Palpitations While Trying to Sleep?

[rasz]

Hi guys, it's been a while. I posted on here some months ago when I was first starting CPAP contending with a massive dry mouth issue and a few other things. I've appreciated the advice I've gotten from here about that and was able to remedy that issue.

Now I have a new issue. Let me begin by saying that I have now lost 100 lbs since starting CPAP in April. CPAP has helped me turn my entire life around and I can't sing its praises enough at this point to any potential sleep disorder sufferers to whom it may be applicable.

When I started CPAP I was 351 lbs with an AHI over 100. I was prescribed pressures of 15cm - 20cm on a ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset. My pressure settings have stayed the same but I have, as of this last week, clocked my weight in at 250 lbs and I've lost easily over an inch of the circumference of my neck. This brings me to my issue; a few weeks ago I started feeling heart palpitations about 2-3 minutes after I turned on my CPAP. I didn't think anything of it at the time but as I've continued to lose weight I feel like it's getting worse. It has gotten to the point where it is inhibiting my ability to sleep and is becoming a concern for me. I feel like it must somehow be tied to my pressure level because the moment I turn the machine off the palpitations lessen and after another minute or so will be gone entirely.

Has anyone else experienced this? My machine is monitored by my DME so I cannot change the pressure settings manually to experiment. I intend to reach out to them tomorrow and request a change to 10cm - 15cm. But I also want some input from those among you who may have experienced similar or know others who have that can maybe offer some advice as to how to proceed.

[Julie]

What are your settings? They may be higher now than you need considering the weight loss, however you may have new problems regardless of that and you should see a sleep specialist or at least your GP for some testing. Your cardiac status could have changed as a result either of your initial weight problem, as a result of your losing weight, or just because you're older, etc. Get checked out and then deal with changing Cpap settings if it's found to be a good idea.

[HoseCrusher]

A recording pulse-oximeter can provide some insight as to what is going on. Check with your doctor to see if they can provide one for an overnight study, or buy one and share the report with your doctor.

In the meantime sit down and have a large spinach salad. The magnesium in the spinach helps calm the heart.

[Goofproof]

Download and use the software to read the data from your XPAP. Post it so others can look at i. It's needed to know if changes are needed and how your treatment is going. Jim

[AMK]

Congratulations on the weight loss! That could very well result in a need for less pressure. It wouldn't hurt to take out your SD card and look at it in Sleepyhead to see your graphs which would give a lot of information. In my own case, I had to take magnesium to help with heart palpitations but this does sound like a possible pressure issue with you.

[sewsleepy]

Have you ever had palpitations like this before or is this something new? It seems like something you should run by your doctor, maybe get an ECG just to make sure it's benign. If it's any help, I've gotten palpitations when I start to fall asleep at night most of my adult life any time I'm really tired, like if I've been working really hard or exercising a lot. Doc says it's normal, happens to lots of people, and not to worry, so i just ignore it. So it may be a coincidence and not related to the cpap but the only way to know is to get it checked out. Congratulations on your weight loss! I wouldn't doubt if your pressure needs to be recalculated as you shed those pounds. Best wishes on your continued road to better health!