The past 3 weeks I have been in and out of hospital with palpitations and racing heart episodes im currently wearing a 48 hour ecg and been put on a low dose of bisoprolol (which doesn't seem to be doing much) my question is has anyone ever experienced anything like this and it's just ended up being panic attacks? All my bloods were fine I've been refered to cardiology but something in the back of my mind is wondering if anxiety could cause physical problems like this? I've had heart palpitations,racing heart, dry mouth ,dizziness I've even woken up in the night heart racing and sweating ! Its been a horrible few weeks feel like I'm just sat waiting for it to happen again! X
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Hannahpanda27
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Bisoprolol can be prescribed for anxiety as well as heart symptoms……as bantam says they can be very much the same. You do sound anxious, when you say ‘waiting for it to happen again’.
Yeh I definitely am anxious about it because its happened 3 times all on different levels and its just a worry going to bed with 2 young children in the house thinking I hope it doesn't happen again! I'm sure ill get past thinking this way though thanks for your reply xx
It sounds really tough. And it’s must be very hard trying to unravel what’s really happening. Of course (not to worry you) but your symptoms could be heart related, but exacerbated or bought on by anxiety. You have your two young kids to be responsible for, it’s enough to make you anxious. I’m not sure what to suggest……I’ve just had some phone counselling just to get a balance, which might help you. It helped me.
Annoying thing is its came from absolutely no where I've not got a stressful job my kids and partner are great we have a nice life so this had knocked it out of me emotionally and physically 🙃 thanks for your reply cxxl
I’ve had two panic attacks where I felt dreadful, had no idea what was happening and convinced myself that I was having a heart attack. Ended up in A&E on both occasions. I now use mindfulness techniques if I sense one might be on the horizon. Worth discussing with your GP to see if they can point you in the right direction to help with them.
Hi Hannah and everyoneI was about to post the same! So rather than create a new thread can join yours. I am the same, had a HA in December, aged 45 wholly unexpected as fit, running marathons etc.
Since then have been so up and down physically and emotionally. Feels like a vicious cycle- I feel good physically and that gives me confidence emotionally. Then I get ill, and it spirals downwards. Just been on holiday and it was dire because I spent the whole time taking analgaesics for chest pain and had two panic attacks I had never had before. Ended up in the local hospital having tests which showed nothing cardiac related but they say most likely anxiety induced. It’s so debilitating. We had to come home a few days early and now taking it easy. Want to be out running but just can’t as the pain is too high. Can’t get a gp appointment for love nor money either. So frustrating. So you have my sympathies and I hope we can both get some answers. Take care Marc
Just to say that because my condition, heart valve needed, my anxiety levels at times are through the roof. If you need to unload your worries then a call to the Samaritans might help. I would never have guessed that I would be in need of their services but they are for there everyone with a problem.
Thanks everyone for your help! Ive had palpitations on and off for years but nothing like these past few weeks! As I said I've got a 48 hour ecg on at the minute booked in for a scan and an appointment with cardiologist! And if everything comes back clear I'll try my hardest to work through it mentally ! Its very hard to keep calm because you can't help but think what if ? I also don't want to be taking tablets I don't need if there's nothing wrong physically with me ! Nice to have people to chat too 👍
Anxiety can indeed cause all sorts of physical problems and unfortunately some of those can be similar or identical to heart trouble symptoms. Sometimes it's a vicious circle - one causes (or increases) the other. What I do is fight on both fronts. I do the necessary monitoring/controls with my GP and cardiologist, watch my diet and exercise and at the same time I also work on my mind (meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises...). You may find this site quite interesting: anxietycentre.com/ .
It may be worth asking for someone, GP or health assistant to do an active stand test. It will show if you have any orthostatic intolerence, a form of dysautonomia. It's worth checking out potsuk and dysautonomia international.
I have a form of dysautonomia called hyperadrenergic postural tachycardia syndrome. There is a expected to be a surge in this type of autonomic nervous system problems for those who have had Covid even if they did not test positive.
I take 7.5mg of bisoprolol to keep my heart within limits. There are a few different types of this condition. The flight or fight system is activated, however its not anxiety that causes it, its a physiological response from a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system, when aggravated by posture, exercise, many things. The autonomic system controls all actions our bodies automatically do.. So just getting blood circulating, managing the complexities of defying gravity, for example. If our brains do not get the oxygen because blood is stuck in our lower bodies, or we have stayed still too long and its pooled, noradrenaline is sent out to speed the heart up. That creates a cycle of tachycardia, then drops in HR, palpitations, trembling and all the signs of anxiety, without being anxious.. Well apart from what the heck is wrong with me.
All the best, check out the sites mentioned, do your own active stand test.
Thanks so much ill mention this to my doctor sounds similar to what's happening to me I had covid in September but was asymptomatic so possibly that xxxx
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Mentally and physically exhausted 
How long do your palpitations from stress / anxiety last?
Advise with exercise and heart problems.
Dealing with anxiety 
