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Is this an anxiety attack?

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Posted Today 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. This has been a tough few days and I need some help. Yesterday was a horrible day at work. Specifics aren't important but suffice to say I cried most of the day. I went to the health club and while I was on the elliptical I was emailing people at work. After about 30 minutes I noticed my heart rate was off the charts. No other symptoms that would make me think I was having a heart attack. No pain. No shortness of breath, etc. I went home and took a Xanax and finally calmed down. Work today was still stressful for me. So I went to the health club again and was dwelling on work. Same thing happened. My heart rate went way up. So I got off the elliptical and walked over to the bike which I'm on now. My heart rate is fine and I've been on it 20 minutes. Did my unconscious make my heart rate go up again? In my mind somewhere was I thinking it happened yesterday so it might happen today. And then it did? This happened about 15 yrs ago. I drove myself to the ER. They did an EKG and sent me home telling me to have a glass of wine and a warm bath!! I've since been on Toprol for MVP and Zoloft for anxiety. I feel like I'm losing my mind. I just want to cry. I'm scared this is a heart problem even though I know it's obviously not as I'm in the bike bad everything is fine. I'm sorry to ramble on but it's somehow calming to get it out. Am I losing it?
Posted Today 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
To calm your nerves I would say see a doctor.

We aren't professional doctors here so I can only tell you what I've experienced. I will tell you I have experienced the same exact symptoms doing a cardio workout on the elliptical, running, etc.

I would say to take a break from working out and see if it continues. Maybe just go on walks instead and not push yourself too hard for a week or so.

Typically it's not recommended to work out while your stressed because eventually your brain will see the workout as a trigger for stress (told to me by many personal trainers), much like a person who has panic attacks going over bridges eventually has the fear dissipate by seeing nothing occurs as they go over the bridge each time. The brain's reaction to situations alters as your brain sees the same activity occurring.

I would highly recommend taking time after work to meditate or visual imagery or doing something relaxing like reading, reading magazines, or just doing some yoga. It seems to me your working yourself up even more when you're already stressed.

Again I'm not a medical professional so I would go see a doctor to once again to ease your nerves.

Take care *HUGS*

~Twiggygal
Posted Today 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks. What you have said makes sense. At this point it's a self fullfilling prophecy. It happened once so subconsciously my mind thinks it will happen again. And of course it does. I will think about seeing a doctor as well. If this felt more "medical" I'd probably be there now. But my heart isn't pounding and I'm not short of breath. And there's no pain. I'm going to give it a few days and if it doesn't improve I'll see a cardiologist.
Posted Today 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi SO.:)

You have been given excellent advice by TG! I just wanted to tell you that I have had anxiety sypmtoms during exercise as well. It is not that unusual...and the combination of anxiety and increased heart rate can perpetuate more anxiety...and on goes the cycle!

Also, the monitors on the machines at the gym can be innacurate. Can you take your pulse yourself instead? That would be the best indication of how your HR is doing

If you have been given a clean bill of health by your doctor with a recent check-up then you are probably okay...if not, then why not just make an appointment with your GP soon? It will at least give you peace of mind.

Again, I think that TG's idea of taking it easier with the exercise...such as moderate walking is advisable.:)

I am sure that you will be feeling better and able to get on to your regular routine soon!

Let us know how you are doing when you can.

S.C.
Posted 12/2/2012 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Been there done that, get off treadmill feel my throat(how many times has everyone on here done that?) and then think this is it , the big one.... If I have any advice it would be to go on walks at a fast pace.
Posted 12/2/2012 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much. I've dialed it down and it seems to be working. I need to work on the anxiety though. These changes at work make me feel like a failure even though I've been assured I'm not by the president of the company himself. It's a long story and unimportant to my current emotional state. Sucking it up and realizing in a few months no one at work will remember or care what happened is key. I have my job. No demotion. No pay cut. On paper it looks fine. In my head anxiety is king. All I want to do is be alone and cry.
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