Suggest Treatment For Rapid Heartbeats Even While In Bed When BP Is Low

Posted on Sat, 18 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 18 Aug 2018 Answered on

Mon, 4 Apr 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : Male age 72, bee3n having episodes of rapid heartbeat even while in bed. Just had one and checked blood pressure during episode. Was 88/59 with pulse of 170. Episodes last 60-90 seconds

Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely an episode of atrial fibrillation

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

This is likely to be cardiac arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation, in which heart rate suddenly goes up and also suddenly decreases. Blood pressure falls during these episodes and one has dizziness, fainting, blackouts, sometimes syncope. Usually, not life-threatening, but should be evaluated without any further delay.

Usually, ECG is normal as it is usually done in between the episodes, and ECG done during the episodes will show abnormality.

Anyway, baseline ECG should be done at the earliest. You will need 24 hour Holter monitoring if ECG is not showing it. So visit a nearby Cardiologist/Urgent care for these investigations. Also, you'll need an echo and if echo is normal then a stress test.

Thyroid test should be done. ln order to abort such episodes you should try to cough hard.

Till the time your evaluation is complete, you can ask your local doctor for medications like tab Metoprolol XR.

Hope this helps. Please get back if you have any doubts.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee