Hey guys, I'm 35 and was diagnosed with Afib at the start of this year. Had minor flutters and pauses for around 18 months with my first 'major' episode whilst on holiday last June. My second was in January this year and had another a couple of weeks ago. Both of those ended with me in A&E and had an appointment with a cardiologist the week before last. They suggested I undergo catheter ablation, which I'm happy to go along with, as it (in the UK, anyway) is supposed to be very successful with people of my age with no other heart issues.
To get to my point/question: has anybody else experienced anxiety attacks or panic attacks whilst suffering with afib? I had a very minor pause and short period of palpatations last night but I began to convince myself that it was happening while I was trying to get to sleep. I eventually ended up in the bathroom, with the outer edges of my vision a little blurry, feeling like my legs and arms were very weak. Got back in to bed and started getting the shakes and feeling a bit panicky. I'm aware these are symptoms of panic attacks and I'm wondering whether anybody else has done this to themselves via worry alone? I had little sleep, as it took me ages to get to sleep. I've had a bad cold since my last episode and I keep catching my breath when trying to fall asleep. I think I'm convincing myself it's the afib because I'm having trouble with breathing through my nose! Any input or thoughts would be greatly appreciated all.
Davros
I'm in the states and had a catheter ablation Feb 1. Went well but recovery is slower but steady. I had multiple Drs. Diagnose me with anxiety and panic attacks 3 years ago. I had never had anxiety before. This past October was diagnosed with SVT and my Electrophysiology Doctor said I did not have anxiety. It was my heart. He said the systems mimic each other and it is misdiagnosed much of the time. I still feel anxious st times but I am in the healing process and still have occasional heart palps, which is normal. The feelings and symptoms I had with SVT incidents were exactly the same as the SVT episodes.
Sorry. Typing on my phone. Last sentence should say SVT episodes and anxiety episodes feel exactly the same. I now tell myself it's just my heart and it helps tremendously.
For me - panic attacks are a part of my life - after being diagnosed with AFIB - they became more frequent .Usually Xanax will help but I think for us AFIBBERS the panic goes hand in hand . Best of luck with ablation ! Didi
Hey Davrots81
I was diagnosed with afib last november and I have found that anxiety and panic attacks go hand in hand with this malady. I am constantly trying to talk myself into calming down. I have lots of fluttering and what feels like skipped beats. It really sucks. Im 47 and sometimes I feel like I'm 87. Ive gone to the hospital valley few times and its taken a long time to believe that palpatations won't kill me. All I can say is you know your own body better than anyone else. Try to eat right and don't smoke. Find a dr you trust and like.I have to tell myself that my new normal is not going to feel normal. Good luck
.
Thanks deirdre2016, good to know that it's not something to be overly worried about.
It's something I'll have to come to terms with, unless my catheter ablation can completely rid me of the symptoms, but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one experiencing this.
Supra ventricular tachycardia. It's kind of a catch all phrase. It's fast heart beasts in upper chambers of heart.
You definitely are not the only one!
I definitely feel better the more I talk to people. Its one of those things that unless you are living it you don't get it
What's great about this site is the feedback u get to let know u r not alone in most cases in what you experience. To me, it is a great comfort
I hope it is for u too. Good luck
I know, that's the reason I have been wanting to join a site like this for a while now.
Yeah, it was scary as all heck the first time it happened. It's good to know other people are experiencing it and, essentially, it can't really do us any harm if we understand it and stay calm and have support while it's happening. Good to know.
Hi davrots81, I was terrified when I had my first Afib episode back in September 2011. However, back in 1996 is when I had my first episode of SVT Supraventricula Tachycardia. My heart was beating up to 275bpm. I also had the ectopic heartbeats. Also, the A&E doctor advised me to come off the antidepressants I was taking because they can interfere with the heartbeat.
Did you ever have the heart ablation? I have SVT and had it as they said it would turn to afib if not controlled. Only been 4 weeks but hoping this will help control it if not cure it. Glad you shared how early yours started as that's what Dr said usually happens. The first incidents are many years before actually diagnosed. I had never heard of SVT until Dr said I had it.
Hi Debra38240, No I didn't and haven't had the ablation. I won't have it done because one of the paramedics told me that the problem was coming from the diaphragm. The echo cardiogram that I had showed my heart to be normal so, I just take the tablets and so far so good.
Thanks! I tried meds but I'm so sensitive to everything, my Dr. Took me off and then had ablation. I go for first checkup in a week and a half. Nervous to see if they think it worked. They said they were cautiously optimistic. I guess you just wait and see.
Good Luck for your check up next week!
Hi Davrots, you said your first major episode happened on holiday, was alcohol involved?
Also, not exactly sure what you mean by "catching your breath whilst falling asleep"?
Could this be sleep apnoea?
I reckon severe sleep apnoea and excessive alcohol are to blame (mostly) for my AF.
And yes, anxiety and certainly don't help either.
Family history and caring extra weight also increase your risk of developing AF as we'll.
Good luck with it all,
Simon