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Suggest Treatment For Extrasystoles And Electric Shock Sensation While Sleeping
Question: Hi
I am concerned that my heart literally stops or misses a beat at night when I am sleeping.
This happened once last year, then 3 times in the last 4 months. This weekend it has happened two nights running. I am fast asleep then suddenly wake sit straight upright and gasping for air, it only effects me for a few seconds then I fall back asleep. There is no actual chest pain, fever, or sickness, or dizziness. It is just the facts described.
Two nights ago however my heart felt like it was fluttering a bit before I went to bed.
One week ago a very strange thing happened, where it felt like an electric shock went through me from head to toe and back to head again, all in about 3 seconds, as I lay on my bed relaxing. No electric plugs around me, but felt like an electric shock. I didn't feel like it came from heart, and again no other symptoms, however i wonder if it could be related ?
I spoke to my MD about the shock and they said it sounded strange but not to be alarmed, if only 2 to 3 seconds, and didn't sound cardio related.
I am otherwise healthy. I don't smoke. Don't drink hardly any caffeine, I take regular exercise, and am only 39 years old. I am a healthy weight.
The only other thing is that my mother died 5 weeks ago, so have been under a lot of strain with that, however that would not explain the first instance of nearly a year ago.
I am concerned that my heart literally stops or misses a beat at night when I am sleeping.
This happened once last year, then 3 times in the last 4 months. This weekend it has happened two nights running. I am fast asleep then suddenly wake sit straight upright and gasping for air, it only effects me for a few seconds then I fall back asleep. There is no actual chest pain, fever, or sickness, or dizziness. It is just the facts described.
Two nights ago however my heart felt like it was fluttering a bit before I went to bed.
One week ago a very strange thing happened, where it felt like an electric shock went through me from head to toe and back to head again, all in about 3 seconds, as I lay on my bed relaxing. No electric plugs around me, but felt like an electric shock. I didn't feel like it came from heart, and again no other symptoms, however i wonder if it could be related ?
I spoke to my MD about the shock and they said it sounded strange but not to be alarmed, if only 2 to 3 seconds, and didn't sound cardio related.
I am otherwise healthy. I don't smoke. Don't drink hardly any caffeine, I take regular exercise, and am only 39 years old. I am a healthy weight.
The only other thing is that my mother died 5 weeks ago, so have been under a lot of strain with that, however that would not explain the first instance of nearly a year ago.
Brief Answer:
Normal
Detailed Answer:
Hello, sir, and welcome to HealthCare Magic! I am Dr. Meriton. I understand your concern.
These phenomena, called extrasystoles (premature ventricular contractions or PVCs) happen to every human being that is subject to physiological strains like physical activity, psychological stress and hormonal changes during a day. The feeling you perceive are produced by a more forceful heartbeat that comes right after the extrasystole - palpitation (sudden shortness of breath and a sensation like your heart jumps out of your throat). Everybody experiences extrasystoles, but only few people find these worrisome, and it is understandable if they are often. As for waking up from such events, you must understand that during sleep there is a phase where a flush of adrenalin in the system happens. This is the rapid eye movement (REM) phase, and the phase when dreams and nightmares happen. It is charachterized by the adrenalin symptomatology: high heart rate, high blood pressure and, not uncommon, extrasystoles. Some cardiologists prefer to call it "the nightmare heart rate". My condolences for your loss. Adding that you are also grieving over the loss of a very importan family member, I would suggest you that these are not worrisome events and, more importantly, they are benign and harmless. However, if this state generates a lot of anxiety to you, I would recommend a 24-hour Holter rhythm monitor registration, to see that how often do extrasystoles happen throughout one day. At least, to prove with a medical exam, that there is nothing to worry about. As about the electric shock sensation that you experienced, I heard a lot of similar scrnarios in my experience, and all are found once or twice in a lifetime and in patients with combined physical tiredness and psychological stress. As to what is this phenomenon attributed to, it is hard to describe and the mechanism is largely unknown. My opinion is that there is nothing to worry about. I would suggest you to see this situation as a normal response to various stressful situations you are going through.
