What Causes Fast Heart Beat?

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

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

Mon, 3 Nov 2014 Answered on

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : i am 67 yo 5ft 7 in weight 165lbs i wake up in the middle of the night with my pluse over 100

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Atrial fibillation

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM

I am sorry to hear that you have been waking with a fast heart beat. From my experience this type of heart beat is something that needs to be completely evaluated by a cardiologist. The most common irregular heart beat at your age is atrial fibrillation. This is where the pacemaker of the heart is no longer functioning properly. This is also something that needs medication to control as it can cause other problems including stroke.

I recommend that you make an appointment with your cardiologist or family doctor as soon as possible. If this irregular heart beat occurs again then go directly to the ER or urgent care for immediate assessment of your heart.

Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again for your medical questions and concerns

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj