I need some help!

Mental health
1

I have had anxiety for the past 8 years. there has been days where I feel good and other days where I feel absolutely awful. My GP put me on Citalopram 20mg a few months ago, then 4 months later, he changed them over to Prostiq and the zoloft. All 3 medications gave me more side effects than relief. A few days ago I was doing my shopping and I realised that I felt extremely exhausted ( I did have a lot on my mind and was rushing to get everything done). So I decided to go and see a doctor, who happened to be a cardiologist. He sat me down and took my blood pressure (which was fine), however, he looked at me and said "WOW" your heart rate is high - 148. The word "WOW" coming from a cardiologist, got me anxious and all I could think about was "What is wrong with my heart". He kept me in there for a while and continued to check my pulse. My heart rate only went down to 140. He conducted an ECG which indicated I had Sinus Tachycardia. He asked me to do a few tests including a full blood work test, holter monitoring and a cardiac echo. He listened to my heart and said that it sounds fine, but fast.

At the moment, I am freaking out because I am overwhlemed by all the tests I need to do.

Has anyone every been through something like this?

2

Hi Faith

It sounds like you've got a lot going on at the minute, so I bet your anxiety levels must be a lot higher than normal? Well, guess what - anxiety can cause sinus tachycardia (which means nothing more than "fast heart rate). When you combine your normal anxiety with rushing around and also the stress of going to the doctor, it's no wonder your heart rate is up

Your doctor is doing the right thing in being thorough and checking, but if I were you I would be certain that it was just the anxiety acting up. If it was anything more serious, something else would have happened by now. The doctor has also said it sounds fine, so you've got nothing to worry about :-)

Stay calm, take deep breaths, and let us know how you get on :-)

3

Thanks James... I do have a lot going on at the moment. Hope all goes well!

4

Rapid heart rate is VERY common with anxiety, Faith. I'm glad your doctor did the tests, so that you can believe us when we say, this happens to almost all of us with anxiety!!! You are okay, Honey.