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The Human Heart Vs Anxiety

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Posted 7/21/2016 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
I have always reasoned with myself that most symptoms I feel are brought on from anxiety. I am having a hard time convincing myself of that, as I am having some new symptoms that walk the fine line between heart issues and anxiety.

I was having a lot of PVCs along with some "dizziness" a while back. My doc wanted to do a 24 hour holter, just to be safe. Soon after, the PVCs subsided, so I never called to get my results (nor did the office call me).

While the "dizziness" seemed to get less for a while, it started back a couple weeks ago. I use the word dizziness, but it is more of a lightheaded drunk feeling that I feel. Like I need to hold onto something when I'm standing or sitting. On top of that, I had a couple of heart "quivers" (again with the quotation marks, i know) starting about a week ago. It literally felt like my heart was shivering for just a second or two. I've had it like 5 or six times over the past 7 days or so.

So I went in to talk to the doc about my holter results and she confirmed the PVCs and tachycardia (I know I have a high resting heart rate, usually in the 80-90 range, probably due to anxiety). The report basically said that it didn't seem that anything was syncing in the way of heart conditions. But with these newer symptoms, she wanted to have a convo with the cardiologist to see what he thought.

So, so prescribed a baby dose of a beta blocker to see if that would help...which I'm totally terrified to take, of course. I'm not super scared of having a heart condition, I just want to know if I do so I can take care of it.

And if it is anxiety, well okay! That can be taken care of too. But it's just the in between time that sucks. It's confusing. Even the lightheaded thing....after looking at my throat and nose, she said it could totally be an allergy/sinus thing. Which makes sense because I'm constantly draining and waking up with a sore throat in the morning. But really, who know!?!

I'm not sure if this is a rant or if I really have a question that needs to be answered, haha! But thanks for listening anyway.
Posted 7/22/2016 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

Sorry to hear you are going through this right now :(

I had the exact same type sensations I would get random tachycardia and like constant palpitations and they came on suddenly and didn't leave for over 4 months, I was bedridden in fear determined that I had a fatal heart condition. Was at the hospital every other day it seemed because I thought I was dying due to this. The tachycardia always came back with no issues after testing and they would give me metoprolol to slow it down. I had all heart tests, ecg, ultrasound, stress test, holter monitor, etc. all came back perfectly normal. My family doctor finally prescribed me 1.25 mg (quarter of a 5mg pill) of bisoprolol (beta blocker). Changed my life!! I get the odd palp but it is like 1 or 2 a week instead of 100-200 daily. Haven't had an episode of tachycardia since I started taking it which was 2 years ago.

So please don't be afraid to try the medication your doctor gave you, it will probably really help and ease your discomfort. I take it right when I wake up and then lay in bed for 20 minutes and then I am good for the rest of the day. It eased a whole bunch of anxious worrying for me!!

I am sure your tests will be considered normal but I am glad that your doctor is looking into it just to make sure.

I get randomly lightheaded for a couple weeks at a time every few months and at first it freaked me out too but they haven't found anything causing it and it seems to only appear at times of high anxiety. As long as your doctor has cleared all major problems then give the medication a couple of weeks to fully kick in and focus on your coping skills to keep relaxed in the meantime.

Good luck :)
Posted 7/22/2016 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the insights, Jumper! The medication she wants to put me on is actually metoprolol! She prescribed a very low dose, jut once a day.
Posted 7/22/2016 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
We're always panic twins!

I've been having those same symptoms lately! Down to the sorta drunk woozy feeling. Totally panic for me. I have to believe this.

Also! I'm on that beta blocker! A nice low dose! It's actually really nice. Weird at first because I'm used to a resting heart rate anywhere between 80-90, but now I am anywhere from 65-80 and my gosh it feels a lot better!!

Let me know if you have any questions!!
Posted 7/22/2016 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
HI MtGG&Q,

Great advice above...and since I don't have experience with beta blockers...

...I will just respond regarding your concern over new/morphing symptoms!

However, know this is common...once we become accustomed to the familiar ones...the anxiety will seek to get our attention in new/bigger ways.

So fight back by learning new coping skills and seeking to expand your toolbox...in order to manage all anxiety tries to throw at you!

