{
  "id": 9262924,
  "title": "I wake up and my heart starts racing: A cardiologist explains why",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/i-wake-up-and-my-heart-starts-racing-a-cardiologist-explains-why",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T04:00:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/i-wake-up-and-my-heart-starts-racing-a-cardiologist-explains-why-10880466/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Waking up suddenly with a racing heart can be alarming, especially if it occurs unexpectedly and only lasts a few seconds. Dr Aseem Dhall, Director & HOD at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, explains that this could be due to the abrupt transition from sleep to wakefulness, which triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. This \"fight-or-flight\" response can temporarily increase heart rate. Other potential causes include vivid dreams or nightmares, anxiety, emotional stress, dehydration, caffeine, poor sleep, and sleep disturbances. In most cases, the heart returns to its normal rhythm within seconds and is not a sign of a serious problem. However, if a racing heartbeat persists, occurs frequently, lasts several minutes, or happens without a clear trigger, it could indicate a heart rhythm disorder, such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia. If you experience recurring episodes or any additional symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, it's essential to consult a cardiologist. Tests like an ECG, Holter monitor, blood tests, echocardiogram, or sleep study may be recommended to determine the underlying cause.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Sudden racing heart upon waking can be alarming.",
    "Fight-or-flight response raises heart rate temporarily.",
    "Consult cardiologist for persistent or frequent episodes."
  ],
  "editors_take": "A sudden racing heart upon waking can often be attributed to a normal physiological response to stress or sleep transition, but persistent or recurring episodes may signal an underlying heart rhythm disorder.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express - Lifestyle",
        "title": "I wake up and my heart starts racing: A cardiologist explains why",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/i-wake-up-and-my-heart-starts-racing-a-cardiologist-explains-why-9265590",
        "published": "2026-09-23T04:00:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}