HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Question about "weaker" pulse

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/1/2016 7:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all.

I am a 31 year old female. No heart disease (so the dr says). I have tachycardia, mitral valve prolapse and recently diagnosed with PVCs.

This year I have had major health anxiety about my heart. I constantly check my pulse on my neck to see how fast its going and to check for PVCs. In the past couple weeks I have been doing A LOT better and some days even go without checking.

For the past 6 months I have noticed that my pulse has felt strong and forceful. I think it may have been due to my extreme anxiety. In the past couple of weeks, I met a guy and I have been super distracted and I don't think about my heart as much. The other day I checked my pulse to make sure my heart was okay and my heart beat seemed weaker. It is harder to get a clearer reading when I am checking my pulse and it seems very faint. I want to know if the quieter heartbeat is due to me being more calm or if my heart is becoming weaker. I have a fear that I am going to have a heart attack and I don't want to feel this way anymore. I am not with my guy friend tonight and so of course I checked my pulse and it doesn't feel strong like it used to. Should I be concerned?
Posted 7/1/2016 8:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Anxiety can increase your heart rate a lot.

I think you are right that your pulse is lower due to you feeling calmer try not to focus on your pulse as that will only make your anxiety worse.

Have a look at our resources for some good links to help with health anxiety.

Hibee
Posted 7/1/2016 8:21 AM (GMT 0)
My bpm is not beating slower, the beats don't feel as strong when I check my pulse. I HATE this so much :(
Posted 7/1/2016 10:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ihatesnxiety, your heart is beating fine it doesn't feel as forceful bc it's not beating crazy fast when you get upset or exercise when your calm and relax it won't beat as forceful. That's great news you have someone in your life try and stay focused on the positive and you will feel better. I know it's hard trust me I know. If your dr gave you a clean bill of health please believe him or her. It took me along time to get that through my head and stil does. I was checking my pulse like 30 times a day your never going to be happy with the result it's either to fast or you think it's to slow just let it be. We are all here for you!!!
Posted 7/1/2016 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
IHA,

Our hearts and sympathetic nervous systems are in fluctuation throughout the day...

Depending on the time of day, our anxiety level, activity status, temperature, hormones...even our nutrition and hydration level factors in!

Therefore you can expect variations in how your HR and 'strength' of pulse is perceived.

I have felt my heart seeming to pound...when I am calm. ..

...conversely, I have barely detected a pulse at times of stress...?!?

I have given up trying to figure it all out, and have decided instead to concentrate my energy on practicing coping skills...and letting go of micromanaging my systems!


I hope you feel some reassurance soon! You are going to be fine.:)

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply