Worrying about my heart: tests normal, but I'm anxious
This is my first time posting on here. I have been worrying about my heart ever since I went to the ER three months ago. I had a EKG blood work CT scan. All test came back normal. Then I had a echocardiogram and a nuclear stress test. All came back normal. I am not sleeping good at night due to worrying that something in my heart has changed since having all the test done. I am dealing with anxiety. Doctors have told me that I’m ok and that my heart is good. I have been having tightness on the left side of my chest and a burning feeling on my left side. It makes me worry more. I don’t know what to do.
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Now, debwellmadebeh,
My comments were and continue to be a reaction to your anti-statin comments, however carefully worded you may think they were. I attempt to make my comment neither passive, nor aggressive. I am neither a medical professional nor medical scientist.
I will try and be clear, though. Folks who research a lot, and then make "soft" comments as you have about statins usually have read a lot, but sometimes the wrong sorts of reading. In some cases, this is because of a lack of technical training. If you have medical training and education, please forgive my comments.
I'd like to insert a gentle reminder of the Community Guidelines (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/) that help keep the tone safe, supportive, inclusive, and, above all, respectful.
I'm confident that the recent messages shared come from a place of kindness and caring. Please keep in mind that we only have words on the screen to communicate our experiences, thoughts and support. Without the benefit of tone of voice or body language sometimes the messages may be interpreted incorrectly. And sometimes we bring the bias of our own experiences when reading the post of another member.
I encourage you to review the guidelines and pay particular attention to guidelines 1 and 2. Here's an excerpt.
1. Be careful about giving out medical advice
- Sharing your own experience is fine, but don't tell other members what they should do.
- Experiences and information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
- Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.
2. Remain respectful at all times.
- Exercise tolerance and respect toward other participants whose views may differ from your own.
- Disagreements are fine, but mutual respect is a must.
Since we only have words and words matter, please choose your words kindly and be aware of unintentional bias that you may be bringing into the conversation.
With gratitude,
Colleen, Community Director, Mayo Clinic Connect
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4 ReactionsThank you for that "gentle reminder" Colleen, I think it is helpful for all of us to remember what Mayo Connect is all about...Connecting. Connecting people with same or similar conditions or experiences and being able to share openly and freely with each other, without fear. How true that my opinion may differ from someone else, but accepting the differences can also offer an opportunity to learn if we keep our minds open. I appreciate the input you have provided here. It seems the world is full of problems, strife, angst, pain and sorrow...but it is also full of joy, love, happiness and beauty, and many positive things, and Mayo Connect is a positive thing in a negative world.
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1 Reaction@jfching, I'm relieved that tests were done and that cardiologists were able to confirm that your heart is strong. This rules out your concern of heart failure. You've also wisely identified that your anxiety has the upper hand and you fear your anxiety will be your undoing.
That's the first step to gaining control - asking for help. You might be interested in this helpful, related discussion:
- Journaling - The Write Stuff For You?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/
Do you journal? What hobbies or activities distract you from the anxiety? How do you manage your anxiety?
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2 Reactions@debwellmadebeh, here is information about red rice yeast from Mayo Clinic:
- Red yeast rice https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-red-yeast-rice/art-20363074
Mayo offers this caution
"Red yeast rice is capable of lowering blood cholesterol levels and total blood cholesterol levels. While the supplement is generally considered safe, it might carry the same potential side effects as statin cholesterol drugs."
I wonder if this video might be helpful for everyone. Stephen Kopecky, M.D., talks about the risk factors, symptoms and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) Learn how lifestyle changes can lower your risk.
Deb, you're right that anxiety can mimic heart attack-like symptoms. What helps you reduce the anxiety to stop the vicious cycle you describe?
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1 ReactionI recently lost my job and invested on my own business. This has caused me much anxiety as it takes time for it to pick up.
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1 ReactionHang in there @jfching, it is not a good feeling to lose a job, and you are under a lot of stress. I hope you have something you enjoy doing that can offer you some peace and is healthy for your mind and your heart.
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1 ReactionHey this is wasay im 20 years old and I have always been a really fearless guy I love to explore new things and take risk but since few months I have been feeling really scared for my life idk why I keep feeling like im gonna have a heart attack but it always turns out of be an anxiety attack I have gotten an ECG around 4 times and all very normal and also recently got blood tests ans echo and they all came out normal and healthy nothing to worry but I just keep feeling it idk why yesterday I went to a physiotherapist he asked me if I had any traumas or ever seen someone get an heart attack, but I have never seen no one get one well he kept talking with me and said I might be having an anxiety disorder and its pretty common and people who hav e anxiety disorder often feel like they gonna have a heart attack but its just a panic attack cuz both of the symptoms are pretty similar he gave me meds and told me get back to him after 3 weeks and if I still dont feel well he will do therapy in which they make h face what your fear. Well these meds take a moment to work like a week or 2 but knowing im alright and everything is fine still doesnt comfort me and I dont have an answer to it as well its has really started to impact on my life im not being really social anymore and im scared and my brain is really loud unable to fall asleep just constant fear but im trying to fight it out and I would really like if someone who has or is facing the same as I am right now would tell me how are they doing and how are they fighting with it and relaxing themselves cuz u cannot always eat meds to fix it u need to fight it out and I have realized the more I think bout my anxiety the more stronger it gets so I just finding my ways to distract myself from it and feel relaxed.
Wasay,
I am sorry you are suffering with what appears to be anxiety issues. I was born with heart issues and have dealt with many heart issues all of my life. I hope you can get the help you need. I will pray for you to find peace in the reality of having a healthy heart