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Posted 10/18/2014 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi anxiety friends,

I really truly need your help here. For the past week or so I have been walking for 20 minutes each night at a brisk pace. I have been walking to try and get my heart rate to a "normal" level overall. (I have a high heart rate of 180plus after 2-3 minutes of any exertion.) When I first started this walking routine, I prayed that God would give me a positive attitude to think that He can/will allow my heart to be normal again. Things were going wonderfully positive for the first few days.

But the past couple of days I am really really struggling. In fact, I just went on my walk and now I am at home crying. I am just so scared that something is wrong with me. During my walk tonight I decided that I would try to add a slight jog into the scenario and see how things went. I hoped they were going to go great. Well after one minute of jogging my HR was at 154. Really? One minute of jogging? I am SO CONFUSED.

Is this anxiety? Is this stress? Or is this a heart problem? I am 5'5, 125lbs, my blood pressure tends to run on the low side and used to be able to run a mile or so without any problems. I've never been an avid runner, but jeez louise I used to go to the zoo 3 times a week for 3-4 hours with my now 4 year old son. Does anyone have any experience with this? I am just beside myself and feeling so confused if I will ever have my normal heart back again.

:( thanks for listening. :(
Posted 10/18/2014 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
how do you feel? OK? Maybe you should just stop monitoring your heart rate
Posted 10/18/2014 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
TMA,

I can relate. I haven't exercised like I used to for a couple of months because of my panic. Before my anxiety started, I was running a couple miles several times a week and taking really difficult yoga classes. Now, I can walk with in the morning for about 15 minutes and that's about all I can do. I get super anxious and out of breath. I dont even know what would happen if I added a jog in there! I don't believe I have a heart problem, I'm thinking its part of the anxiety.
Posted 10/18/2014 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
How old are you again? You've had so many tests and procedures to rule out any problems. What led you to getting your heart checked in the first place- was it health anxiety or a known problem? Do you get symptoms with the higher heart rate or just get upset after you take it & it's high?

Bc you've been checked over by a cardiologist, I'd have to believe it's not a medical issue... What weary said is kind of true- unless you're having symptoms, maybe you could ease up on your checking your pulse?

I used to obsessively take my BP 6 yrs after being diagnosed w/high bp & put on med. I was a mess... Freaking out every time it was high, thinking for sure I was going to have a stroke. I finally boxed up the device and shoved far back in my closet & never used it again! My bp is under control now.

I'm sorry I can't offer you more advice but tell you I care and understand being upset when you think things are going good then you feel b**ch slapped out of nowhere with what seems like a set back. I don't think this is a setback or problem physically since the Dr cleared you as healthy!

Post here about this as much as you want, we are listening and care about you!!

Sending love-
Lisa
Posted 10/18/2014 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
:(( you already know that I'm the same ..
With anything it gets jumpy ,, cleaning the house it's at 130 I don't even jog cuz I don't want to see how high it would get, but during a panic attack it's at 180 and that's just sitting there .. I think that we have so much adrenaline and when we add physical extertion it's soars up,, because before my anxiety I never had this problem
I think that the main focus in your anxiety is the heart and that's what's going to bother you the most , just like me it's my heart also .
I've heard of people scared about dizziness and because of the fear of it . So I think same with us our heart gets so jumpy because we are so scared and worried about it .
The small dose of beta blockers I takIe makes A huge difference ..Helps a ton .

Post Edited (Rn1987) : 10/17/2014 9:10:46 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/18/2014 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
TMA

I am just now reading this. Sorry I missed it. I want to assure you that you are just fine! NOTHING IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!

I used to obsess over my HR. I was at a doctors appointment and they hooked me up to a heart monitor. I noticed that each time I raised up in bed, my heart rate would shoot up to 140. Just by raising up in bed!! And when I got out of bed to stand up, it shot to 160!! It scared the bejesus out of me! I was confused because I am not obese or grossly out of shape. In the marines I was 6'0 190 pounds and could run 3 miles in under 18 minutes.

