Heart palpitations at night - these causes can be behind it
Created: 07/26/2022, 14:15
By: Juliane Gutmann
Ultrasound examination of the heart: Not just an illness, stress can also trigger heart palpitations at night.
© Soeren Stache/dpa
Sudden heart palpitations when at rest: Those affected panic.
But the heart palpitations at night are often harmless.
The following triggers are possible.
Whether it's a strenuous bike ride or climbing the stairs to the fifth floor: Physical exertion gets your circulation going.
The body needs more oxygen than when it is at rest, which is why the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood into the circulatory system more quickly.
The result is a faster heartbeat.
This can also occur at night.
Nighttime heart palpitations often occur without warning, which is frightening.
But in most cases there is no threatening reason behind it.
The heart usually beats between 60 and 90 times per minute.
Doctors speak of tachycardia when it reaches 140 to over 180 beats per minute, as the Heart Foundation informs.
When heart palpitations occur suddenly and for no apparent reason - such as a jump - doctors speak of tachycardia.
At first glance, those affected think that something is wrong with their heart.
Fear of a heart attack or other serious cardiovascular diseases arises.
But in the vast majority of cases there are other causes behind the nocturnal heart palpitations.
However, if you suffer from tachycardia, which is accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness and damp, sweaty hands, you should urgently consult a doctor or, if in doubt, dial 112 directly.
In this case, it is possible that the tachycardia is related to atrial fibrillation, a heart attack or coronary artery disease.
Hormone changes up to hyperthyroidism: causes of sudden heart palpitations at rest
In most cases, however, nocturnal heart palpitations are favored and triggered by other factors.
These include:
hyperthyroidism
Hormonal changes during menopause
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy
taking medication
drug use or alcohol
Caffeine (e.g. in coffee or energy drinks)
Lack of sleep or sleep disturbances
anxiety disorders
panic attacks
low oxygen levels in the blood
low blood sugar level
stress
Not all causes of palpitations require treatment.
For example, in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW syndrome) and AV nodal reentry tachycardia, so-called benign tachycardia occurs, since the excitation conduction in the heart is disturbed, as the Heart Foundation informs.
Doctors also speak of benign tachycardia in the case of tachycardia caused by hormone changes.
Relaxation against tachycardia: When tachycardia is triggered by stress at night
Regular nocturnal heart palpitations should always be clarified by a doctor.
Only he can clarify the cause behind it and initiate the appropriate therapy.
If all the signs point to a trigger that can be influenced, such as stress or lack of sleep, you can also start it yourself.
Relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or yoga exercises help to reduce stress levels.
Sufficient exercise and fresh air also promote sleep and improve the quality of sleep.
Herbal remedies such as chaste tree preparations have proven effective in compensating for hormone fluctuations.
24vita.de reveals how you can naturally lower your heart rate with exercise.
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Heart racing while lying down?
Low blood pressure can also trigger heart palpitations at night.
When we lie down, the body comes to rest and relaxes.
As a result, blood pressure usually drops.
If we get up too quickly, the heart spontaneously increases its pumping capacity and tries to compensate for the low blood pressure, according to information in the health magazine of the Mühlen-Apotheke chain of pharmacies.
Possible consequence: tachycardia.
This is usually harmless, but can indicate cardiac insufficiency.
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Heart palpitations at night: help in an emergency
When the heart starts racing at night, sleep is out of the question.
The following
According to the Heart Foundation and the internists online, first aid measures can be tried to stop the palpitations:
Breathe deeply and consciously.
While sitting or lying down, use your middle and index finger to lightly massage the spot on your neck where you can feel your pulse.
Pinch your nose to equalize pressure, as you would when diving, then blow air into your nose with your mouth closed.
Hold the pressure for a few seconds.
Quickly drink a cold, fizzy drink and try to burp afterwards.
(The pressure in the chest and abdominal area is temporarily increased, which can stop the tachycardia).
If these measures do not help and the seizure lasts a long time, you should not hesitate and call the emergency number.
A doctor must also be called if there is dizziness and weakness.
