Could rapid heart beat be related to blood sugar levels?
Patient: When my husband goes to bed, some nights he wakes up after about an hour with a rapid heart beat. He eats right and exercises. His doctor says he is very healthy. Some nights he sleeps very well. He is wondering if this has something to do with blood sugar. He is on a low carb diet and is at his ideal weight. Thank you. Sue Doctor: Hello,  His symptoms could be related to a sleep disorder. I don't think it is hypoglycemia, as it does not cause tachycardia.   Coming to this point, I would recommend taking melatonin at bedtime and see if this improves his situation.   If this does not help, I would recommend consulting with his attending physician for a physical exam, cardiac ultrasound and an ambulatory 24/48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine his heart rhythm trends during the night.   Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Take care  Regards, Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist