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Very scared please help

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Heart & Cardiovascular Disease
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Posted 7/8/2006 9:20 AM (GMT 0)
I am 26 years old female in in the last three months have had extreme issues with pains in my chest.  They usually began when I am doing nothing, I will all of us sudden get pains in either of my arms and the left side of my neck, my chest gets pains that go through them, they are not completely crippling, but they are at least an 8 on pain level.  I will become nauseated, shakey and very hot with sweats.  I have visited the ER almost evrytime this has happened and have even been able to get there with in a few minutes, sometimes my arms go numb.  I have no swelling in my legs and have never thrown up, I do get extreme direhea.  The ER visits have always been the same every time I go, my EKG is perfect, my cardiac enzymes are fine, my cholesteral is good, and I have been kept over 8 hours for monitoring.  They have found nothing.  My father died at 52 of a heart attack, he drank, smoked, and took perscription pills, my two of my other grandparents died of a heart attack, so this scares me.  I do not smoke or drink.  They have said I am a very low risk, but I am still scared.  My General Dr. has put me on lexapro for anxiety and depression and I do have acid reflux.  He has made me an appt for Monday for the Cardiologist, he said it was more for my peace of mind and I am so scared.  Can aynone relate?  WHat tests would you reccomend?  Sometimes reading some of these posts get me more upset and the pains start over again.  Could this all really be ANXIETY?  Each time seems to get worse and worse, I have read some posts that say some of you still had a heart attack after your cardiologist gave you an all clear diagnosis, and that scares me?  Sorry this is so long, I just have so many fears, that I am walking around my house with my phone, wont leave my house and panic when I am here by myself!!!
Posted 7/8/2006 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Boxermom and welcome to the forum! I'm glad that you have an appt to see the cardio. This should allay your fears. Yes, anxiety does cause the exact symptoms that you describe. I have had some anxiety in the past. Computers are good for most things, but you can also freak yourself out by reading too much. I had to make myself stop! When and if you get a green light about your heart you have to make yourself stop reading forums such as this one. I found a relaxation tapes that I listen to daily. It really helps! I also use music and candles to help myself relax. You can also be proactive by eating right, stop smoking if you so smoke, making sure your cholesterol is ok, and watching your blood pressure. A lot of this your father and grandparents didn't know (or choose to ignore) so please keep in mind that you are not your family. You know your history and can do something about it! Good luck and relax.

Posted 7/10/2006 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
Seeing as I am the most senior member here I'll take the time to welcome you to Healing Well! What your experiencing...hmm. Well, there are five major symtpoms of something I think is possible, and reply to me if you remember any of these prominent symptoms.

1. Hard, fast beating heart
2. Sweating, feeling hot
3. Feeling helpless, like youre going to die
4. Pain in your chest with every beat of your heart
5. Mild numbness

These are all symptoms of Panic attacks. They closely resemble heart attacks, which sucks hell because im only 15 and have alrady had 4 of them. They are NOT unhealthy, but are a sign that you are over-stressed. see the panic-anxiety forums.
Posted 7/10/2006 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
It is good to see the cardiologist because of your family history. He'll probably set up a nuclear stress test and that will show alot. You could also ask if it could be coronary artery spasms but this is rare. When the chest pains starts, does it go across the chest? How long does it last? Do you have problems exercising? Yes-this could all be anxiety. Definately go to the ER if you think it is your heart but if you do not think it is, try to relax or do some meditation, concentrate on some easy listening, lulling music and see if your symptoms subside. Please let us know what the cardiologist says and God Bless!
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