1. < Depression & Anxiety
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Heart palpitations with anxiety? If so, what to do?

Posted by danybegood1 @danybegood1, Nov 19, 2017

Does anyone ever have heart palpitations when they are experiencing anxiety? If so, what helps you stop them? I had a heart attack last year. Should I be concerned? Dany

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Michele | @micheleinok | Dec 6, 2017
In reply to @parus "Oh yes, anxiety can do some dreadful things. I tried to tell my new PCP that..." + (show)
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Oh yes, anxiety can do some dreadful things. I tried to tell my new PCP that it was anxiety and not my heart. Sent me to Cardiologist who asked me why I was referred to him. Patiently explained and he rolled his eyes and wished me Merry Christmas. I smiled and told him to bill the one who sent me altho she was currently in Haiti and may be a while before he could collect. He thought I was joking and was even more incredulous when he realized I was being serious. We had a nice laugh as he thought I had said Hades...true story.

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I was sent for a full cardiac work-up, and boy did they ever. Sorry he didn't take you seriously. I think doctors then to dismiss symptoms when we mention depression or anxiety. You still know your body and how it normally feels. If something feels different I let them know.

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 7, 2017
In reply to @parus "Oh yes, anxiety can do some dreadful things. I tried to tell my new PCP that..." + (show)
Profile picture for Parus @parus

Oh yes, anxiety can do some dreadful things. I tried to tell my new PCP that it was anxiety and not my heart. Sent me to Cardiologist who asked me why I was referred to him. Patiently explained and he rolled his eyes and wished me Merry Christmas. I smiled and told him to bill the one who sent me altho she was currently in Haiti and may be a while before he could collect. He thought I was joking and was even more incredulous when he realized I was being serious. We had a nice laugh as he thought I had said Hades...true story.

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@parus - what a great story! Thanks for the laugh - by the way, you have a new picture - can you give us some background?

Teresa

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 7, 2017
In reply to @nanapross "After my first post, I realized there is a question I often ask myself. How do..." + (show)
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After my first post, I realized there is a question I often ask myself. How do you know when the heart palps Are anxiety and then become a more serious problem. I don't go to the doctor very often. Once I am told "it's nothing to worry about" I try to let it go... But sometimes I have that feeling, " but what if? "

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@nanapross

You pose a good question - it's always OK to voice your concerns about these type of symptoms to your doctor. Let the doctor be the judge of how to approach it.

Teresa

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clintshriver | @clintshriver | Feb 1, 2019

Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. It started over a year ago. I initially noticed my heart skipping a beat, the feeling of blood rushing through my body and my muscles twitching all over. I went to the ER 5 times, ekg each time and told nothing wrong. Long story short, I’m told I have heart palpitations from anxiety. Anyone else experience heart palpitations with anxiety? My sternum also crack just like you crack your knuckles. I’m currently on Prozac for this and it helps a ton, but I still get palpitations and get freaked out from them. Thanks in advance.

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grannynacky | @grannynacky | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @clintshriver "Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. It started over a year ago. I initially noticed my..." + (show)
Profile picture for clintshriver @clintshriver

Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. It started over a year ago. I initially noticed my heart skipping a beat, the feeling of blood rushing through my body and my muscles twitching all over. I went to the ER 5 times, ekg each time and told nothing wrong. Long story short, I’m told I have heart palpitations from anxiety. Anyone else experience heart palpitations with anxiety? My sternum also crack just like you crack your knuckles. I’m currently on Prozac for this and it helps a ton, but I still get palpitations and get freaked out from them. Thanks in advance.

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I also have palpitations and anxiety. When the palpitations start, I get anxiety attacks also.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @clintshriver "Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. It started over a year ago. I initially noticed my..." + (show)
Profile picture for clintshriver @clintshriver

Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. It started over a year ago. I initially noticed my heart skipping a beat, the feeling of blood rushing through my body and my muscles twitching all over. I went to the ER 5 times, ekg each time and told nothing wrong. Long story short, I’m told I have heart palpitations from anxiety. Anyone else experience heart palpitations with anxiety? My sternum also crack just like you crack your knuckles. I’m currently on Prozac for this and it helps a ton, but I still get palpitations and get freaked out from them. Thanks in advance.

