You feel your heart beating differently, fluttering, pounding, or skipping, but only at night. It’s concerning because your heartbeat is the very core of your life. Should you be concerned and, more importantly, should you see a doctor?
Chances are good that your nighttime heart palpitations aren’t a major health issue. However, cardiologist César R. Molina, M.D., FACC, in Mountain View, California, encourages you to follow up on this health development when it begins, so he can rule out more serious conditions.
Heart palpitations occur when your heart has a minor loss of rhythm. Medically, these are known as either premature atrial contractions or premature ventricular contractions. Virtually everyone has them occasionally, but not everyone notices.
The sensations that palpitations create feel like skipped heartbeats, double beats, flutters, racing, or heavier-than-normal pounding. They can happen any time of day, including when you’re resting and at night when you go to bed.
Most of the time, palpitations are harmless and not a sign of a medical crisis. Without other symptoms occurring at the same time, there’s usually no need to seek emergency care.
Look to alcohol and caffeine use as possible causes of your palpitations. Alcohol is often consumed in the evening and can change your sleep patterns. It’s more likely you’ll notice palpitations if you’re not sleeping deeply.
Caffeine can boost your heart rate and could be the cause of those extra beats. Since it can take up to eight hours for caffeine to leave your system, coffee, black tea, cola, and energy drinks consumed after noon might impact your nightly routine.
Other potential contributors to palpitations include:
Your condition may have several underlying contributors. Fevers can cause a temporary increase in your heart rate, making milder palpitations more obvious.
Visit Dr. Molina when you first notice palpitations as you’re resting at night. There’s probably no reason for concern, but it’s important to rule out more serious problems with your heart.
You’ll need immediate medical attention if you have heart palpitations in combination with these symptoms:
If you do seek emergency care, make sure you follow up with Dr. Molina for a full diagnosis and treatment plan for the underlying causes of your nighttime palpitations. Request an appointment by calling our office at 650-961-7021 or online through our website today.
