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fluttering in chest! Worried!!

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Posted 6/9/2007 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

 

I am new to this forum.  I have been suffering with anxiety for 5 years now. Although it is getting better now that I understand the disorder better. Diagnosed with general anxiety disorder.  I am worried because occasionally I would feel a fluttering in my upper chest area going up towards my throat. Went to see my physician about this, and had EKGs, holter monitor and chest X-ray done to rule out heart problems.  The tests turned out to be normal.  I still have to get an upper GI tract series test done next month because I suspect I might have GERD? Does anyone experience fluttering in the chest? It comes and it goes.  Sometimes I won't have it for days/months/years and then it comes back.  The feeling is annoying and scarey when it happens. I would just like to know what it is so I can have an ease of mind.  Could it be muscle spasm, stress (teaching is a stressful job!), etc.? I would appreciate any response or feedback.  Thanks.  Hayley.   confused

Posted 6/9/2007 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hay,
You're doing all of the right thing by seeing a doctor and ruling out purely physical causes.
A lot of us here have heart palpitations that at one time or another we thought were heart attacks. And of course thinking that you're having a heart attack produces a LOT of anxiety that only makes the panic systoms worse.
Over time, as you accept that it's "just" anxiety causing weird sensations, the impact they have on you will lessen.
Do some searches on this forum and you'll learn that you're far from alone in your struggles. : )

What treatment options did the doctor offer for your generalized anxiety disorder?
Posted 6/9/2007 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
i've had flutters like what your talking about and too have no medical reason for it. "just anxiety". comes and goes. just have to give my self a minute and breathe calmly and slowly and it usually passes.
Posted 6/9/2007 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
Fluttering in your chest that has not been documented on an EKG is probably a short run of a atrial tachycardia that all of us experience but some don't feel the flutter.
Anxiety can easily cause this as I have had it too in high anxiety situations but have learned to not panic and except it as normal. I know I will be ok.
If you start to have an increase in it or other symptoms with it, please contact your physician or call a nurse answer line at your clinic for advise.
Welcome to Panic/Anxiety, I am so glad you found us. Please stay and keeping posting.
Posted 6/10/2007 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome
I too have had this and it is my a/p that is the culprit as it is wqith many others
heart palpitations as well as flutters
See your doc for something to take like a quick acting short term med as well there are many books out there ( in HW resources) and techniques to he;lp you deal with this
STAY with us
Welcome to our " lil Family".................LYN
Posted 6/14/2007 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi:
I have a history of heart palpitations. Been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse years back. Just learned to live with them. I have had different tests - ekg, wore a heart monitor and had stress test.
I take a beta blocker and my dr last visit added lose dose aspirin. I have found I get them in waves - once in a while and then episodes.
I also use xanax as an anti-anxiety - but only for SHORT term low dose, it can be addictive and I don't abuse it.
It's hard when they happen. It is easy to say don't think about it- but of course, you do. Just hang in there. I am also a teacher - full day k as well as a single parent raising two sons. A lot of stress.
Posted 10/23/2014 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
I recently went to my doctor for a weird fluttering sensation in my upper left chest area. She thought it was a panic attack. I have no idea why this happens...and it happens when I am alone as well as with others. The reason doesn't seem right.
Posted 10/24/2014 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
right now I am going through the same. fluttering in chest, tightness in throat, shortness of breath - I am convince right now that I have lung cancer and am going through a major panic episode. which for me can last for weeks at a time. I saw my dr and he ordered a chest x-ray because he did say he thinks I have an upper resp infection and I just had one a few weeks ago. Im terrified its going to come back as cancer. I am a smoker (I have quit) and was smoking a pack a day the last few months. so now Im freaking out. I am on Effexor and Xanax but not helping much.
Posted 10/24/2014 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi MichaganJewel and welcome.

Is this your first experience with anxiety? If so, did you and your doctor talk treatment options?

We have some great self-help material that I will post below. Practicing these everyday should really help.

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

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I



I also recommend discussing what can be done with your doctor if you have not already. Medication and/or therapy are great tools to consider if this persists.

I am going to lock this thread down now, as it is an old one...but feel free to start your own at anytime.:) (Post New Topic icon, upper left)

Post back and let us know how you are doing soon!

Scaredy cat

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