Heart Palpitations Forum

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Heart Palpitations Forum >> Symptoms and other concerns >> HELP my Heart?? - Anxiety - Panic
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Message started by Sambo on Jan 2^nd, 2011, 6:39am

Title: HELP my Heart?? - Anxiety - Panic
Post by Sambo on Jan 2^nd, 2011, 6:39am

Hi everyone :) I'm so glad I have found this site and I hope there is someone that can help me! So sorry my question is so long!

I have been having anxiety symptoms now for about 4 months. It's ruining my life. So bad I nearly admitted myself into hospital. The attacks are hurrendous. It got to the point I couldn't eat or talk because I was that overwhelmed by fear. I lost my mum and brother last year 2 weeks apart so I know all this probably stems from that. I have been on Diazepam(1 week), Temazipam (1 week) and I'm now on Risperidone (10 days) to help calm my nerves. I'm am also on 20mg Citalprom & 160mg Propranolol, I have been on these for 3 months. It started with bad nausea and racing heart and I ended up in hospital because I collapsed and my husband had thought I'd had a heart attack but at the hospital they said it was fast but my heart was ok.

Since that happened in August it's still the same, everyday I suffer with really bad heart palpitations and high pulse rate. Even when I don't feel anxious, it is there still banging away in my chest. Sometimes just by me sitting up or standing up or walking up the stairs it kicks my heart off! I have an appointment next week with a Cardiologist but I was just wondering, has anyone ever experienced this severe pulse rate/palpitations through anxiety? I am really worried as I'm on 30 years old. I don't drink or smoke (I have done in the past) or take drugs but I did have a moment last year where I took quite a lot of slimming pills, do you think they could of damaged me? It seems to get worse at night when I lie down or try to go to sleep and I wake up thinking I'm having a heart attack. I can't stand it anymore. I just want my life back. Replies greatfully received, thanks :)

Title: Re: HELP my Heart?? - Anxiety - Panic
Post by martinpetersen on Jan 2^nd, 2011, 8:22am

I'm not a doctor, but from what I read here and in other "palpitations-websites", it sounds very probable that your palpitations appear due to anxiety.
Mine started also (I think) with a death of a near family member.

I guess your tactics towards this frustrating condition should be:

1: Get your heart checked, (which you already are working at). If your heart is ok, it might give you relief to know and say to yourself: "I am NOT going to have a heart attack, even if my heart is pounding or acting up with palpitations."
Excuse me for the use of bad humour if you don't like this, but maybe you'll dig it ... :
"Since you are not dead already, you are NOT on the brink of having any heart attack ..."

2: If your heart is allright (which it probably is) work on the anxiety with some of the "weapons" we have: Relaxation, therapy, breathing excercises, cut down on alcohol (which you already have done) and coffee, medicine etc.

Compared to what quite a few other people on this and other websites report, it is VERY common to be scared of having a heart attack, when you are haunted by palpitations, so I really understand you. And I know how difficult it can be to say to oneself: "This is an annoying and a very ugly feeling, but it is in no way dangerous or risky."

But a good thing to start with the cardiologist. Good luck with your life and all!

Title: Re: HELP my Heart?? - Anxiety - Panic
Post by jothenurse on Jan 2^nd, 2011, 8:52am

This is common with anxiety/panic. I have a panic disorder and for about a year now I have been dealing with tachycardia (fast heart rate) and panic. I too would get the fast pulse just by sitting up in bed, bending over, or going up a flight of stairs. Prior to this, I ran, worked out at a fitness center and was in great shape. I am 56 years old. I ended up in the ER a few times with a rapid heart beat and it was always sinus tachycardia (normal, but too fast). I was terrified of this. I will tell you though, as your anxiety level comes down, and you learn that your heart is healthy, that in time, you learn how to calm yourself and your pulse will come back down. I still get a fast pulse when going up the stairs or bending over at times, but I basically have been able to do some slow breathing and distraction and have learned for the most part to not panic over it. It did take me some time working with a counselor and some small amounts of ativan over the last several months to do it. You can work through it though, so go to the doctor and get checked out, then start learning whatever it takes to calm yourself. You can get over this.

Title: Re: HELP my Heart?? - Anxiety - Panic
Post by RLR on Jan 2^nd, 2011, 2:21pm

Okay, welcome to the forum. Indeed, life-altering events can produce emotional changes which increase the chances for benign palpitations to occur. They do not originate from within the heart, but rather externally by way of stimulation of the vagus nerve. Although they can be frightening, these events do not have the capacity to actually do you any harm.

I would ask about your medication regimen at this point. Please clarify precisely what you are presently taking. I ask because several of the medications mentioned are within the same class of drugs and the Respiridone is an antipsychotic most typically used to treat Schizophrenia. Unless you are experiencing episodes of active psychosis, then a question arises as to why you are taking this medication. It is characteristically not used to "calm nerves."

The use of compounds for diet control can potentially induce cardiac dysrhythmias while under their influence, but these effects abate upon discontinuation. They are not recommended.

The most common reason for experiencing a syncopal episode, or fainting, is due to a vasovagal response wherein a sudden drop in blood pressure is experienced due to reduction in vagal tone. This phenomenon occurs commonly in persons who become overwhelmed by fear or alternatively remain motionless for long periods, such as soldiers standing at attention.

You're going to be okay and your heart cannot be damaged by the palpitation events that you are experiencing. Your tests with the cardiologist will all turn out fine. The focus in reduction of stress and anxiety will produce a corresponding reduction in the palpitation events and other physical sensations that you may be experiencing and find abnormal. It's critical to realize that anxiety at levels produced by the type of events which have occurred can produce a broad range of physical symptoms. Their presence and influence does not suggest that any type of underlying disease is present.

Best regards,

Rutheford Rane, MD (ret.)