Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Heart Arrhythmia And Tightness In The Neck?
Posted on
Sat, 14 May 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 14 May 2016
Answered on
Thu, 23 Jun 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Two nights in a row, I've awakened after only a few hrs sleep with pounding rattling sensation in my left side just below the breast. It felt like the heart had forgotten how to beat in rhythm and was trying different beats. I also felt a slight tightness going up the sides of my neck and a rawness in my deep throat along with slight cool perspiration on my face. It seemed like I tossed and turned a couple hours trying to dismiss all of this and get comfortable. Upon waking in the morning, I felt a bit weak and weird. Took my blood pressure which was 117/66. Drank glass of water with my a.m. meds. I remember about 20 years ago, I had similar happen at work (elementary teacher), but other than that, is a new experience for me. I am 71, take lisinopril in morning, metoprolol and simvastatin in evening. 1/2 of smallest alprazolam at bedtime with lexapro and melatonin. Weight 220, height 5'7". Sedentary lately.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for askign on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different causes that may lead to this symptomatology:
- possible cardiac arrhythmia
- possible gastro-esophageal reflux
- a sleep disorder, including sleep apnea or a nightmare coupled with anxiety
- an electrolyte imbalance which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia
So I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart
- a chest X ray study
- blood gas analysis
- further lab blood tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, blood electrolytes, kidney and liver function tests, fasting glucose).
If the problem repeats, an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring would be helpful to exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia.
If suspicions of possible gastro-esophageal reflux are raised, a fibrogastro-scopy would also help.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for askign on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different causes that may lead to this symptomatology:
- possible cardiac arrhythmia
- possible gastro-esophageal reflux
- a sleep disorder, including sleep apnea or a nightmare coupled with anxiety
- an electrolyte imbalance which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia
So I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart
- a chest X ray study
- blood gas analysis
- further lab blood tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, blood electrolytes, kidney and liver function tests, fasting glucose).
If the problem repeats, an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring would be helpful to exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia.
If suspicions of possible gastro-esophageal reflux are raised, a fibrogastro-scopy would also help.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
