Constantly aware of heartbeat, any tips?

[DeanPhillips]

Hi All!

I'm a 31 year old pain in the backside 😂

For about 6 months I've been experiencing terrible anxiety and depression due to one of my children's illness' and the breakup of my family.

I'm still waiting CBT but am now on my third set of meds which seem to be actually helping the depression!

My anxiety is better but it still terribly noticeable.

The main problem I'm now facing is a raised heart rate and acute awareness of my heart beat. It's usually when I'm trying to sleep or relax and I can feel it pounding in my chest and through my fingers. It's usually the start of then trying to control the panic cycle, mild chest aches and slight spasms etc

I'm hoping the CBT will help but in the mean time I'm hoping the fine people on here may have some tips and tricks to help take my mind away from it and be a bit more anxiety free.

[RachieW]

Hi there,

I also suffer this problem.. all will be fine and then I feel like someone's hit me in the chest and I can feel my heart racing and palpitations. I'm also waiting CBT. I find that breathing exercises breathing deep and slowly helps and also when I feel it starting I distract myself by thinking of something and doing it. I think it's a matter of finding what's best for you sorry it's not much advice but it works for me

[DeanPhillips in reply to RachieW]

Hi Rachie,

Yeah that's almost exactly, like you have large thud in your chest and all of a sudden it's all going!

Breathing exercises do help a little bit, the worst part is when I'm trying to sleep and don't really fancy getting up and doing stuff to distract myself lol. This really is a massive nuisance 😂

Thanks for your reply though, nice to know others are having the same problem!

[RachieW in reply to DeanPhillips]

I know what you mean, its very frustrating indeed! It's slowly taken over my life lately as I panic going out on my own because I feel I can't breathe. It triggers other problems for me as I have an illness that makes me faint so it's a vicious circle of palpitations, panic and passing out. It's a good way to scare people though haha!

Yeh it's always a relief when you realise you're not the only one suffering something crazy

[DeanPhillips in reply to RachieW]

Yeah that's how I feel, I never used to be like this, I couldn't have cared less about crowds and used to travel round London no problem at all, now I won't and can't go near the place!

Scaring friends is always fun ha!

It's funny how just talking about it can make things seem better and out it into a different perspective.

I'm determined to not let this beat me!

[RachieW in reply to DeanPhillips]

I'm same, I can't stand crowds and after being in a environment with lots of people like parties etc I'm exhausted because I'm anxious that people are staring and me and can see my anxiety even though I know this isn't the case.

I've only been on this site since Sunday and it's been a great help and distraction talking to people exactly the same as me.

That's the attitude

[DeanPhillips in reply to RachieW]

Yeah, it even stops me doing thing like exercising just in case, everything's over thought and it's so wearing and draining!

I'm not so bothered about what people think, it's mainly about what would happen to me if something was to happen, maybe I'd have a panic attack again or someone would set me off.

I take things a day at a time, and I don't feel ashamed any more, I used to, but I figured with what I've been through I have no right to feel ashamed!

I usually post in reply to others and try to help, I don't often get round to looking at myself lol

[philly101]

Hey just wanted to say you're not the only one.

I've had this for a while, it's extremely frustrating and there were points were I didn't want to do anything. My heart would race all the time and I'd feel it all over my body. Eventually I started doing tasks that would keep my mind from thinking about my pulse/heart etc. Going for walks, riding my bike, exercising. Physical activity is important, it helps with the equilibrium of your body and mind. Reduces stress level and anxiety. Take it slow, even if you just go for a walk around the block, or a light jog. Hope this helps and good luck with everything.

[DeanPhillips in reply to philly101]

Thanks for the reply! I find that keeping myself busy does help, I just can't keep going on until I'm exhausted. It's at the point I need to sleep that it becomes an issue.

[DeanPhillips]

I'm already on propanolol which does help but I still get bursts of it. It's not fast, just thumping.

[Constalation84]

So how are things? Did they let up any?

[Bethwilde1997 in reply to Constalation84]

Just been looking for answers and come across this post.

I know it was from a year ago but it has made me realise I am not alone.

Been suffering so bad from anxiety at the moment, wake up every morning with racing/thudding heart, feeling distant like in a dream, trembly, generally unwell and dizzy.

Anxiety is a nightmare that we are all desperate to come out of!

When I read most posts about the symptoms, it seems as if people have them on and off, my anxiety just continues throughout the day and the symptoms continue too!!

Any tips and please can I hear your symptoms?

[Lovetorun02 in reply to Bethwilde1997]

Hi Bethwilde,

I am having the same problems! I came across this post as well and have found it to be helpful. It’s nice to know you’re not alone.

I’m a 34 year old usually health female. I have recently had a few health scares, most of them related to evelated heart rate, panic attacks, anxiety, etc.

I have been to the ER 3 times and I feel like the doctors just think I’m crazy. It’s a horrible feeling because you know something is just off with yourself.

I get to obsessing about my heart rate and find myself checking it over and over again all day long and into the evening. I attempt to break the cycle and some days I do ok. Other days not so much. I do find that exercise helps. It also helps me to just talk to people about it. My anxiety is worse at night similar to DeanPhillips. I think it’s just because I have more down time and time to think. Which can be bad for us anxiety suffers.

I have a cardiologist that I see and was prescribed metropolol but I even have anxiety about taking it because I worry that it will drop my heart rate too low.

