Laying down....sleeping!!!

Ok...I've been wired for 9 months, and over the last 3 months, I've started having LOTS of trouble going to sleep and sleeping. I have almost a heavy feeling on my chest. I wake up at least 5 nights a week feeling like I'm catching my breath. I was doing an inhaler, because I thought it was asthma acting up. Even when I just lay down, I can feel my heart beating VERY hard and tends to make me even kinda nervous feeling? I have the most trouble when I'm on my back and on my right side. Left is some better. I went to Dr. for asthma, but he isnt sure thats the problem. He said most dont wake up in the middle of an asthma attack? Some coughing fits during the day, but most after I lay down. HELP.... I work at a school and now with that back in session... I'm exhausted and starting to bark at my family! Just sick of feeling my HEART so much.... glad its beating, but wish I didnt notice the pounding! Thanks???? By the way... was walking 5 x per week, but now only about 1. Just too tired!

3 Comments

BP?

by Duke60 - 2010-08-28 01:08:08

Some inhalers for asthma can cause a high spike in BP and cause what you are going through.
Also could be a panic attack.
Discuss this with your MD if they can find no other cause.

Thanks...

by AndiC - 2010-08-28 06:08:41

Yes, I have a pacer/Defib. I am a life long Heart patient...born w/ tetralogy of fallot. Heart surgery at 4.

Anyway... I only use the inhaler AFTER I've had trouble breathing. It DOES increase my hr and then I will be awake and up for at least an hour waiting for my heart to settle back down.

I was under the impression that the pacer would only kick in if HR was low... but now I think that might be what I feel when I lay down??? Wish I knew how to explain it better. I know my heart is enlarged on the right side, so maybe w/ that and now this box sitting on that side, that lung just has to work harder???? Who knows. I did mention it to the cardiac nurse about a month ago and she said it might be acid reflux??? Guess I'll make another call Monday.

Thanks so much!!!

Keep a detailed log of symptoms

by heartu - 2010-08-28 09:08:56

It is best to keep a record of what you have been feeling and when. If possible trying taking your pulse when you feel like this and write everything down.

I ended up in the ER on Wednesday because I noticed my HR increasing when it should not have. My EP reset my pm to check the atrial beats so when it happened again they saw the next day that the atrium shot out 160 bpm. Though the beats are regular it was enough to convince them that something is going on and I will be wearing an event monitor for 28 days and will have a nuclear stress test next week.

Remember write down when it happens, what you were doing when it happened, what you ate just before, take your pulse and bp when you can. And let us know what you find out. Hugs to you!

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