How do I stop worrying?

Have you been evaluated for anxiety or depression? I have health anxiety. It’s scary because it’s sometimes difficult differentiating between actual ailments and anxiety. I try to hold myself accountable by being open with my doctors about it and treating my health anxiety with talk therapy. I’ve learned tools to help me bring things down a notch, instead of jumping to worst case scenario. I will also take meds, if my current measures prove insufficient. A series of actual health problems brought it in me….plus, it runs in my family on both sides.

I'm with you with the worrying. Heart patient here, 2 stents, 67 male. Anxiety problematic very quick non painful angina. No real good explanations. Small town, questionable cardiologists. Praying and turning it over to God.

I’m 73,male,just had a CT coronary angiogram ( before going to Europe for 6 months) and it’s shows that I have 70% in distal RCA severe stenosis.
I’m a bit anxious,I don’t know how to aboard it,and I’m asking if you had the same experience and how you solve (?) it,or if it’s possible.
Many thanks!

68M. I have electrical issues with my heart, and I have CHF - diastolic dysfunction. For me, anxiety comes from not knowing. I have a long history of chronic Afib, with surgeries, pharma, thinners, you name it. It's been so long (2002) and so much that I'm way past anxiety. But I get it. Here are some things based on my history you may want to consider. You can ask your cardiologist for a heart monitor. It's called a Zio monitor. Google it. Wear it over your heart for a week or two, press the button on it when you feel angina or uncomfortableness, and record it in a provided journal. They may keep a supply of them in your clinic's inventory. I live in a small resort town away from bigger cities, so my choices for care are also limited, and they keep them in stock. I just wore one for the umpteenth time for 14 days. It's hard for a clinic to diagnose without data. Have you done a stress test? If not, ask about that as well. I do them about every 3 years or so. I'm wondering if you can get some data points that you may get some relief from anxiety.

streety,

Not enough info in your post to allow any, even non-medical professional advice. John offered some good general advice - have you done any ot these things?

mayomee,

I sympathize with your condition, but there are many things you can do yourself.

First, find competent medical care - travel to a center of excellence for heart care - there are many. Get checked out thoroughly, return home and demand your local physician consult with the center of excellence.

Second, change your attitude about turning anything over to any deity - you don't turn your actions approaching a red light on the highway over to a deity, so why even talk like that about your medical needs?

I’ve seen differing numbers around this, but to some extent, lifestyle trumps genes. Whether it’s 50%, 75%, or 90% (I’ve seen articles saying all three), you have at least a reasonable amount of control over your situation.

My mother died of heart related issues at age 34, her sister 36, their mother, 56. My father passed away one month past his 70th birthday, and my brother has had a heart attack. I’m turning 69 in a few weeks and have avoided heart issues so far, but I’m the only one in my family who regularly exercises and watches what I eat. Consider what you might want to do to help your situation

I get it . I am 54 and just found out I have premature heart disease. I just started traveling and now I feel like a ticking time bomb. Went to Cleveland Clinic ,Dr said just bring my nitro. Still feel nervous

Hello @streety1997

If you are worried and are still having symptoms, keep moving forward with another opinion. In my story, I had chest pain but a normal EKG, radiology study was fine (I now wonder though). So diagnostically, nothing was wrong other than my shortness of breath/chest pain symptoms. But it turned out my heart was a mess with multiple blockages. It was until an angiogram was done which turned into an emergency angioplasty did the problem reveal itself. Honestly, I am lucky to be alive.

Not sure if they have done an angiogram. I would think that it would be wise. Maybe a stress test (if you are physically up for it). Anyway, a more comprehensive diagnostic approach is in order in my opinion.

I don't want you to worry something is definitely wrong. If anything a full diagnostic set of tests may put your mind at ease. If it is anxiety issues, then maybe meditation or breathing exercises could help.

You are the patient and only you know how you feel physically or otherwise. I wish you the best and hope to hear what happens with your doctors.

Consider mental heath counseling and meditation to help ease your mind. Some things are out of our control and worry doesn't change things.