Literally feel scared to death

[Peppa08]

I’m suffering severe anxiety at the moment so much that my heart is constantly racing even on a beta blocker, I’m so scared I have caused Afib and so this is keeping the anxiety going, I can’t eat I can’t sleep I’m just in a constant state of panic that I can’t calm down from. Terrified my heart will just reach a point that it stops. Don’t know how to stop this feeling and the racing. How much can it take 😥 I’m stressing my family too because I’m convinced I’m going to drop dead. So scared of dying

[Hidden]

Hi Peppa08,

Have you spoken to a Doctor about this? They may be able to offer you medication or some other support. It can't be nice living with a panic feeling all of the time and you deserve help to sort it out.

Not eating and sleeping will be making everything feel worse. Have you tried anything to help you get some sleep? Maybe a Guided meditation on Youtube or something. That might be a good starting point.

It might be worth trying to eat some plain food. When I don't feel like eating I can usually manage a bit of breakfast cereal to get me started, as it is not too heavy.

Have you looked for an Afib support group in real life or online? It may help to meet other people with the same condition.

I hope you are feeling better soon

[Peppa08 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply, I’m worried that I’ve caused afib due to the stress I’ve put on my heart. Is this a possibility and would a 24 hour ecg pick it up, I’m terrified I’ve done irreversible damage

[Hidden in reply to Peppa08]

Unfortunately I'm not qualified to answer any of those and only your Doctor would know enough about your situation to answer.

A cardiologist can get a lot of information from a 24 hour ECG and they use it to give them an idea of any further tests that could be required. Have you had a 24 hour ECG? Have you been offered tests?

Have you been diagnosed with Afib?

[Peppa08 in reply to Hidden]

Waiting for results from 24 hour ecg will this show up Afib

[Hidden in reply to Peppa08]

If you had a session of Afib while wearing the monitor, yes it would show up. Did you get your symptoms when wearing the 24 hour monitor?

[Peppa08 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I did x

[Peppa08 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I spoken to mental health and the doctors been taking citalopram it will be two weeks Monday I started on them I don’t feel any better for taking them. Also had sleeping tablets to knock me out at night

[Hidden in reply to Peppa08]

Well, that is two bits of good news.

One is that you had your symptoms on the 24 hour monitor, so the Doctor will get an idea of what may be causing them.

Two you have already started Citalopram. It can take 4-6 weeks to fully work, but you are half way there. You just need to try and look after yourself for the next few weeks and the medication should start to help the anxiety and you will hopefully have your ECG results soon.

[Peppa08 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I’ve never been so scared

[meadfoot]

So sorry to hear you are feeling so anxious. Its understandable when our heart gives us issues. Please dont suffer alone with this and by that i mean contacting relevant medics to support you. That includes psychological help too. You cant go on at this level of anxiety please seek further support, its out there please harness it.

[Frootbat]

I was in such a state recently. Paitations arrhythmia (brief) af. Long story short seems it was high BP. Much better, even sleeping! since on Amlodipine 5mg. Was already on beta blockers but obvs weren’t doing enough. Good luck.

[EmmyLaury12]

Hi Peppa08,

I was also exactly like you following my HA last April .I was convinced I was going to die had x2 A&E admissions only to be told I had chronic anxiety my heart had been fixed with a stent and I really had to sink or swim !!

I am happy to say I am swimming now 😊. I had to ask for help

Though in the early months post HA. My Dr was amazing as I really told him I couldn’t go anymore with the anxiety it was ruining my life .He prescribed meds , CBT and followed me up

Weekly with a phone call to see if I was ok .This all addedto my recovery andbreathing /meditation/ relaxation also helped me so much .

I am a different person now than I was so honestly please ask for help ASAP.

You will

Get there because I did and lots of others on this forum.

Here for you if you would like to chat x

[Peppa08]

The trouble I’ve got is I’m stuck in an anxiety cycle I get a panic feeling and then heart starts racing so makes me panic even more, I scared I’m going to cause a heart attack