Anonymous asked 9 years ago
Hello This Fahad.
I have this problem that i mostly feel at night. My heart rate increases suddenly when i close my eyes and try to sleep, rapid heart rate is followed by a pause, my pulse stops for one or two seconds and then heart starts beating again and when i close my eyes the cycle repeats. What to do, i am very worried, i feel like i am going to die. Is there something wrong?
Dr. Adil Ramzan Staff answered 9 years ago
Thank you Fahad for asking the question.
This is Dr. Adil Ramzan.
In medical term, this condition is called ventricular extrasystole. Hearts beats rapidly, due to rapid beating, heart keeps on contracting again and again before adequate ventricular filling. This results in decreased cardiac output and feeling of dooming. when cardiac output decreases, our brain send a message to heart to slow down or take a pause for 1 or 2 seconds, so heart pauses, pause allows the heart chambers to fill adequately prior to contraction, so after a pause of few seconds, heart starts beating again and due to anxiety or other contributing factors the cycle keeps on repeating itself. Most of the time this condition is labelled as benign or harmless. This condition is more common in late 20s or in 30s, this is a time when people are worried about their jobs, careers or have martial or social issues to face. Anxiety is a big contributing and aggravating factor.
In order to deal with it, first try to divert your attention, have a walk, drink a glass of water, do some light exercise, trun on your TV, watch a movie or something you like. It usually helps.
If you notice chest pain, sweating, continuous dizziness or cycle don’t stop repeating itself after adopting the above measures then visit emergency for further evaluation.
Best Regards.