High Heart Rate, no identifiable trigger

[Som]

Hi All, 

Ive read through lots of BB forums but wanted to get some experience/advise for myself. 

Ive had anxiety since I can remember. During my 20's I remember my panick attacks being my heart rate sky rockets for what I feel is no identifiable reason. Once it's up I feel like it sometimes doesn't come down for weeks, this scares me. 

I'm now I'm my mid 30's, the panick attacks have continued in seasons and never fully gone away, I don't think they ever will. 

I've gone to therapy which has helped and I'm in therapy currently but I just can't seem to get past the physical feelings I have and no matter how many times I see a GP or get tests in convinced something it wrong with my. 

Ive been getting headaches, dizziness that will last the whole day and lately the heart palpitations are back. Doesn't matter if I'm sitting still, standing pushing my kid on a swing, my heart rate can sky rocket at any point. 

I feel like I'm at a point in my life that I should be relaxed. I'm not working, don't have worries financially and have 2 healthy happy children but here I sit with these feelings that there is constantly something physically wrong with me. 

My partner doesn't want to hear it anymore, he thinks I'm a hypochondriac and in starting to think I am to! 

I have never tried medication, is that something that should directly help with these physical symptoms of anxiety? I'm scared to try medication, even herbal supplements. It just all worries me. 

Any advice would be great 

[indigo22]

Hi, Guest_5757,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out to us.

What you describe sounds like an anxiety response, however, if it is happening for no apparent reason it would be wise to ask your GP for a referral to a specialist to make sure there is no underlying cause for your symptoms. It is hard to tell sometimes if the symptoms are coming from a physical cause or a psychological cause. For example, you may be bringing the symptoms on because you are worried and become anxious that they might start again.

I am a big believer in crossing off possible causes so you are only left with one that you can either treat or work with. It really doesn't matter what others think, if you think there may be something wrong, then you owe it to yourself to find out if there is a physical cause so you can put your mind at rest.

My best advice is not to try to diagnose yourself via the internet, you could potentially find all sorts of reasons for your symptoms that have no basis in your particular case. Medication has it's place and can be very helpful under the right conditions but I would not suggest just trying something without a diagnosis, physical or psychological.

I hope this helps a little,

Take care,

indigo

[Flop]

Hey Som,

Indigo made heaps of good points and I think for your peace of mind following their advice would help put you at ease.

However... If you're still suffering from panic attacks and have been for many years, I think it could really benefit you to try medication. You may have a chemical imbalance that's making you so stressed out and that's another thing I think ruling out would be very helpful for you. There are also beta-blockers that regulate the heart that'd be worth a shot. They sound scary but I promise they're not. I think all of this would definitely be worth discussing with your GP.

It could be possible you're hyper fixating on your heart beat and that's bringing on all these other symptoms as well. Stress can make you sick in some cases so it wouldn't surprise me if due to your worry of your heart, you're bringing on this dizziness or headaches.

Hopefully this was helpful, take care and I wish you the best.

[blondguy]

Hey Som...( Thanks Flop and Indigo for the support)

Good on you for having the courage to post and welcome!

Your history with the palpitations and unexpected feelings of anxiety (panic) is identical to mine Som.

My first mega anxiety attack was when I was 23...and it was scary...Just for your info Som as everyone has different symptoms.....yet panic attacks are revolting to experience

Great work having the counselling/therapy...Everything helps

The biggest mistake I made was not having regular therapy...only 3 times a year...oops!

If our anxiety/panic (symptoms) begins to have a detrimental effect on our ability to function effectively on day to day  basis...then seeing our GP or  Counsellor frequently is great for health

* Monthly counselling......as a minimum is great 

* Fortnightly Counselling.....an excellent frequency to see our counsellor/GP

* Weekly Counselling....the best yet I used to have it when I was really stuck

I am sorry that your partner thinks you are a hypochondriac. That is  really sad Som. You are actually strong 

any questions are always welcome Som. There are many gentle people that can be here for you too. Its a Safe and non-judgmental place for us to post! 

my kindest

Paul