Weird feeling when waking up...

So as probably a few of you, I have high blood pressure and take meds for it.

I've noticed the past couple mornings on CPAP when I wake up I have a feeling in my chest akin to a "fullness" or "pressure" that feels like my heart like if anyone has ever taken a Nitrotab or had a Nuclear Stress Test.

Is this normal or is this me having anxiety or a little bit of both?

Not normal....possible anxiety, but check with your doctor

I have had nitrotabs, but that was a good feeling because I was having an active heart attack at the time.

The "new" feelings you will get from CPAP are tired chest muscles from better breathing, the lungs expanding more than you are used to, sleeping in a different position than usual, swallowing air and feeling bloated. There may be others, but this is what I can remember now.

Can you check your BP at home?

We all get pretty sensitive when it comes to heart issues and chest pain, we are not doctors and don't diagnose. From your post I assume you have had heart caused chest pain in the past so compare that to what is happening in the morning and what I listed above. If in doubt at all see your doctor, but you already know this

PoolQ wrote: We all get pretty sensitive when it comes to heart issues and chest pain, we are not doctors and don't diagnose. From your post I assume you have had heart caused chest pain in the past so compare that to what is happening in the morning and what I listed above. If in doubt at all see your doctor, but you already know this

Been through many tests over the past twenty years (I just turned 39), and it's always been chalked up to anxiety. Even had a heart cath in 2010 that showed no signs of heart disease.

I have an appointment with the cardiologist September 2nd (next Weds.), so I'll ask then.

It sometimes amuses me when people that have never experienced anxiety, comment on anxiety, just in general and NOT commenting on any other posts.

I personally know that anxiety can and does cause measurable changes in the body. I have gotten pretty good at telling myself that I am doing everything I can and I will never be able to do more than I can. Breathe and relax and do what you can right then. It's good to know that this stuff has a years long timeline and not 30 seconds

BP today was good after my latest PVC hit. 122 / 65 and I was in panic-mode.

So whatever it is, I'm still here.

most anything heart related sends me into panic mode, it's JUST STRANGE to feel that. Speaking of strange, I think my wife takes home some kind of prize

Shed says one night that her pulse is racing, it was close to 200 BPM. I drive her to the ER, thinking no biggie (oops)
I tell the nurse and she is like oh sure, right. and grabs my wife's wrist, boom ! out of the desk chair and into a wheel chair and through the doors: 280BPM!

Doctors running down the hall, IV goes in and then the hypo, with no advanced notice STOPS HER HEART! BOOM! it of course restarts and all is fine until operation at Stanford and 43 ablations later.

Been fine for over a decade now. but oh what a night that was.

Because of the potential consequences of unrecognized cardiac issues, of course vigilance is warranted. I used to get runs of PVC's and nearly collapse but for some reason they calmed down after CPAP treatment. Have a diagnosis of cardiomegaly, although I think that is an over-diagnosis. Also have lung issues that cause shortness of breath. A hiatal hernia causes odd little sensations mid chest that feel almost like a fluttering, probably a bubbling as air trapped in the herniated area moves. Then add air in the belly from CPAP. Have ended up in the ER in years past just to be sure and had a cardiac workup more than once. My concern now is that I would be late to recognize a true crisis. I tell everyone else better safe than sorry then don't take my own advice. Have never experienced a full fledged panic attack. The few times in recent years I verged on one, it was scary stuff. My heart goes out to those who have anxiety issues to complicate the picture. No advice, just compassion.

kteague wrote:Because of the potential consequences of unrecognized cardiac issues, of course vigilance is warranted. I used to get runs of PVC's and nearly collapse but for some reason they calmed down after CPAP treatment.

For some reason, I'm afraid that the CPAP is making them worse, but that could be my anxiety and the fact this is only my fourth night using it.

Cosmonaut.Chimp wrote:

kteague wrote:Because of the potential consequences of unrecognized cardiac issues, of course vigilance is warranted. I used to get runs of PVC's and nearly collapse but for some reason they calmed down after CPAP treatment.

For some reason, I'm afraid that the CPAP is making them worse, but that could be my anxiety and the fact this is only my fourth night using it.

I agree....Have you tried spending time each evening watching TV or reading with your mask and CPAP on? That may get you acustomed to the equiopment

Second that suggestion of using the machine while conscious. Just completed my 6th night with CPAP and spent 20-30 minutes reading with the mask on before settling down. Feels normal by the time I go to sleep.