I hope I was helpful and thorough with my answer. Should you have further questions, I would be happy to help. Wish you a good health.
My best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Normal
Detailed Answer:
Hello, sir, and welcome to HealthCare Magic! I am Dr. Meriton. I understand your concern.
These phenomena, called extrasystoles (premature ventricular contractions or PVCs) happen to every human being that is subject to physiological strains like physical activity, psychological stress and hormonal changes during a day. The feeling you perceive are produced by a more forceful heartbeat that comes right after the extrasystole - palpitation (sudden shortness of breath and a sensation like your heart jumps out of your throat). Everybody experiences extrasystoles, but only few people find these worrisome, and it is understandable if they are often. As for waking up from such events, you must understand that during sleep there is a phase where a flush of adrenalin in the system happens. This is the rapid eye movement (REM) phase, and the phase when dreams and nightmares happen. It is charachterized by the adrenalin symptomatology: high heart rate, high blood pressure and, not uncommon, extrasystoles. Some cardiologists prefer to call it "the nightmare heart rate". My condolences for your loss. Adding that you are also grieving over the loss of a very importan family member, I would suggest you that these are not worrisome events and, more importantly, they are benign and harmless. However, if this state generates a lot of anxiety to you, I would recommend a 24-hour Holter rhythm monitor registration, to see that how often do extrasystoles happen throughout one day. At least, to prove with a medical exam, that there is nothing to worry about. As about the electric shock sensation that you experienced, I heard a lot of similar scrnarios in my experience, and all are found once or twice in a lifetime and in patients with combined physical tiredness and psychological stress. As to what is this phenomenon attributed to, it is hard to describe and the mechanism is largely unknown. My opinion is that there is nothing to worry about. I would suggest you to see this situation as a normal response to various stressful situations you are going through.
I hope I was helpful and thorough with my answer. Should you have further questions, I would be happy to help. Wish you a good health.
My best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you for your reply Dr Meriton
It is very reassuring to hear. I was worrying if this kept happening, one time my heart my not restart, if it kept missing a beat so often at night. So this is not possible ? It couldn't stop and then not restart ?
My other concern was that I have suffered from high uric acid levels for the last 6 or 7 years. (currently 8.6) I understand it is possible over a longer period for the uric crystals to actually crystalise in the heart, like they do in my toes some times. I wondered if that could have been causing any problems linked to the missing beats ?
(Note - I am already working on diet changes to lower the uric acid levels)
Kind Regards XXXXXXX
It is very reassuring to hear. I was worrying if this kept happening, one time my heart my not restart, if it kept missing a beat so often at night. So this is not possible ? It couldn't stop and then not restart ?
My other concern was that I have suffered from high uric acid levels for the last 6 or 7 years. (currently 8.6) I understand it is possible over a longer period for the uric crystals to actually crystalise in the heart, like they do in my toes some times. I wondered if that could have been causing any problems linked to the missing beats ?
(Note - I am already working on diet changes to lower the uric acid levels)
Kind Regards XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
hello again
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, Mr. XXXX!
Cardiac electrical and conduction system is probably one of the most highly regulated systems in the whole organism. An extrasystole cannot stop the heart, as the most powerful, natural pacemaker - the sinus node - "takes over the situation" immediately. This happens always, in a healthy, undamaged heart, such as yours. So, my opinion is no worries on that side.
As about the uric acid levels, other organs are concerned directly from these levels, such as kidneys and joints. Aside the fact that you have started dietetic changes and there are also highly effective medications to fight these levels, it would take a constant and very long-standing high uric acid to only be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, not even a direct culprit of these problems. I would recommend that everything should be done to lower these levels, but not having primarily in mind the heart as a target of high uric acid, per se.
I hope this helps. If you do not have futher clarifications, I kindly ask to close the discussion and rate the answer. If you have further questions, I am happy to help.
Wish you a good health and a long an healthy life. My best regards,
Dr. Meriton
hello again
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, Mr. XXXX!
Cardiac electrical and conduction system is probably one of the most highly regulated systems in the whole organism. An extrasystole cannot stop the heart, as the most powerful, natural pacemaker - the sinus node - "takes over the situation" immediately. This happens always, in a healthy, undamaged heart, such as yours. So, my opinion is no worries on that side.
As about the uric acid levels, other organs are concerned directly from these levels, such as kidneys and joints. Aside the fact that you have started dietetic changes and there are also highly effective medications to fight these levels, it would take a constant and very long-standing high uric acid to only be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, not even a direct culprit of these problems. I would recommend that everything should be done to lower these levels, but not having primarily in mind the heart as a target of high uric acid, per se.
I hope this helps. If you do not have futher clarifications, I kindly ask to close the discussion and rate the answer. If you have further questions, I am happy to help.
Wish you a good health and a long an healthy life. My best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Hello again Dr Meriton
Last night for the 3rd night in a row I woke up again due to the missing heart beat.
This time it happened 4 or 5 times during the night, however whilst still waking me up each time, they were not as violent surges as the previous 2 nights.
I did notice a little fluttering of the heart just before going to bed.
Should I have an ECG ? If there is only an issue at rest at night, would an ECG actually show up anything during the day ?
Can you tell me more about the monitor you mentioned that you can wear during sleep ?
Is there any danger that a chamber of the heart may not be functioning correctly ?
Thank you XXXXXXX
Last night for the 3rd night in a row I woke up again due to the missing heart beat.
This time it happened 4 or 5 times during the night, however whilst still waking me up each time, they were not as violent surges as the previous 2 nights.
I did notice a little fluttering of the heart just before going to bed.
Should I have an ECG ? If there is only an issue at rest at night, would an ECG actually show up anything during the day ?
Can you tell me more about the monitor you mentioned that you can wear during sleep ?
Is there any danger that a chamber of the heart may not be functioning correctly ?
Thank you XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Holter monitor; episode monitor.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, Mr. XXXX!
I understand that this is a concerning phenomenon to you. EKG will reveal only the elctrical state of the heart, at the moment that it is registered. In fact, 24-hour Holter monitor is practically an EKG registration, spun in 24 hours, and it registers all the electrical activity that happens throughout a day. There is an alternative to this and it is called episode rhythm monitor. It is basically the same as Holter, but it does not register all the time. It has a manual switch to turn it on and off by the patient, when the symptom is sensed by him.
I would encourage you to keep in mind my explanation in the first answer, that these are random, but rare, phenomena, that could happen to anybody, including me.
I hope this helps. If you do not have further clarifications, I kindly ask you to close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you a good health.
My best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Holter monitor; episode monitor.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, Mr. XXXX!
I understand that this is a concerning phenomenon to you. EKG will reveal only the elctrical state of the heart, at the moment that it is registered. In fact, 24-hour Holter monitor is practically an EKG registration, spun in 24 hours, and it registers all the electrical activity that happens throughout a day. There is an alternative to this and it is called episode rhythm monitor. It is basically the same as Holter, but it does not register all the time. It has a manual switch to turn it on and off by the patient, when the symptom is sensed by him.
I would encourage you to keep in mind my explanation in the first answer, that these are random, but rare, phenomena, that could happen to anybody, including me.
I hope this helps. If you do not have further clarifications, I kindly ask you to close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you a good health.
My best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Hello Dr Meriton
For my final part of the question,
Yesterday evening, and throughout the night I had a sharp pain that kept striking where the back of my head, base of skull, meets top of neck.
I sustained an injury 3 years ago where I was knocked over by my dog and ended up flat on my back, hitting that area on the ground as I landed.
No head scan was done at the time of injury, as the MD decided my basic functions seemed normal, and said mild concussion.
Throughout the last 3 years if I get run down over tired, or a head cold, I can really feel it in the nerves at the back of the head, right over the head to the top of the nose.
In all 3 years I have never had this striking pain that occurred as of yesterday evening and still this morning, however I wonder if linked.
For the cardio question -
Is it technically possible that this nerve pain is linked to the large electric shock like feeling I had 2 weeks ago ? If so, could such a strong wave of nerve pressure down the centre of the body cause an electric feel that when shooting right through the body, could in fact disrupt the heart rythem resulting in the extra stystolis ?
