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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Profile picture for libby93 @libby93

Before I start I want to inform you that I do have severe anxiety and panic disorder. I'm also a 25 year old female. About 2 years ago I started experiencing these awful chest pains. It scared me so bad I went to the ER to get checked out. They did chest x rays, ekg, etc. All of those came back normal. So they sent me home and said to take asprin. The pains kept coming back. It was to the point where I couldn't leave the house. I quit my job and everything. Everyone told me it was just my anxiety. I finally set myself up with a PCP. Told him all the symptoms I was experiencing, convinced I was going to have a heart attack. He had me do another xray, a stress test, blood work, and wear a heart holter monitor for 72 hours. All of those once again where clear. So he put me on a low dose beta blocker and it's done wonders for me up until about 2 weeks ago. The chest pains, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, left arm pain and tingling, etc all came back. I missed 4 days of work cause I couldn't leave the house. Again went to the ER a few days ago over this.... nothing was found... is it all anxiety and in my head? Or is there something wrong with my heart? It's ruining my life... I had all these tests done to show my heart is healthy but I can't help but think my dr missed something... thanks for reading.

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@libby93 Its always good to know the cause .I have had thumbs and wear a thumb brace at night they are better in morning I imagine hours will be too

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Profile picture for libby93 @libby93

Before I start I want to inform you that I do have severe anxiety and panic disorder. I'm also a 25 year old female. About 2 years ago I started experiencing these awful chest pains. It scared me so bad I went to the ER to get checked out. They did chest x rays, ekg, etc. All of those came back normal. So they sent me home and said to take asprin. The pains kept coming back. It was to the point where I couldn't leave the house. I quit my job and everything. Everyone told me it was just my anxiety. I finally set myself up with a PCP. Told him all the symptoms I was experiencing, convinced I was going to have a heart attack. He had me do another xray, a stress test, blood work, and wear a heart holter monitor for 72 hours. All of those once again where clear. So he put me on a low dose beta blocker and it's done wonders for me up until about 2 weeks ago. The chest pains, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, left arm pain and tingling, etc all came back. I missed 4 days of work cause I couldn't leave the house. Again went to the ER a few days ago over this.... nothing was found... is it all anxiety and in my head? Or is there something wrong with my heart? It's ruining my life... I had all these tests done to show my heart is healthy but I can't help but think my dr missed something... thanks for reading.

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Hello all, it's me again. I'm supposed to get up for work in 3 hours... instead I'm fighting some horrible dizziness and shortness of breath. Also, everytime I'm about to fall asleep, I have heart palpitations that jerks me awake. I'm debating not going to work but instead phoning my doctor as soon as they open to see if he can somehow see me. I can't keep calling out of work... I have bills to pay and I feel horrible for letting my coworkers down. But at the same time, I cannot work like this. I am also going to contact my boss and explain everything that is happening to me. I'm trying so hard to figure out if it's just severe anxiety/panic or something else.

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Profile picture for libby93 @libby93

Hello all, it's me again. I'm supposed to get up for work in 3 hours... instead I'm fighting some horrible dizziness and shortness of breath. Also, everytime I'm about to fall asleep, I have heart palpitations that jerks me awake. I'm debating not going to work but instead phoning my doctor as soon as they open to see if he can somehow see me. I can't keep calling out of work... I have bills to pay and I feel horrible for letting my coworkers down. But at the same time, I cannot work like this. I am also going to contact my boss and explain everything that is happening to me. I'm trying so hard to figure out if it's just severe anxiety/panic or something else.

