My heart rate jumps like that, especially in the morning, but sometimes anytime I get up from a lying or sitting position. I take a beta-blocker and that pretty much takes care of the problem. Your doctor, like many docs, probably likes to prescribe Ativan more because docs think it is less addictive than other benzos. Unfortunately, it is less effective, especially for panic. That doesn't mean it doesn't help at all, and it may work fine for you, I know people who have good results with it. I'd push for a small dose of beta-blocker, especially since you've had heart tests. If you don't like the bb, you can just go off it in a few days, no sweat. But if it works well for you, you may have significantly less symptoms. I'm taking metoprolol now (the generic version of Lopressor). I take it twice per day and that gives me good coverage so that when I wake in the morning it hasn't worn off. The truth about some of the once a day, 24 hr. meds is that they usually don't last 24 hours and you may awake with the racing heart. I found that happened with atenolol, which is supposed to last 24 hours. Take care.