On days that my anxiety is really bad I don’t eat well and have difficulty sleeping. I have read that omega-3s and probiotics are some good supplements to take. However, you have to be cautious with the fish oils (omega-3s) because the cheaper brands can have fillers that can cause a lot of problems. I’ve talked to my doctor about supplements, you may think about that too. B-12 is another supplement that I’ve read about that a lot of people say help. Just some things to consider and defiantly discuss with your doctor before taking anything.

I stopped taking my metropolol (per doctors orders) to see how I would do but I’m considering going back on it for a longer period to see if it helps. Hope you find some relief. Best of luck to you.

[Amiraks7911 in reply to Lovetorun02]

This is the story of my life. Ugh. Same specs and everything. 34 normally healthy. This heart racing randomly and thuds and inability to sleep without waking up with an attack is horrible....im trying to work on myself to change my thinking. I know this is half the battle. I'm a worst case scenario type of person and it makes life much scarier. Dealing with 3 kids like this is extremely difficult. This forum has helped me ALOT. Knowing your not alone is soo relieving. I pray we can all get some solace. Anxiety symptoms is a nightmare

[Lovetorun02 in reply to Amiraks7911]

Amiraks7911,

I am all about keeping an eye on it and being diligent about my health. Our bodies know when something is off, so if you feel you need to be checked out, do it! Nothing wrong with getting checked for peace of mind. I’ve even asked for referrals to other specialist when I felt like I wasn’t getting answers. This forum is great and there are great ppl on here who are so supportive. Best of luck! And you’re welcome to talk to me anytime! I’ll be happy to vent with you.

Christina.

[schugirl in reply to Lovetorun02]

I know this was several years ago, but I found this post while searching the internet for similar situations to mine. Your experience sounds almost identical to mine. Trying to avoid meds, but still constantly monitoring heart rate. Thank you for sharing <3

[DeanPhillips]

Hi lovetorun,

It’s funny to think how many people have similar symptoms over anxiety.

I’ve just been re-reading my own comments from a year ago and whilst mentally I’m in a slightly different place the problems I have are still ongoing, palps, high heart rate, etc and I still even now get it a lot worse at night. I’ve found scheduling meds to help a lot, I know roughly when I’m going to feel it worse so I take propanolol at a certain time to help alleviate my evening palps.

Over the course of the last year I’ve had my thyroid check and triple checked, had my adrenal glands checked, vit b-12 was ok, vit d was chronically low so that was upped. Everything now is where it should be but I still get them, seems more noticeable after eating!

I have another transthoracic ecg coming up, along with another 72 hour study, all in the next week.

They’ve even said they don’t necessarily think there’s anything overtly wrong with my heart but as it’s recorded that I’m still having ectopic beats and tachycardia they want to 100% rule it out.

It’s a long and hard road and when it’s all happening you can’t help but feel like there’s something seriously wrong...but when it all calms down and you reflect on what’s happened you can start putting 2 and 2 together.

Keep up the positivity, you’ll get there!

[Dnel82]

Bro this is me almost every day. Makes me depressed on top of my anxiety. Most times it occurs when i lie down and try to relax. I had this a few years ago and it went away but recently started back up about 4 weeks ago.

The sad part is it occurs even without panic or anxiousness. It'll speed up and last about 30min to an hour. It's very miserable. I've had numerous visits to the cardiologist. I was told i have the best heart they've ever seen.

I just let it be and accept it and it eventually passes. I try not to behave excited or overreact because then I'll just panic. I kind of just go with the flow. It makes me sad that it even happens in the first place and unfortunately it's all connected to anxiety.

If you feel you need to get checked out by a specialist it doesn't hurt. Especially if feel you feel it'll give you piece of mind. But chances are it's purely the anxiety if you want to save on the medical visit.

Stay strong and don't let anxiety win.

[kementor]

HI guys! I am 27 and just finished reading all responses here, and it is relaxing and sad at the same time to know that I'm not alone here. Your experiences sound very familiar. It is astonishing that a lot of us truly think that there is something wrong with our bodies. I have now had anxiety/ panic attack like symptoms for over an year and half. I cant even express to you all how many tests I have undergone to make myself sure that there is nothing wrong. Each time I feel relaxed on finding out that everything is ok. Each time I fall back to these symptoms. My anxiety started with a incompetent, toxic boss at my first job who did nothing but demeaning his team for his inabilities. Anyways, To put something different her, I would like to add that my symptoms are in a vicious cycle with stomach problems meaning I have acidity/ bloating/ gas and have observed that popping an antacid really helps me during these symptoms. I am so adamant to beat this thing happening with me which has ruined my experiences in life. I just seem lost after every battle with anxiety.

I feel calm writing my experience down here and would want to thank you all for sharing your experiences.

As Dean has said so many times here, lets beat this thing!

[DeanPhillips in reply to kementor]

Hey!

Old thread but a good one. I’m still here and still having the symptoms but the key difference is I know exactly what they are and guess what...none of them have hurt me!

Finding your own routine and knowing your body are key exercises. I got diagnosed with an ectopic beat..but importantly benign. When I feel anxious or stressed I can feel my heart skipping beats, it’s annoying now but I’m used to it. I either manage my body or a quick propranolol and I’m back to feeling half decent.

I’m glad this thread has helped you and honestly, you’ll be fine. Even if it doesn’t feel like it at times!

We’ve all been there.

[Agora1 in reply to DeanPhillips]

Hey Dean, glad to hear that you accepted your symptoms and are doing better.

Acceptance seems to be the key word in helping us go forward

Take care and thanks for giving us some positivity today. xx