I say it all the time on here. Fear comes from the "unknown" so I educated myself. Have you heard of the "220 minus age formula"? You subtract your age from 220 and this gives you your target HR during exercise. So if you are 40, your maximum HR during physical activity should be 180 bpm.

Some have discounted this formula. They claim that the "target number" may even be too low!! So another words, if you are 40, it may be completely normal for your target HR during exercise to be even higher than 180! I agree... All of our hearts are different. Some beat fast, and some beat slow! TMA, my dear friend, you are just fine!

My resting heart rate seems to stay around the mid eighties. My doctor prescribed me cardizem which controls my HR and my BP. Trust me, if your doctor thought your HR or BP was slightly elevated, he would take appropriate action.

Good for you for exercising! It's so refreshing to see someone take control over their health. Please don't stop! Keep "rockin it" and your body will thank you for it!!

Hope this helps a little. Thank you for all the support and encouragement you have shown me the last few months. You're a huge help to this forum!

Big hugs!

Cornell

Post Edited (Cornell) : 10/18/2014 6:02:33 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/18/2014 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Good golly, I couldn't have said any of this any better!

You got some excellent advice, information, and replies. So I can't add anything 'new' to the recipes provided, but I'd like to add that I concur with what was said, so you've got a strong backing of supporters in place! :)




M.
Posted 10/18/2014 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
TMA,

Just curious as to whether your cardiologist recommended a beta blocker for you? Reason being, mine tried to give me a Beta Blocker because my heart rate was 106, when they hooked me up to the EKG machine, at my last appointment with him. I refused, naturally, knowing that my heart rate was only up because of my anxiety.

My resting heart rate tends to hover around 100 bpm, and even if it goes up just the slightest bit (like 106 at the doc), I can feel it. I am hyper-aware of everything involving my heart. If I were you, I'd be in constant panic mode, and that's no lie. Everyone here that knows me, knows I have severe health anxiety when it comes to my heart, so I REALLY feel for you in this situation.

Anyway, I was just wondering if they recommended anything for you to help get it under control? I hope you can find some relief soon!

(((hugs))) Fox
Posted 10/18/2014 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks M!!

I'm not convinced that there's anything to get "under control" with TMA. No need to worry her when there is nothing wrong. When you exercise your heart rate increases, period. Some of us actually might have anticipatory anxiety about exercersing. This might be the reason for the extra beats.

I say it again, TMA. You're fine!

I doubt that you need a beta blocker but if you do, it's nothing to freak out about.

Stay calm and keep rockin it!

Cornell

Post Edited (Cornell) : 10/18/2014 3:53:12 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/18/2014 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Cornell,

I'm NOT trying to worry her! I understand, from other's posts to her anyway, that she was cleared by a cardiologist, and that there is nothing wrong with her heart.

I'm just letting her know that I completely understand why she is so anxious about it, being that I am the same way when it comes to that, and she is not alone in her fears!

I have not been on in a while, so excuse me if I'm not "up to date" on things going on with everyone on here!

I have had a lot of things going on in my life in the last few months that I have been trying to deal with, and I couldn't be on here. So I'm sorry if I'm "out of the loop" with things. I was just trying to tell her that I understand!

Fox
Posted 10/18/2014 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi tma! I've had the same problem in the past. For me, when I first started having panic attacks, high heart rate and pvcs, I couldn't do anything besides walk for months. Prior, I had been able to do anything, but when things were really bad all I could do was walk very slowly with my dogs. I had a walking meditation that I used and just tried to keep moving. That was the summer of 2013. This summer, I was in a much better place and able to run some! I think for me, it took some time (and lots of tests) to realize that my heart was ok. I also had to stop concentrating on my heart rate, it became a self fulfilling prophecy. The more I thought about it, the faster it was. I also take 700mg of magnesium a day. This has helped me a ton, for the most part, I don't get PVCs at all anymore. Check with your doctor though to make sure this is ok for you. Big hugs!
Posted 10/18/2014 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
Oh no...I think this was a misunderstanding :(

I know both of you...and I know that neither one would mean to offend anyone. It is hard to decipher intent through written word at times...

