I've been following this website for some time now and recently I gathered the courage to make an account and post on here. If you couldn't guess by the title, I have a really big fear of cardiac arrest (cardiac death).
In the middle of July I experienced my very first panic attack. People aren't lying when they say panic attacks feel like heart attacks. I hyperventilated for almost 25 minutes and I thought I was going to die. Obviously I didn't because I'm still here almost a month later.
But now I'm dealing with a bigger problem; the fear that my heart will suddenly stop beating. For almost two whole weeks I have freaked myself out into thinking that my heart's electrical system will malfunction and I'll die from it. I have only gone to the doctor's office once in late July, and they performed an EKG which showed a normal sinus rhythm and heartbeat. I've heard that SCA is pretty rare in teenagers (I'm 15) but I still can't shake the fear that they might have missed something or that something will legitimately happen to me. I've asked my parents to let me see a cardiologist but they think I'm overreacting. What should I do? This last month has literally been hell because I can't even focus on fun things due to my severe health anxiety, especially about my heart. I'm just so scared and I don't know what to do any help is appreciated.
You need to go to your mum and dad and explain how u feel and get a Doctors appointment for some help with your anxiety! Please don’t suffer in silence, you are so young and got many more years that you be enjoying xx
I too have suffered from fear of having an undetected heart condition. It most likely is anxiety and the more you worry yourself the worse you'll get. You should definitely speak with your doctor about possible medications or therapy to help control your anxiety. You're young and have a life ahead of you. I've suffered with health anxiety for a few months now and I'm 19 I keep the thought that the chances are low considering how young I am in the back of my head. Just listen to your doctor and prevent yourself from googling everything! Hope you feel better.
Go and see your doctor and tell them how you feel and how anxious you are. They might try medication to see if it will help and maybe counselling. I know how you feel, panic attacks are horrible. Nothing bad will happen though, it's just the anxiety making you worry. Hope your feeling better soon x
Its been my biggest fear for nearly a year. I have become obsessed with the idea. I go that far i wont even say "you nearly gave me a heart attack" or "hand on heart". Your not alone. Anxiety has a massive impact our minds but an even bigger impact on us physically. Daily ill get chest pressure, chest tightness, breathlessness. I have had so many tests done it, it should comfort me but it doesnt. You need to look at statistics. You are 15 you are highly unlikely to have anything wrong with you or your heart. I have extreme health anxiety. Dont let it ruin the best years of your life xx
Just a small update: I think I'm doing better, but for some weird reason I end up crying everyday. Is this normal? I've tried to control it but nothing seems to stop the tears... I've also experienced more left chest pain but it comes and goes
any help is appreciated.