Cause of Heart Palpitations while sleeping?

Question

I have often woken up in the middle of the night with very fast heart palpitations. Especially if I exercised during the day or the day before. It is extremely uncomfortable and I usually have to wait some time before it passes.

It was previously diagnosed as a result of Wolff-Parkinsons-White (WPW). So I had an ablation done in Dec. I've done a threadmill test and the ECGs are all clear. I did have it again after the op and my cardiologist dismissed it as my heart recovering.

I've starting exercising again and last night the palpitations were back !!! Does anyone else have similiar experiences?? Are there any other potential causes?

Answer 1

Your case is really interesting, and I would imagine that ablation of the WPW accessory tract comes with some residual effects such as under-stimulation of the ventricles, which are typically very sensitive to blood/oxygen deficits, and may contract out of rhythm, giving you that feeling of palpitations. It might be a medication you're taking that contributes to it as well. But, if you're concerned about it, I would express it to your cardiologist again, or get a second opinion.