Lets agree that we all are just trying to support our friend in the best way that we can...and not let a small misunderstanding get in the way of our goal.:)

Grace and understanding.

S.C.
Posted 10/18/2014 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
I finally got a chance to log back in, and what can I say, except that.... from the bottom of my heart... Thank you all... for the support, encouragement, ideas and most of all the HOPE. I have been through a lot in life, and nothing I remember has been harder than this anxiety train I've been on. I feel like I am having a mid-life crisis at age 32.

I decided not to do the walk/jog tonight since I am having so much anticipatory anxiety about it. I did play some soccer in the backyard with my 4 year old though. My plan from here is to continue to move forward, monitor my heart rate a little less, and just do my best to live a normal life without always checking my pulse when exercising or doing physical activity.

I feel so grateful to have people here who understand, all of you have made a difference in my day with your thoughtful responses. Oh how I wish we all lived in the same town and could have weekly "Anxiety Meetings." Lol.

Thank you all again for your thoughtful responses. <3
Posted 10/18/2014 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
LOL. Sometimes I come across too direct. Fox, I know you intentions and can't tell you how much I appreciate your support!

TMA is just like me - she has healthy anxiety (especially over things like the heart rate).

Big hugs! Now back to work :)

Cornell

Post Edited (Cornell) : 10/18/2014 5:51:45 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/18/2014 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome goals TMA!!! I would say that sticking with what you were previously doing with success (the walking) is a good plan.:)

Pick back up on your exercise regimine again tomorrow, and I am sure that you will do fine!

Peace and progress!

S.C.
Posted 10/19/2014 12:12 AM (GMT 0)

Cornell said...
LOL. Sometimes I come across too direct. Fox, I know you intentions and can't tell you how much I appreciate your support!

TMA is just like me - she has healthy anxiety (especially over things like the heart rate).

Big hugs! Now back to work :)

Cornell


Cornell,

I am the same way. I have extreme health anxiety when it comes to my heart. I was only stating that I can't blame her for feeling anxious about it, because me personally, I would be in a steady state of panic over that. I was always one to constantly check my heart rate and take my blood pressure, still do sometimes when my anxiety is crazy.

I just wanted to let her know that she is not the only one suffering, and I can totally relate to her fears about it. I was not aware that she was talking about it only happening when trying to exercise, I thought it was like that all the time, that's why I asked about a beta blocker.

I get exercise induced anxiety myself, and as soon as my heart rate goes up, so does my anxiety. It's kind of like a catch 22. You try and exercise to reduce anxiety, but it gives you anxiety...

No hard feelings here.

Take care,
Fox
Posted 10/19/2014 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
Fox

I know what you mean. My very first symtpoms with this disorder were chest pains.... Scared me to death! My heart rate was always elevated when I went to my doctors apointment (probably white coat syndrome).

I was very releived, as I researched this that high heart rates can be normal. And exercise can in deed bring your resting heart rate down.

I love the prayer at the bottom of your posts... It's great that you put your faith in Him. He has been my major source of strength.

