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Ventricular Tachycardia
Hello, I'm new here. I have SEVERE health/ocd anxiety. I've just been diagnosed by holter monitor of 11 beats of Vtach @ a heart rate of 181 bpm.
I go for my nuclear stress test (treadmill)
this Thursday 4/30. I am freaking out!
I have panic attacks that wake me up nightly even on Xanax I still have them.
My thoughts go right to stents, bypass surgery, even death. I just can't control my anxious thoughts. It consumes my thoughts all day and night.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Thank you!
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@smithone58
Hang in there. Your anxiety and panic attacks add to the stress that can cause VTAC.
11 beats of VTACH is not extreme. It is when sustained poses the most problems.
The nuclear stress test is done to get a good look at your heart and find what is causing your VTAC. It is closely monitored with a cardiologist on standby. I have had many of them and they will not let you get into trouble.
Most of the time (and I only post this based on my experience) is VTAC, PVCs, and PACs come from irritant places in heart sending additional electrical signals. These can be addressed with medications, ablation, etc.
Now sometimes the heart muscle has been damaged and they want to know that. You mentioned stints. These are done when they see clogged artriies. Do you have any chest pains , or weakness these are indicators.
The anxiety and stress in not good for you both mentally and physically. Do you have access to a psychiatriyy department of where you go for medical treatments? If so asked for a referral to them to address your anxiety and stress. I see a psychiatric medication specialist every 3 months. She has me on medications that really helped with my anxiety and depression.
Asked them about sleep aids like trazodone. For me this medication stopped my mind from racing and could get a good night sleep. Getting a good nights sleep will do wonders for you.
Being anxious is normal. But remember in today's medical world this a common ailment that they will determine the cause and then treat appropriately.
@jc76
Thank you for the reply, information and the reassurance. I'm 58 years old and raising a 12 year old daughter along with my wife. I just need to be around.
How do you feel about the radioactive tracer portion of the the test? This is a new fear unlocked for me.
(nervous laughter).
Hang in there. It gets better. My first encounter was June of 2024 and I was initially feeling like you are now. Competent docs and treatment and patience prevailed in my case. It is a journey with ups and downs, But there are some amazing treatments and tools to deal with the condition,
@smithone58 I was told that the tracer delivers a tiny amount of radioactive material- less than an x-ray. Drink lots of water after the test to flush the stuff out of your body.
@wcuro
Thank you again!!