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@grannynacky-Welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry that you have to endure anxiety attacks with palpitations. I am no stranger to anxiety. The strangle hold it had on me was enough to change my normal behavior of a normal teenager to a scared and very nervous person. When something triggers and anxiety attack adrenaline floods your system and starts a chemical reaction that can cause a lot of different symptoms. Palpitations, nausea, dizziness, aches and pains and on and on. I really feel for you, it's scary and feels awful.
Here are some links that hopefully will help you understand them more. Are you taking anything for them or doing any exercises? Have you sought counseling?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/symptoms-causes/syc-20373196
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20360803
Keep me posted!

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @clintshriver "Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. It started over a year ago. I initially noticed my..." + (show)
Profile picture for clintshriver @clintshriver

Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. It started over a year ago. I initially noticed my heart skipping a beat, the feeling of blood rushing through my body and my muscles twitching all over. I went to the ER 5 times, ekg each time and told nothing wrong. Long story short, I’m told I have heart palpitations from anxiety. Anyone else experience heart palpitations with anxiety? My sternum also crack just like you crack your knuckles. I’m currently on Prozac for this and it helps a ton, but I still get palpitations and get freaked out from them. Thanks in advance.

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@clintshriver I would like to join @merpreb in welcoming you to Mayo Connect. We have many Members who discuss their problems with anxiety and the various physical symptoms that go with it.

@merpreb suggested exercises. I would also like to add something about exercise, especially breathing exercises. Have you tried any breathing exercises before?

If not, here are some videos made by a doctor at Mayo Clinic. The second one is my favorite in that it uses arm movements as well as breathing exercises,
https://www.mayo.edu/research/labs/mindful-breathing/videos
I look forward to hearing from you. Will you keep in touch?

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clintshriver | @clintshriver | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@grannynacky-Welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry that you have to endure anxiety attacks with palpitations. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb

@grannynacky-Welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry that you have to endure anxiety attacks with palpitations. I am no stranger to anxiety. The strangle hold it had on me was enough to change my normal behavior of a normal teenager to a scared and very nervous person. When something triggers and anxiety attack adrenaline floods your system and starts a chemical reaction that can cause a lot of different symptoms. Palpitations, nausea, dizziness, aches and pains and on and on. I really feel for you, it's scary and feels awful.
Here are some links that hopefully will help you understand them more. Are you taking anything for them or doing any exercises? Have you sought counseling?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/symptoms-causes/syc-20373196
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20360803
Keep me posted!

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Thank you for the reply. I have went through counseling and have the breathing techniques. Prozac has helped me the most along with counseling. I do exercise regularly but have a high stress job which brings out my palpitations on my anxiety. I really wanted to hear the the palpitations are from anxiety which is what my counselor and cardiologist have said; just need more reassurance that there is nothing wrong with my heart and this is a normal reaction to anxiety. Thank you again! Clint.

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3 replies
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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @clintshriver "Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. It started over a year ago. I initially noticed my..." + (show)
Profile picture for clintshriver @clintshriver

Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. It started over a year ago. I initially noticed my heart skipping a beat, the feeling of blood rushing through my body and my muscles twitching all over. I went to the ER 5 times, ekg each time and told nothing wrong. Long story short, I’m told I have heart palpitations from anxiety. Anyone else experience heart palpitations with anxiety? My sternum also crack just like you crack your knuckles. I’m currently on Prozac for this and it helps a ton, but I still get palpitations and get freaked out from them. Thanks in advance.

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Clint- you are more than welcome

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Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @clintshriver "Thank you for the reply. I have went through counseling and have the breathing techniques. Prozac..." + (show)
Profile picture for clintshriver @clintshriver

Thank you for the reply. I have went through counseling and have the breathing techniques. Prozac has helped me the most along with counseling. I do exercise regularly but have a high stress job which brings out my palpitations on my anxiety. I really wanted to hear the the palpitations are from anxiety which is what my counselor and cardiologist have said; just need more reassurance that there is nothing wrong with my heart and this is a normal reaction to anxiety. Thank you again! Clint.

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@clintshriver I, also, had panic/anxiety attacks which mimicked chest pain. I got a full workup from a cardiologist who assured me that it was not my heart, just my mind playing tricks. Have you seen a cardiologist? It might set your mind at ease. I actually got one about 4:30 this morning, got up and took 2 Tums like the cardiologist recommended and got better. They’re very scary! I’m not a doctor, but it sure sounds like your attacks are related to stress. Sure hope you can get your stress under control!

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