You can conquer this challenge and be stronger than ever.:)

With encouragement,

S.C.
Posted 7/22/2016 10:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hey, Momto. I don't have any experience with this. Just wanted to say I hope you feel better!
Posted 7/22/2016 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
OMG Park! I am so relieved to hear you are on that same med! Your post made me feel SO much better.

Thanks for the responses SC and rspwed. It means so much to feel supported:) It really does stink when new symptoms start. I feel like my limits with the old symptoms are so much broader, like I actually believe myself when I say its anxiety. When stuff starts happening that you're not used to, no matter how much I tell myself, I really can't believe it just anxiety because I don't know. Boo!
Posted 7/22/2016 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
This same thing has happened to me recently. I had the holter monitor test done. The doctors felt it was all normal, but real.
At first they thought a beta blocker might help but then said no to it due to a slow heart rate.

So here I am with heart palps, fear and no medication.
Posted 7/22/2016 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
Tela,

I'm so sorry you are in that situation! I know how scary it can be. Can you get any other testing done?
Posted 7/22/2016 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
late to the party here, but i was nervous to start a beta blocker as well, but honestly it has been one of the most faithful medications i have taken, as far as long lasting effectiveness. psychotropic drugs tend to be hit or miss, and wane in effectiveness over time for me, but the beta blocker i'm on has done its job. the panic and anxiety are still there but my heart isn't constatnly racing and pounding out of my chest, plus its lowered my blood pressure and resting heart rate which has got to be healthy in the long term. the only side effect i notice still is if i get up too fast in the morning sometimes i get dizzy. give it a shot, and as with any med you take make sure to keep your list current so future docs know you are on it. it is great at taking away chest related anxiety symptoms
Posted 7/22/2016 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
Rock,

That is SO good to hear that a beta blocker is working for you! It's really helping to calm my anxiety about starting something new.

I think the only part that I am nervous about is it lowering my BP too much. My BP yesterday was 114/76, and it's pretty much always in that 120/80 range. But I'm assuming the doc took that into consideration and that's why she is prescribing such a low dose?
Posted 7/22/2016 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
While true, it may drop your BP a bit...

...you are not really low, and your body will adjust.

My sister had this experience...and though she had some dizziness initially, her system adjusted and she became accustomed to her new, lower BP.

Low BP is considered a problem only if it is causing extreme lethargy or fainting. Your docor will monitor you carefully.:)

S.C.
Posted 7/23/2016 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
M-

What dose will you be on? I wouldn't worry too much about the low bp! Mine has been pretty average because it got higher with pregnancy, but even when it's been really low, I still haven't felt bad.

I take the beta blocker and my Xanax and lemme tell ya, the combo has been a game changer for me. I haven't even gone back on Zoloft and I was all set to do it!
Posted 7/23/2016 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
SC,

Thanks for the heads up about the dizziness and the symptoms of low BP. Good to know!

Park,

I was wondering about you and the Zoloft! I remember you writing about it a while back. Glad to hear your not going to have to be getting back on it!

She is putting me on 12.5 mg to start with, to see how it goes.
Posted 7/26/2016 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
I just checked and in on 25mg. 12.5 is the smallest dose! You'll be totally fine!!
Posted 7/29/2016 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Park! I'm going to try one today. Fingers crossed!!
Posted 7/29/2016 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
My palps have quieted down a bit.

One thing I think that was adding to them was the use of Crest pro health tooth paste. It has potassium nitrate in it. I have switched to tom's of maine, childrens toothpaste.

Also, I'm using a tincture of motherwort. It tastes nasty but it seems to help.
Posted 7/31/2016 12:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi
Hope u feel beta soon...no experience with that at all but please don't be scared to take/try what doctors give u..
Lots of love
Posted 8/2/2016 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi momtogigiandquinn, have you ever been tested for lyme disease?I've had tons of heart tests and they did find some mild issues but nothing to explain the crazy things my heart does. Im always lightheaded, pressure in the back of my head, stiff neck. I don't meet cdc criteria for lyme but the band's I had that were positive are lyme specific bands. Maybe you should look into getting a,western blot test. Also, does your heart rate shoots up upon standing?that would be POTS syndrome. Anxiety is,very common with lymes. Also, I refuse to take beta blockers. I read horrible stories about them...
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