Dizziness and Heart Palpitations When Lying Down

Q: Dizziness and Heart Palpitations When Lying Down

Hello： Your condition is likely due to an inner ear issue causing dizziness. <br>It is advisable to seek assistance from an otolaryngologist. <br>Adequate rest may also help improve your symptoms.

Lying flat feels like the world is spinning?

In recent days, I have experienced sudden episodes of dizziness while lying flat at night, feeling as if the bed is shaking and my vision is also swaying.
I can also hear my heart beating rapidly for a moment, but then it returns to normal.
Occasionally, I feel a sensation of fullness in my head while doing tasks, but it is not painful enough to prevent me from working (I generally don't notice it unless I pay special attention).
I have researched online and found that it could be related to ear crystals.
I would like to know if this is indeed due to ear crystals or if there could be other conditions involved.
If these symptoms persist, should I seek medical attention, and can I first visit a general otolaryngologist? Thank you, doctor.

Miss Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/20

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology

Hello: Your condition is likely due to an inner ear issue causing dizziness.
It is advisable to seek assistance from an otolaryngologist.
Adequate rest may also help improve your symptoms.

Reply Date: 2020/11/20

More Info

Dizziness and heart palpitations, especially when lying down, can be concerning symptoms that warrant further investigation. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing episodes of vertigo (the sensation of spinning or dizziness) along with an increased heart rate. These symptoms can be attributed to various causes, and it’s essential to consider both cardiovascular and vestibular (inner ear) factors.

Firstly, the sensation of dizziness when lying down could indeed be related to issues with the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into one of the semicircular canals, leading to episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position. This condition is common and can often be treated with specific maneuvers performed by a healthcare professional.

However, your experience of heart palpitations alongside dizziness raises the possibility of a cardiovascular component. Palpitations can occur for various reasons, including anxiety, stress, dehydration, or underlying heart conditions. Given your history of mitral valve prolapse, it is important to consider that this condition can sometimes lead to palpitations and may be exacerbated by changes in body position. In some cases, the heart may respond to changes in posture with an increased heart rate, especially if there is any associated anxiety or discomfort.

It’s also worth noting that dizziness can be a symptom of orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when standing up or lying down. This can lead to feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness and may be accompanied by palpitations as your body compensates for the change in blood flow.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Starting with an evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can help rule out vestibular causes of your dizziness. They may perform tests to assess your balance and inner ear function. Additionally, it would be prudent to follow up with a cardiologist to evaluate your heart health, especially considering your history of mitral valve prolapse and any potential arrhythmias.

In the meantime, keep track of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (such as stress, hydration, or physical activity). This information can be invaluable for your healthcare providers in diagnosing the underlying cause of your symptoms.

If your symptoms worsen or if you experience additional concerning symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health, especially with symptoms that involve both dizziness and heart palpitations.

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