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What Causes Rapid Muscle Spasms, Palpitations In Throat And Upper Chest At Night?
Question: I am waking in the night with very rapid spasms/palpitations in my throat and maybe upper chest. It is NOT my heartbeat. I check this at the same time I am feeling the sensations described above. My heart is beating at a normal, relaxed pace.
This only happens late in the night and lasts less than a minute (approximately).
Other than these palpitations, I feel fine. No pain whatsoever.
I do have some anxiety issues but I less so now than in the past. I don't believe this is relevant but thought I should share this. I treat anxiety and panic attacks (LSCW) and do not believe this is either one of those.
I take meds for HBP and cholesterol but HBP is only slightly high.
I am 53 yr old female. Fairly healthy. Light exercise. Still menstruating.
This only happens late in the night and lasts less than a minute (approximately).
Other than these palpitations, I feel fine. No pain whatsoever.
I do have some anxiety issues but I less so now than in the past. I don't believe this is relevant but thought I should share this. I treat anxiety and panic attacks (LSCW) and do not believe this is either one of those.
I take meds for HBP and cholesterol but HBP is only slightly high.
I am 53 yr old female. Fairly healthy. Light exercise. Still menstruating.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
This could be two things in my mind. First, these are premenopausal hot flashes. I think this is the most likely thing. You are the right age for it and this is a common symptom. Second, these could be panic attacks. Panic often consists of a palpitation sensation and rapidly resolves, though you are right that these are atypical in that they are very short (around a minute). I do not think this is a cardiac issue, certainly not an urgent one, so a routine EKG at your PMD's office would be reasonable but not urgent.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
This could be two things in my mind. First, these are premenopausal hot flashes. I think this is the most likely thing. You are the right age for it and this is a common symptom. Second, these could be panic attacks. Panic often consists of a palpitation sensation and rapidly resolves, though you are right that these are atypical in that they are very short (around a minute). I do not think this is a cardiac issue, certainly not an urgent one, so a routine EKG at your PMD's office would be reasonable but not urgent.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
In my experience, panic attacks always come with a feeling of dread/fearfulness and are truly racing heart sxs. My heart is beating at its normal pace and I do not feel fearful. Does this change your opinion on this?
Also, I do not yet have hot flashes but have times when I feel warmer than I should. During these weird episodes, I don't think I feel particularly warm but I'll be more cognizant of this going forward. Any feedback here?
I'd like to leave this open for my last follow up after the next "episode" if that's alright.
Also, I do not yet have hot flashes but have times when I feel warmer than I should. During these weird episodes, I don't think I feel particularly warm but I'll be more cognizant of this going forward. Any feedback here?
I'd like to leave this open for my last follow up after the next "episode" if that's alright.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You're right that usually this is the case, but panic can sometimes be more subtle than this, more like anxiety and a prominent somatic symptom such as palpitations. I think low-grade panic or very early perimenopausal hot flashes are still both the most likely thing, rather than anything seriously wrong with your heart.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You're right that usually this is the case, but panic can sometimes be more subtle than this, more like anxiety and a prominent somatic symptom such as palpitations. I think low-grade panic or very early perimenopausal hot flashes are still both the most likely thing, rather than anything seriously wrong with your heart.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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