, but it’s important to understand when medical attention may be necessary.

Common Causes of Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations can be attributed to various factors, including:

  • Caffeine
  • Decongestant medications such as pseudoephedrine
  • Exercise
  • Stimulant drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine
  • Stress, anxiety or panic

Identifying Potential Concerns

While some abnormal heartbeat or rhythm may be linked to relatively harmless causes, it’s essential to be aware of more severe reasons. These include arrhythmias or disorders that cause an irregular heartbeat. Certain medications, underlying heart disease, high blood pressure, heart valve problems and an overactive thyroid can also lead to an irregular heart rhythm.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is when an abnormal firing of electrical impulses causes the top chambers of the heart to quiver, according to the American Heart Association. Atrial fibrillation causes a rapid or irregular heart rate. This condition can potentially increase the risk of stroke due to the formation of blood clots.

If you notice recurring irregular heartbeats or a racing heart, talk with your provider or consult a heart and vascular physician for a complete evaluation and cardiac testing.

Noticing Heart Palpitations at Night?

Some people may notice heart palpitations more at night, and this typically isn’t a cause for concern. You may notice them more at night because other noises or tasks are not distracting you.

Consuming alcohol or caffeine or taking certain medications can attribute to your noticing your heartbeat after lying down. Similarly, other conditions, such as anxiety, low blood pressure, stress or fever, can cause heart palpitations. Using nicotine can also lead to heart palpitations.

Take Care of Your Mind

If you have never experienced heart palpitations or only notice them more at night, the sound of your heartbeat may be alarming. It may feel like your heart is beating rapidly or more loudly.

Manage stress and anxiety when you experience those feelings at night.

  • Get up and drink a glass of water.
  • Take a few deep breaths, breathing all the way into your belly and then exhaling fully.
  • Eliminate screens before bedtime.

Seek Medical Attention for Recurring Symptoms

If you experience frequent or recurring heart palpitations, talk with your primary care provider or cardiologist. Through a comprehensive assessment of your health history and cardiovascular screenings, they can help rule out or diagnose certain heart conditions.

Find a Union Health physician to address your heart rhythm problems, or schedule an appointment for a $49 heart scan.



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