Submitted by Dr T on July 25, 2012 – 8:39am
Question:
I’m a 35 y.o female with no known heart problems (except heart murmur when younger). When I lay down on my left side at night (I’m a side sleeper) it feels like my heart works over time and I feel like I’m passing out even though I’m falling asleep. There was a time I also felt like I was dying (crossing over) I felt like I was going somewhere else and not coming back etc. I told my pcp a little about this, but she says it’s probably anxiety and that if I ask for a referral on something like this my insurance will get cancelled. I’m trying not to make a big deal about this, but wanted to know if this is common or have you heard of this? Thanks for your time, Sandra.
Hi Sandra,
Go back to your pcp and ask to check your BP when laying down in the same position. Your complaints may be due to a temporary lower blood pressure and increase in pulse rate, called orthostatic hypotension.
Hope this helps,
Dr T