God bless you, Fox!i

Cornell

Post Edited (Cornell) : 10/18/2014 6:38:31 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/19/2014 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
Let's face it - many if not MOST of us suffer from heart/BP fears when we have health anxiety. For years and years I went through everything you all are experiencing....checking heart rate at rest, during exercise, always sure something had to be wrong. At other times my heart rate would be extremely slow during exercise and that was when I was convinced I had to have something seriously wrong. And how'd you like to have a BP of 230/80 like I did when going to the doctor for the first time because of my paralyzing fear of docs and tests!? He didn't freak out...just put me on Toprol which has worked well for me (other than vivid dreams which bug me sometimes). I have lived for over 45 years with every kind of heart rate,BP and obsessive checking on both and yet the last time I had my heart checked the doc said "well you certainly have a nice strong heartbeat" for a woman of your age. And then I was worried because of having an irregular heartbeat. To that the doc said " do you have any idea how many people have irregular heartbeats? More than have regular ones" That's not to say you shouldn't get tested but it does mean you have to start trusting your doctor, or finding a doc you DO trust and then stop monitoring your own heartrate/BP! I have wasted soooo many years going through this only to find that it's all been for nothing, except to accelerate my anxiety and keep me on that wheel of fear. I've read that anxiety is the result of an unresolved conflict. But most of us, including myself, choose to focus on our health rather than trying to resolve that conflict - and maybe some of us don't even know what the conflict IS. I know what mine is now and I'm finally working on a resolution. Just the fact that I'm confronting it - even tho it's not resolved yet - takes my anxiety level down big time so I''m trying to stick to that plan instead of constantly checking my heart rate and BP which is just an escape from the real problem by focusing on a false one.
Posted 10/19/2014 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
 If you are new to working out than this is normal. Plus you are over checking your heart rate and scaring yourself.
Posted 10/19/2014 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
My physical therapist told me to walk slowly for 20 minutes every day for my anxiety. She added to blow into a balloon as I started my walk. That makes you breath deeply in your diaphram not shallow breathing in your chest.Try walking slowly for 20 minutes and see how your heart rate does. Yes, your heart rate will go up as you exercise. Take your resting pulse when you first wake up in the morning. That will tell you if your heart rate at rest is normal. It can be between 60 and 100 beats per minute, lower if you are in good physical shape. Do you remember the formula for your exercising heart rate. Take the number 220. Subtract your age and then find 80 % of that number. That is the heart rate that you can get to safely after running for 20 minutes. For example. I am 60. 220-60 = 160. 80% of 160 is 128. I can safely get my heart rate to 128 without it being a problem. The number will be much higher if you are much younger. Making your heart work like that is a good thing. It is a muscle just like the rest of them in your body. They need to be worked to be healthy. Good luck. Do all this before you mess with medications.
Posted 10/19/2014 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Andwes...... Great input!!!!! I agree, she needs to just live her life and quit worrying over this. She has an awesome plan to continue exercising and to quit the obsession. I know she can do it!!!!
Posted 10/20/2014 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
I've had the same thing happen to me. My anxiety was so high, I walked from my car to my daughters pediatricians office and my heart was racing. It set me off into full blown panic mode. The pediatrician sent me to the ER. My heart rare was so high they wouldn't even tell me what it was. EKG showed everything was normal. My anxiety kicks it into overdrive sometimes. It's nothing to worry about!

Jill
Posted 10/20/2014 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
All of this encouragement just brought a huge smile to me this morning. Thank you all for your input. It is such a privilege to have a forum that people really get it! I'm sorry for all who have had to / and are going through similar crazy symptoms as me. It's definitely no easy task to handle in life! I think that with continued support and education (like Cornell said) we will all come to a place where it is easier to keep a handle on this anxiety!

I did go for my walk again last night, unfortunately it was a bit dark out---and I don't live in the safest city--so my anxiety was a bit high... But I still walked and made it back home safe and sound! For a minute I thought, I should jog...LOL. Then my logic kicked in. Not ready for that jogging stuff yet!

Moving forward! :) Thank you all again... SO MUCH!
Posted 10/20/2014 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
TMA

Great job on getting back to your walking!!...

...and with good results...that is huge!!

So proud of you for trying again....and look at the results.;)

High fives today!

S.C.
Posted 10/20/2014 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
A suggestion for walking in the dark in a city. Wear very baggy pants and a hood. You can also get a small hiking head lamp so you can see where you are going. Walk in the street instead of on the side walk. I used to live in New York City and had to walk home late at night. I never had any problems. Also walk with confidence. Bad people usually attack easy prey, people who look frail or scared.

Great to hear you are out walking again. It will help so much.
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