So the heart stopping feeling I felt, even though a few days later , was in fact a RESULT of the high electric nerve sensation, rather than a SYMPTOM of anything?
If this is not nerve related, is it possible this pain in the back of the neck yesterday and today, could be in anyway linked to the heart ?
My father had strokes when he was my age ?
Or any sort of a blood clot ?
If you feel these latest symptoms are in no way linked to the cardio system , please could you advise who would be the specialist in "nerves" around the head and neck ?
Thank you for your replies.
Much appreciated.
XXXXXXX
For my final part of the question,
Yesterday evening, and throughout the night I had a sharp pain that kept striking where the back of my head, base of skull, meets top of neck.
I sustained an injury 3 years ago where I was knocked over by my dog and ended up flat on my back, hitting that area on the ground as I landed.
No head scan was done at the time of injury, as the MD decided my basic functions seemed normal, and said mild concussion.
Throughout the last 3 years if I get run down over tired, or a head cold, I can really feel it in the nerves at the back of the head, right over the head to the top of the nose.
In all 3 years I have never had this striking pain that occurred as of yesterday evening and still this morning, however I wonder if linked.
For the cardio question -
Is it technically possible that this nerve pain is linked to the large electric shock like feeling I had 2 weeks ago ? If so, could such a strong wave of nerve pressure down the centre of the body cause an electric feel that when shooting right through the body, could in fact disrupt the heart rythem resulting in the extra stystolis ?
So the heart stopping feeling I felt, even though a few days later , was in fact a RESULT of the high electric nerve sensation, rather than a SYMPTOM of anything?
If this is not nerve related, is it possible this pain in the back of the neck yesterday and today, could be in anyway linked to the heart ?
My father had strokes when he was my age ?
Or any sort of a blood clot ?
If you feel these latest symptoms are in no way linked to the cardio system , please could you advise who would be the specialist in "nerves" around the head and neck ?
Thank you for your replies.
Much appreciated.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Hello again!
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Mr. XXXX!
I would take a step to assure you that if that was a big damage to a complicated tissue such as the brain or bone marrow, it would take much much less than 3 years for the symptoms to occur.
However, this can reflect, at best, some damage to the soft or bone tissue at that time. Just to be in the "safe area", I would also recommend a plain X-ray of the neck region which, if present, would depict a nerve compression.
Let this aside, my opinion is that this has nothing to do with the heart electrical nor conduction system. As for the risk of stroke, as you are a descendant of a stroke patient, this is just one risk factor that you would also have a stroke in the future. In my experience, there are a lot of patients and, even, friends, that are completely healthy, although this is only one risk factor.
I really understand your concern, but the symptoms do not add up to anything serious. I would recommend you to rely on my reassuring answers and, if you insist and this is worrisome to you, to pursue the two or three tests I recommended to eliminate your worries.
The specialist about nerves would be a neurologist,whom I encourage you to visit, if this is becoming more and more stressful to you and in any way affects your quality of life.
I hope this helps. Wish you a long and healthy life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Meriton
Hello again!
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Mr. XXXX!
I would take a step to assure you that if that was a big damage to a complicated tissue such as the brain or bone marrow, it would take much much less than 3 years for the symptoms to occur.
However, this can reflect, at best, some damage to the soft or bone tissue at that time. Just to be in the "safe area", I would also recommend a plain X-ray of the neck region which, if present, would depict a nerve compression.
Let this aside, my opinion is that this has nothing to do with the heart electrical nor conduction system. As for the risk of stroke, as you are a descendant of a stroke patient, this is just one risk factor that you would also have a stroke in the future. In my experience, there are a lot of patients and, even, friends, that are completely healthy, although this is only one risk factor.
I really understand your concern, but the symptoms do not add up to anything serious. I would recommend you to rely on my reassuring answers and, if you insist and this is worrisome to you, to pursue the two or three tests I recommended to eliminate your worries.
The specialist about nerves would be a neurologist,whom I encourage you to visit, if this is becoming more and more stressful to you and in any way affects your quality of life.
I hope this helps. Wish you a long and healthy life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Meriton
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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