New here need support

I was also wondering of it could just be gas that causes the flutter my mom says.its gas that causes the sharp chest pains and what not it.would just calm my nerves to hear what other people think

Hi and welcome!

I am sorry that you have been having these symtoms and the anxiety that they are causing.

I am sure that when you have your cardio tests, that your doctor explained the difference between a cardiac event and benign palps. Palpitations happen to most everyone, although a lot of people never detect them.

If you have had those two tests recently and they were clear, then you should be just fine. You have no risk factors and anxiety itself can bring on more symptoms, but not cause you to have something structurally wrong with your heart.

Of course long term stress is not good for you, and could, after many years (along with other risk factors usually) start to cause problems...so anxiety management is something that everyone should practice!

In our Resource Guide we have many self-help ideas. Check out the links for breathing and relaxation exercises. Practicing these daily can significantly reduce anxiety. Once you start to feel better and less symptomatic, you can also add in some regular exercise, such as walking/jogging/bike riding/sports...

You may want to also check with your doctor to rule out acid reflux...like your mom said, stomach issues are often felt in the chest, so it is worth a look. While you are there, if you think that you need more help as far as managing the anxiety, you could then discuss options with your doctor such as a therapy referral.

Keep posting and let us know how you are doing soon,

Scaredy Cat

Yes, this is a great place and we are like a family! I have found so much help and support here.:)

As far as the fear of having a cardiac event...you are not alone! So many people have the same worry. In fact, a lot people who have experienced a panic attack, have been seen in the ER thinking that they were having a heart attack...the symptoms can be very similar.

Of course this leads to a vicious cycle of more symptoms, more anxiety, bringing on yet more symptoms and on and on.

For me personally, the breathing exercises have been the most helpful...that and physical exercise. For a while I could hardly handle either one...even though I have been athletic all my life...when my anxiety started I thought for sure that there was something so seriously wrong that I couldn't do much of anything but panic!

Starting slowly with the breathing and then the gradual start up with exercise helped me to feel better and gave me faith that all was okay with my health/heart. I also had therapy which played a big role as well...but the other two things you could get started with easily, right away. (I have a favorite breathing exercise that I will post if you are interested.)

As far as responding to members, if the person has their e-mail in their profile, then you can feel free to contact them that way...just click on their screen name and it will take you to their profile page.:)

I hope that you have a good day at school!

S.C.

I totally understand. When I was first diagnosed with an anxiety disorder I was about 17. Palpitations were a major trigger of mine. Which over time I found out were mostly caused by my anxiety and being hyper alert to anything physically wrong.

Also, my anxiety and depression, to this day, physically manifests itself in chest pain. Right over my heart actually. Though there is nothing physical causing this pain, it is still very real. For years it terrified me, but after many, many, tests I realized that it was my body's way of expressing its extreme emotional struggle.

I hope that your test goes well, and remember, if they don't find anything then you need to accept that and work on the anxiety. That can be the hardest part, but it is important. If they do find something, I hope it is small and manageable and helps reduce your anxiety. Waiting can be onemofmthe worst things someone with anxiety has to go through; in a time of limbo our minds tend to fill the gaps with horror.

Best wishes and positive thoughts being sent your way.