Hi, I don’t when to stop worrying. 21 year old man, obese with hypothyroidism, never smoked.

[Dshadzz07]

Hi, I’ve been struggling with anxiety and fear of having a heart attack for the last 18 months, must’ve had about 20-25 ECGs, an echo, bloods and X-rays. Nothing has ever been wrong with the doctors saying I’m too young to have one, which obviously I know isn’t exactly true but I get what they mean.

Like I suffer with so many different pains in the chest, arms, neck, stomach and throat. From tightness to heaviness to burning. They’ve done investigations and nothing has come back with my heart. My grandad died of a heart attack at around 60 but he was a major smoker so I know that effects a lot.

I’m obese and trying to lose weight at 21 but I suffer with hypothyroidism that makes it harder to do but I eat healthier now.

I just don’t know what to believe and how to actually trust doctors with this fear and anxiety, I’m seeking treatment of health on the mental health side of things.

I don’t know if people here have this same fear or similar despite all the tests or if people have any suggestions in how to tackle this fear, I hate going to A+E so much for nothing to be wrong. I feel I just let everyone down.

Thank you in advance if you respond.

[Hidden]

Dear Dshadzz07

So sorry to hear about your struggle with anxiety and the way it has affected your life totally.

I see that this is your first post on the Heart Forum and I hoped that you didn't mind but I read your extensive post on the thyroid forum to see just how much you are suffering.

On this forum { as all forums } there is a high count of anxiety sufferers and it is heart breaking to hear about their daily struggles.

I am not medically trained but I do know from experience that anxiety can manifest many symptoms and all of them are worrying to the sufferer.

On reading your posts I can only hope that you explore ways to control that anxiety and your weight which you have constantly mentioned .

I truly wish that I could help you, but I can't, other than say you are not alone and so many others suffer as you do.

Please take care

[Dshadzz07 in reply to Hidden]

thank you so much for your response, my anxiety sadly controls some parts of my life at the moment but I’m pushing to be better and have looked into getting CBT therapy to help myself.

Anxiety has just manifested nearly every symptom under the sun for me hence why I got an ECG yesterday that came back fine checked by 2 doctors, but that’s where the anxiety just stays despite reassurance because I question if they’ve missed me having a HA or an arrhythmia.

[Jackabee]

I can’t add anything to Blue’s comment but there is sense in their reply. You need someone that you trust to talk to about your anxieties, someone who can reassure you. Big hugs.

[Mentdent]

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this but your main problem seems to be the anxiety. Treating that is hugely complicated. Hypothyroidism makes you prone to obesity and tirednessbut you still have to consume the calories to become fat. I’m sure you’ve already been told this but the first steps are exercise and healthy diet. It’s also been shown that exercise does help with anxiety but there are plenty of people on this forum and many others who will tell you how difficult it is time deal with anxiety. The only thing I can say is that after an hour in the gym, a shower and a nice slow drink of espresso coffee I feel nice and relaxed for quite a while. It does me good and makes me feel good. (Not too sure about the espresso).

[Larneybuds]

Hi......do you have any hobbies or anything you can do or start doing to help you relax your mind? Even if you hate keeping fit in any way.....a walk a day in the fresh air will do you good. Listening to calming music or different forms of mind relaxation?. I do realize that doing any of these may not be of interest but so many of us on here have had to adapt or completely change lifestyles or things we do yo help us adapt to different things we have been confronted with. I really hope you can find something to distract you from your anxieties. Perhaps talk to someone from the local health team to see if there is any counselling or group therapy you could attend. There you go....first small project.....do some research for yourself and see what's available in your area.

Good luck with everything and take care

[Adamj]

I’m 22 and have done the same tests and everything over the past 9 months horrible anxiety stress panic weird symptoms can’t even currently work because of it

I’m all fighting for if you feel like something is off keep fighting for yourself but I’ve come to the point of maybe it actually is just health anxiety and stress and such from what I’ve read of your posts were about the same build I’m 6’1 and 305lbs. I really recommend looking into health anxiety and death anxiety and see if is resonates with you at all even ptsd possibly family members having similar issues seeing them go through it and such. And never ever feel like going to get checked out is a bad thing it’s always better safe than sorry. I had a therapist tell me it’s really hard living like this because your body keeps throwing off all these false alarms trying to protect you but there’s really nothing wrong but if symptoms change or get worse get checked out

[MummaSoap]

Hi Dshadzz07

I’m in my 30’s, slim and other than my heart condition fairly fit and well; I too worry about these sorts of things happening and especially about leaving my 3 young children behind.

Personally, I think it’s normal to have a bit of fear about your own mortality. If there are family “red flags” like your grandad’s heart attack then it’s understandable that it would play on your mind.

My advice; it’s ok to be scared but don’t let it impact on how you live your life (easier said than done I know). Yes, by all means try to live a healthier life and lose weight if that’s what you want to do but don’t let fear suck all the joy out of things!

I applaud you for seeking help to manage your anxiety and think it sounds like you’re taking many positive steps.

I sincerely hope that you find a solution that helps you to manage your anxiety in a way that works for you. I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone and we are all here to support one another on our journeys, good luck! Keep us posted with how you’re getting on.

Best wishes,

Soap

[Dshadzz07]

I’d like to say thank to everyone that responded to me and appreciate all the responses.

I am actually starting CBT therapy tomorrow with a course of 10 sessions to help with my anxiety and depression and how the fear about dying and my heart affects my life.

Being 21, I just don’t want this impacting my young life, and causing me so much stress and anxiety and be able to live again without as much fear as k do now.

Update on the health side of things, they wanted to check me out at the hospital for my stomach and chest issue, everything was fine as I expected they tested ECG, tropanin, X-ray and other things so they assume it’s just really bad acid reflux. So now I’ve got this reassurance I can pursue with a clear head for the therapy.