Fast Heart Rate

[Carrotsticks]

I'm recovering from Covid. Over the past week I wake every night with a really fast heart rate. Last night it went up to 173bpm. It lasts for about 20 mins before gradually reducing. The Dr gave me Bisoprolol a few weeks back as my blood pressure was a bit erratic. I've not taken it to be honest as it returned to normal but have started taking one when my heart rate increases how it does.I'll try and get a Dr's appointment but does anyone have any ideas about why the fast heart rate happens?

[Cookieisland]

Hello,

Although I can’t say whether it’s the same thing, but I got this after catching COVID a year and a half ago. I still get this and still no answer as to why. I would recommend going back to your GP if it continues. A few doctors have tried to say it is anxiety, but I know the difference as I’m not usually anxious when it happens, I just feel my heart beating very fast for no real reason. I have seen a cardiologist and I take propranolol when required but I am awaiting further advice on it as I’m struggling to control the episodes and they are happening more frequently. Today I had 130-150bpm while cooking breakfast and it wouldn’t slow down until I lay down.

It’s not much fun when you don’t understand why your body is doing something strange! It is apparently quite a common thing after catching covid though.

[Identiy in reply to Cookieisland]

Perhaps ask you GP to check for myocarditis which is a known complication of covid.

Simple blood test - troponin T

[Carrotsticks in reply to Cookieisland]

Thanks Cookieisland.I'm sorry you are experiencing it too. It's such a horrible feeling and the not knowing too.

I'm hoping to speak to a GP soon but not hopeful re the outcome.

[Callie456]

I am still suffering from numerous symptoms since catching covid three months ago and after cardiology tests and ruling out a specific cardiac cause, have been diagnosed with long covid. Some of the symptoms I get are extreme fatigue after even minor exertion and a fast heart rate that can happen anytime. Also drops in BP, which can be POTS in some people.

I've been told long covid affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls HR, BP, digestion and other things. The fast HR is a dysregulation of the system, where incorrect or oversensitive signals are sent, thus causing an increased HR when it's not required.

I'm already on metoprolol, cardiologist said I could try increasing it, but my resting HR is very low, so I couldn't increase it much and it didn't really help. I've been told it's very important to rest and not overdo it, not to push through if I'm tired and to avoid exacerbating symptoms and that it just takes time to recover. Noone knows the timeframe though.

[Carrotsticks in reply to Callie456]

Hello Callie

Thank you for your reply. The information you have provided is really really helpful so thank you again.

Carrot

[Travellingman76]

Good Morning, I have been diagnosed with a rare condition called cardiac sarcoidosis. Medical staff have suggested that this could have been caused by Covid or the injections we received. I would ask your consultant about this. I ended up been referred to another cardiac specialist since my cardiac consultant wasn’t experienced in sarcoidosis.

[Carrotsticks in reply to Travellingman76]

Thanks for your reply Travellingman. I'll be very surprised if I even get a Cardiologist referral to be honest but if I do I will mention your diagnosis. I'm sorry you are having to experience this. I do hope it's not a long term thing.Carrot