A 46-year-old member asked:
What might lead to tachycardia when standing and bradycardia when laying down?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Alisa Nikschanswered
Pediatric Cardiology 23 years experience
More data needed...: I would be interested to know what the actual heart rates were when you stood. It would also be important to know if you had a blood pressure change when you stood, and if you are becoming dizzy with standing. Possible explanations for this scenario might be dehydration, medication that causes low blood pressure, or dysautonomia (e.g., pots). Recommend discussing this with your physician!
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. John Garneranswered
Cardiology 17 years experience
Orthostasis: Too much blood pooling in the legs can prompt the heart to try compensating by raising the rate. This happens in everyone, but in some it can be an exaggerated response. Bradycardia laying down is normal for healthy people, particularly athletes.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 6, 2014
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