Anxiety after Heart Attack

[Oxsana]

Hello, I’m new here. I had a heart attack about 15 months ok and for the first six months I was ok mentally, but now with every little twinge I’m paranoid it’s going to happen again. I thought I was having angina symptoms, but having spoken to my doctor she thinks it is more like anxiety because it comes on in stressful situations rather than after strenuous exercise. Of course then I worry and it gets worse. Anyone else feel this way. If so how do you cope. It seems I constantly need reassurance that I’m ok.

[shopman]

It is quite common to think the worst at times. Have you a GTN Spray, if so do you use it and does it alleviate the symptoms? Your GP could well be right and have you thought about keeping a diary or similar and writing down what was happening when this occurs - you may be able to spot a pattern.

[Oxsana in reply to shopman]

Hi, I have used it and not really. A diary is a good idea. Thanks for replying.

[Bagrat]

You may find it helpful to look into mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises when anxiety strikes. Just slowing your breathing by counting and using your 5 senses to note what is happening round you e.g. what can you feel, smell,taste hear smell. It grounds you and keeps you in the here and now.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I find Mindfulness meditation really helpful too.

I use this free app it has thousands of free meditations.

insighttimer.com/meditation...

I find yoga and Tai Chi keep me calm

I use this yoga alternative nostril breathing when I am having a really bad episode of angina

healthline.com/health/alter....

My triggers for angina are mental and emotional stress as well as the cold.

Whilst being anxious doesn't help us if you continue to have chest pain I suggest you go back to your GP and ask for further tests to check everything is okay.

Good luck 🧘‍♀️