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@libby93 If you feel this bad please don't go to work call your Dr if he can't see you then go to E.R is my suggestion

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Profile picture for libby93 @libby93

Before I start I want to inform you that I do have severe anxiety and panic disorder. I'm also a 25 year old female. About 2 years ago I started experiencing these awful chest pains. It scared me so bad I went to the ER to get checked out. They did chest x rays, ekg, etc. All of those came back normal. So they sent me home and said to take asprin. The pains kept coming back. It was to the point where I couldn't leave the house. I quit my job and everything. Everyone told me it was just my anxiety. I finally set myself up with a PCP. Told him all the symptoms I was experiencing, convinced I was going to have a heart attack. He had me do another xray, a stress test, blood work, and wear a heart holter monitor for 72 hours. All of those once again where clear. So he put me on a low dose beta blocker and it's done wonders for me up until about 2 weeks ago. The chest pains, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, left arm pain and tingling, etc all came back. I missed 4 days of work cause I couldn't leave the house. Again went to the ER a few days ago over this.... nothing was found... is it all anxiety and in my head? Or is there something wrong with my heart? It's ruining my life... I had all these tests done to show my heart is healthy but I can't help but think my dr missed something... thanks for reading.

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I went an saw my doctor today. Once again I did so many tests. They think it's just my anxiety/panic disorder. I'm always in so much pain, like there are weights on my chest, it's hard to breathe, I feel dizzy and more. I felt that way all while the tests were being done, just to be told I am fine. I go Tuesday to a really good psychiatrist/therapy office. I'm really hoping to find answers. I pretty much feel like I'm dying or going to die these days...

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Profile picture for libby93 @libby93

I went an saw my doctor today. Once again I did so many tests. They think it's just my anxiety/panic disorder. I'm always in so much pain, like there are weights on my chest, it's hard to breathe, I feel dizzy and more. I felt that way all while the tests were being done, just to be told I am fine. I go Tuesday to a really good psychiatrist/therapy office. I'm really hoping to find answers. I pretty much feel like I'm dying or going to die these days...

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@libby93 I'm glad to hear your going to a psychiatrist for this problem when Dr,s can't find anything physical its best to look into your emotions and your mental health I pray you will find answers 🙏

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Profile picture for libby93 @libby93

Before I start I want to inform you that I do have severe anxiety and panic disorder. I'm also a 25 year old female. About 2 years ago I started experiencing these awful chest pains. It scared me so bad I went to the ER to get checked out. They did chest x rays, ekg, etc. All of those came back normal. So they sent me home and said to take asprin. The pains kept coming back. It was to the point where I couldn't leave the house. I quit my job and everything. Everyone told me it was just my anxiety. I finally set myself up with a PCP. Told him all the symptoms I was experiencing, convinced I was going to have a heart attack. He had me do another xray, a stress test, blood work, and wear a heart holter monitor for 72 hours. All of those once again where clear. So he put me on a low dose beta blocker and it's done wonders for me up until about 2 weeks ago. The chest pains, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, left arm pain and tingling, etc all came back. I missed 4 days of work cause I couldn't leave the house. Again went to the ER a few days ago over this.... nothing was found... is it all anxiety and in my head? Or is there something wrong with my heart? It's ruining my life... I had all these tests done to show my heart is healthy but I can't help but think my dr missed something... thanks for reading.

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Hey folks at the very least- keepman journal of feelings. It’s helps a little. Also on drugs ( Effexor- low dose) I noticed a big difference in reduction of anxiety- not as much in depression but enough that I continue . It took me a long time to acknowledge depression( family history ) - late 50’s ( know I had it from 13 on) active and a reader helps but it was not enough the last few years. I always had to push myself to get moving even though once I do - it is okay. Also procrastination is a big deal with me. The feeling of overwhelming issues all over the place... ahhh.

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Profile picture for libby93 @libby93

Before I start I want to inform you that I do have severe anxiety and panic disorder. I'm also a 25 year old female. About 2 years ago I started experiencing these awful chest pains. It scared me so bad I went to the ER to get checked out. They did chest x rays, ekg, etc. All of those came back normal. So they sent me home and said to take asprin. The pains kept coming back. It was to the point where I couldn't leave the house. I quit my job and everything. Everyone told me it was just my anxiety. I finally set myself up with a PCP. Told him all the symptoms I was experiencing, convinced I was going to have a heart attack. He had me do another xray, a stress test, blood work, and wear a heart holter monitor for 72 hours. All of those once again where clear. So he put me on a low dose beta blocker and it's done wonders for me up until about 2 weeks ago. The chest pains, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, left arm pain and tingling, etc all came back. I missed 4 days of work cause I couldn't leave the house. Again went to the ER a few days ago over this.... nothing was found... is it all anxiety and in my head? Or is there something wrong with my heart? It's ruining my life... I had all these tests done to show my heart is healthy but I can't help but think my dr missed something... thanks for reading.

