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Heart problem or anxiety?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 4/18/2014 6:05 AM (GMT 0)
For the last year I have gone through job changes, divorce, sold my house, custody battle. I was told I was suffering from depression and anxiety and put on meds and see a counselor regularity. Six months ago I met a wonderful woman. I just recently was diagnosed that I had a mild heart attack. On the same day I lost my job. My daughter stopped talking to me as well as my best friend. ( I guess they are sick of hearing me down all the time) now my girlfriend needs to take a break.

My question is, I feel chest pains all the time but are they just anxiety or another heart attack? I don't want to run to the ER every time.

I have to wait three more weeks to see cardiologist. Do I just go to ER? Or shrug the pains off as anxiety?
Posted 4/18/2014 6:59 AM (GMT 0)
Seeing as you have a recent history of heart disease then best you go to the ER. Certainly DO notify them of your other issues but be specific about the nature of the pain and whereabouts/duration. If you are experiencing pain radiating to shoulders, back, left arm as well as shortness of breath - treat it as an emergency and either call for ambulance or have someone drive you to the ER pronto !

Anxiety DOES aggravate a number of other conditions that can cause chest pain and in some cases mimic heart pain namely Costochondritis (inflammation of ribs and rib cartlidge) but best have that diagnosed properly rather than self diagnose.

Best wishes in any case
Posted 4/18/2014 7:07 AM (GMT 0)
I'm agreeing with wombat here.

Given your history in particular, best to get things checked out and know for certain. You've got a great many things going on in your life, all at the same time,....be safe, get to your doctors, and get a ruling either way.

We're still here to support you....






M.
Posted 4/18/2014 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
Sparky, welcome!

I am sorry to hear of the difficulties that you are currently going through.

Please come back once you have been checked out medically, and let us know how you are doing...and how we can be of support.

We have lots of great anxiety mangement ideas and encouraging friends here to understand and listen.

Peace and wellness,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/18/2014 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear of ur hardships. But yeah since u do have history then it's safer to be checked. I have tightness of chest alot and as soon as I take my meds it's instantly gone. I always think iam dying. Iam only 37 but convinced my other health issues ( lupus etc) are gonna kill me. Iam absorbed by it. Chest pain is constant for me just about. I hope the best for you!
Posted 4/18/2014 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you. I wish I could tell between the two. I hear that anxiety attacks feel the same as heart attack
Posted 4/18/2014 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
I know, I am sure that is is very confusing and frustrating to try and decipher what is cardio and what is anxiety related.

That is where a two pronged approach to your overall health is going to be very important!

One is to keep up with your cardio doctor, and do all that you can to ensure that all is well with your heart health.

Two is going to be seeking anxiety management skills to lower your overall stress levels, and thus symptoms.

Have you been referred for a therapy consultation? If not, then I would ask about this possibility right away.

Most cardiac patients do deal with post H/A anxiety...so this should be an easy appointment/arrangement for your doctor to make on your behalf.

In the meantime...here are our Resources, and some great self-help coping exercises. Practicing these daily is a healthy way to keep anxiety levels down.smile

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html
Posted 4/18/2014 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
To complicate things more for me, is I have my 8 year old son with me for the next couple of days. He doesn't know I had a heart attack. I have no one to take care of him if I go into the hospital. If it is a heart attack his mom will be ok with that, but if it turns out to be anxiety, she will take him from me. (She has done this in the past).

Confused, scared, and alone
Posted 4/18/2014 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Anxiety is a medical condition, just as much as a cardio issue. Your wife can't leagally take your son from you for reasons of having panic or anxiety.

Go and get checked out to be safe. It is going to be alright, but you need that peace of mind.

We are here for you. Stay strong and take care of your son, by taking care of you! Do you have a realtive/friend that can go with and/or watch your son while you are being seen by your doctor? That would be a good thing to set up if possible.

Let us know how you are doing soon,

S.C.
Posted 4/18/2014 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Yes anxity and well any mental or neurological disorder has such taboo attached to it. It's quite awful. Just as pol
Say they are "having a panic attack" when in fact they are jist nervous. People dont realize that it's an actual thing. The first one I had I was hospitalized for two days because my heart rate went up to 288 at it's high point. B4 that tho while figuring out lupus diagnosis, I was convinced it was my heart and had stress tests done and other heart testing. The worst thing is that a panic attack comes on for absolutely no reason and out of the blue. Could be at a book store relaxing. It's the worse. When I feel it coming on I try to mind over matter it. And that usually works til I can get to my clonazeapam. I take two in am one at lunch and 2 at night. It's even more stressful trying to find a support network that understands it's an actual condition. My "mr" tells me to give it the hell up nd stop being dramatic. Lol!!! Ppl who haven't had one don't know how scary they really are. Please get ur ticker checked tho! Impt. And Shag ur ex!!! Tell her it's ur heart anyway just so she leaves u alone. Stress u dont need!
Posted 4/21/2014 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Spent most of Easter day in emergency. Apparently I never did have a heart attack????? I have RBBB, right bundle branch block. Not as serious so hopefully I can relax now. They are fast tracking my stress tests, hopefully this week and get a full cardiac work up.
Thanks for all your concern
Posted 4/21/2014 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Sparky,

That is great news!! Although I am sorry that you went through the emotional stress of the misdiagnoses!

Have you checked in with the Cardio Forum here? You may be able to learn more about branch block issues there.

Of course, continue to post with us as well for the anxiety issues.:)

I hope that you get the RIGHT answers that you need about your cardio health with your upcoming test and appointments.

I am sorry that you spent the holiday in the ER...but hopefully you are closer to finding what you need to do in order to manage your health.

Let us know how you are doing soon, won't you?

S.C.
Posted 4/21/2014 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Glad you got some good news..Sorry it had to be on Easter, but at least it might ease some of your worry..Good luck to you and praying your situation gets better.
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