My husband had an episode last night where his heart was racing and he felt light headed. This was getting into bed, not after any strenuous exercise or unusual movement. His heart felt like it was beating too hard and too fast for quite a while, maybe 20 minutes, what could cause this, and what other symptoms would indicate danger, if not this? he is 46 years old.
Hello, This can be a cardiac arrhythmia like PSV or atrial fibrillation, in which heart rate suddenly goes up and also suddenly decreases. Blood pressure falls during these episodes and one has dizziness, fainting, blackouts, sometimes syncope. Usually ECG is normal as it is usually done in between the episodes. ECG done during episodes will show abnormality. You will need 24 hour holder monitoring. So visit nearby cardiologist for this investigation. Also, hemoglobin and thyroid test should be done. Ln order to abort such episodes you should try to cough hard. Is there any stress or anxiety associated, if yes this can be stress related as well. Till the time your evaluation is complete, you can ask your local doctor for tab collar LA 20 mg once a day. If none of the above is successful then last option is of electrophysiologist studies which is invasive test which can diagnose and treat the arrhythmia permanently in most of the cases.