Heart Problems?

[Lihht]

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 a year 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, 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...

[Minnie87]

Hiya,

Wow I totally understand how you feel.

The only difference between us is instead of chest pain I have a racing skipping heart.but also have constant lightheadedness/off balance,and other horrible symptoms.

The last 2 weeks I have been to hospital three times.i, like you had a chest x Ray,bloods,ecgs,monitors etc etc.and nothing!!i was convinced of some kind of diagnosis but nothing!

I have an appointment with the cardiologist in a couple of weeks but after that there isn’t much more they can do and I know how frustrating that is!

All I can say is my doctor at the hospital said that they certainly wouldn’t let someone go home that was in trouble or had a life threatening illness/problem.

Having “just anxiety” is no laughing matter and I swear it’s more debilitating than some illnesses.i have no answers I just wanted you to know that you aren’t alone!always here if you want a chat x

[Kkimm]

Hi Lihht

It must be so distressing to be going through these very frightening symptoms. However I think you should believe your doctor when you are told it is anxiety. If there was anything wrong with your heart it would show up on tests. Feel fully reassured and try to relax, easier said than done however. These sort of symptoms are very common in anxiety, but no less distressing for that.

You said you have severe anxiety and panic disorder, so are you on any antidepressants?

You are doing really well to hold down a job while suffering from anxiety. Try relaxation techniques as much as you can and do things to distract yourself while trying not to be afraid of the symptoms. Dr Claire Weekes book or on U tube is really helpful.

If you are on meds perhaps you need a dose increase. If you're not then think about it as it is so difficult to manage without if severely affected. I have GAD and am almost fully recovered but could not have done it without the help of Venlafaxine. It is tough when you first start so try to have support around you.

All our thoughts are with you, it is so difficult to go through what you are going through and people here do understand.

My very best wishes.

Kim

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to Kkimm]

I agree about the effexor, a great med for many that suffer from anxiety.

[Kkimm in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

Hi

Are you on Effexor, if it is Ok to ask, can I know what dose and how long have you been on it for?

I keep trying to decide whether or not I should ask to increase my dose to get rid of a few minor symptoms I still have after 20 months and generally feeling great. It is a slight breathlessness and tight chest particularly in the morning. I have also suffered from SVT, which is basically attacks of palpitations since age 11 and know that a dose increase could make this worse. I am on 187.5 mg and have been on this dose for about 6 months.

Be great to hear your or anyone elses comments on this.

Thanks alot

Kim

[Katielucyx]

Hi could have wrote this post myself.

Is the pain a sharp stabbing pain on the left hand side? Been experiencing it for years on and off. When I’m having a bad blip I can’t leave the house, constantly thinking about it. Like you it’s takinf over my life feel free to message me.

[ChicagoGirl1961]

The odds of a 25 year old female having a heart attack are astronomically low. Add the fact that doctors have given you a clean bill of health and the chances of you having a heart condition are non existent. It's surely anxiety which beta blockers can help with because they reduce your heart rate. Perhaps see your doctor and get on a med that helps with anxiety such as effexor or Zoloft, or whatever your doctor suggests. You are FINE! Be well and enjoy your youth while you have it.