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Just a suggestion from my own experience, and I hope I do not make things worse. Have you had an echo cardiogram to check for mitral valve prolapse? I do know that there some theories that say that a mitral prolapse can cause severe anxiety. This is the only part I know. Trying to be of some help.... Lori Renee

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Profile picture for lorirenee1 @lorirenee1

Just a suggestion from my own experience, and I hope I do not make things worse. Have you had an echo cardiogram to check for mitral valve prolapse? I do know that there some theories that say that a mitral prolapse can cause severe anxiety. This is the only part I know. Trying to be of some help.... Lori Renee

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It's me again. I guess I am playing Devil's Advocate here, but if you are not at all aware of emotional problems, I hate for you to start down the therapy road. That can be a slippery slope, and damaging, so be careful. I would really, really try to rule out physical problems before going down that road. Lori Renee

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Profile picture for libby93 @libby93

Before I start I want to inform you that I do have severe anxiety and panic disorder. I'm also a 25 year old female. About 2 years ago I started experiencing these awful chest pains. It scared me so bad I went to the ER to get checked out. They did chest x rays, ekg, etc. All of those came back normal. So they sent me home and said to take asprin. The pains kept coming back. It was to the point where I couldn't leave the house. I quit my job and everything. Everyone told me it was just my anxiety. I finally set myself up with a PCP. Told him all the symptoms I was experiencing, convinced I was going to have a heart attack. He had me do another xray, a stress test, blood work, and wear a heart holter monitor for 72 hours. All of those once again where clear. So he put me on a low dose beta blocker and it's done wonders for me up until about 2 weeks ago. The chest pains, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, left arm pain and tingling, etc all came back. I missed 4 days of work cause I couldn't leave the house. Again went to the ER a few days ago over this.... nothing was found... is it all anxiety and in my head? Or is there something wrong with my heart? It's ruining my life... I had all these tests done to show my heart is healthy but I can't help but think my dr missed something... thanks for reading.

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I called out of work yesterday and saw my doctor again. More chest xrays, another echocardiogram, etc. They are all clear. I see a new psychiatrist on Tuesday. My doctor believes it's all in my head but these physical symptoms are hell!

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Profile picture for libby93 @libby93

Before I start I want to inform you that I do have severe anxiety and panic disorder. I'm also a 25 year old female. About 2 years ago I started experiencing these awful chest pains. It scared me so bad I went to the ER to get checked out. They did chest x rays, ekg, etc. All of those came back normal. So they sent me home and said to take asprin. The pains kept coming back. It was to the point where I couldn't leave the house. I quit my job and everything. Everyone told me it was just my anxiety. I finally set myself up with a PCP. Told him all the symptoms I was experiencing, convinced I was going to have a heart attack. He had me do another xray, a stress test, blood work, and wear a heart holter monitor for 72 hours. All of those once again where clear. So he put me on a low dose beta blocker and it's done wonders for me up until about 2 weeks ago. The chest pains, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, left arm pain and tingling, etc all came back. I missed 4 days of work cause I couldn't leave the house. Again went to the ER a few days ago over this.... nothing was found... is it all anxiety and in my head? Or is there something wrong with my heart? It's ruining my life... I had all these tests done to show my heart is healthy but I can't help but think my dr missed something... thanks for reading.

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@libby93- Hi Libby. I can tell that you are very very frustrated. Try and hang in there! Have you gone to a GI doctor as yet? Lots of times anxiety can cause a lot of acid in your stomach and cause GERD. There are quite a few people on here who have found out that their pain was actually caused by GERD? Can you get in to see one?

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