My Heart Flutters in My Chest When I'm Lying Down: Should I See a Doctor?

So much of the work your body does each day goes unnoticed, so it’s easy to take it for granted. Heart health is near the top of that list. When you think about it, you’ve never known what it’s like not to have your heartbeat quietly play in the background of your daily life. 

But when something about your heartbeat changes, you quickly focus your attention on this vital function. Heart flutters, or palpitations, can be incredibly stressful, and bring many people in to see Shahnaz Begum, MD, FACC, and the team at Heart Care in Frisco, Texas.

What does heart fluttering feel like?

Changes in your heartbeat are known as palpitations. They can feel different from one individual to the next, or from one occurrence to the next. Some of the sensations that fall under the category of heart palpitations include:

• Racing heartbeat 
• Heart skipping a beat
• Weak or fast-paced heartbeats
• Abnormally strong heartbeat

Many people also feel faint or dizzy when they experience heart palpitations. If you notice abnormal heartbeats while lying down or preparing for sleep, it might be that you’re having abnormal heart rhythms during the day as well, but are too busy or distracted to notice. 

Many causes of heart fluttering are nothing to be worried about

Everyone will occasionally notice changes in the way their heart beats. Exercise or physical exertion can increase your heart rate. Even something as simple as being startled can cause a temporary change in the pattern and intensity of heartbeats. 

Here are a few other things that might be causing your heart to feel fluttery when you lie down:

• Fatty, salty, or sugary foods
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Nicoteine
• Certain medications
• Menopause or other hormonal shifts
• Fever

If you notice a different pattern in your heartbeat, consider if any of these issues might be to blame. If your heartbeat returns to normal, there’s usually no cause for concern. 

Some heartbeat abnormalities indicate a serious health condition

In other cases, an abnormal or fluttery heartbeat can be a sign of something much more serious. That’s why it’s important to schedule a diagnostic work-up with the team at Heart Care if you notice an ongoing difference in the way your heart beats, or if you have any other worries about your heart health. 

Some of the health issues that can cause a fluttery heartbeat while lying down include:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Anemia
• Metabolic syndrome
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Arrhythmia
• Hypotension
• Coronary artery disease

We can perform a range of tests to determine the source of an abnormal heartbeat. If there is no indication that a heart condition is causing these changes, your primary care provider can provide additional screenings as needed. 

Seek prompt care if these signs accompany a fluttering heartbeat

If you experience abnormal heartbeats in addition to other symptoms, seek prompt medical attention to ensure you are not in danger. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Fainting
• Pain in your jaw, back, or shoulder

You know your body better than anyone. If you feel that something is just not right with your heartbeat, don’t talk yourself out of seeking help. At Heart Care, we’re here to deliver prompt, compassionate diagnostic and treatment services. 

You can call Heart Care in Frisco, Texas, to see if a same-day visit is an option, or visit the online booking page to check appointment availability.