HomeAnswersCardiologymitral regurgitationWhat are the causes of fast heartbeats?

My heart is beating fast. Is it due to anxiety or any underlying problem?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At April 30, 2016
Reviewed AtJune 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 26 years old. I have noticed that sometimes I wake up with my heart beating too fast and can feel my heart. This first happened when I woke up and took a look at my little child and thought my child was not breathing. That time my heart rate increased strongly. After this, sometimes when I take a nap in the afternoon I woke up with heart rate increasing and little pain in chest that lasts for a few seconds. My heart goes back to normal within a few seconds. It does not happen at night. I am a stressful person and always worried. I am overweight too. Also, I have trivial MR that was diagnosed last year. But, I was not advised to have any treatment. My oxygen level is always above 96. What do you think about this? Is it just due to anxiety or a heart problem?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please follow exercise and diet to reduce weight. Trivial MR - mitral regurgitation can progress and cause atrial fibrillation (irregular fast heart beat). So, for now check your thyroid functions (T3, T4 and TSH - thyroid-stimulating hormone), ECG (electrocardiogram), echo (to see MR status) and Holter monitor (a 24-hour ECG). Take a tablet Lonazepam-MD 0.5 mg (Clonazepam) under tongue while you have this episode, because it can be due to panic or anxiety. Check plasma glucose for diabetes and check lipids also.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had an EKG and x-ray for my chest today and everything was normal. Blood pressure and pulse were also normal too. Do you think it is just due to anxiety? Or do I need the 24-hours monitor?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Mostly, it can be due to anxiety. If it is atrial fibrillation then your doctor will prescribe some blood thinner. If you get these episodes again then Holter monitoring is required and during that 24-hour please carry on with regular activities like walking and do not just relax during that day to get correct reading. Thyroid, hemoglobin and lipid (fasting) levels are also good to be done.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Prashant Valecha
Dr. Prashant Valecha

Cardiology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Cardiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy