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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Heart Palpitations
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Heart Palpitations
by Tim, Oct 02, 1999 12:00AM
Hello,
I am a 32yr old male, non-smoker, non-drinker. For the past 10yrs I have been suffering from Panic attacks and severe anxiety. For a few of those years the problem seemed to have went away, but here recently the problem has returned. Now I am having these heart palpitations which is something new. I have been checked for heart problems and was told that this is due to my anxiety. How does anxiety and stress cause these heart palpitations? What is going on when it occurs? I am really frightened by this because it seems to come out of nowhere, even when I feel relaxed. Thank you for any help you can give me.
I am a 32yr old male, non-smoker, non-drinker. For the past 10yrs I have been suffering from Panic attacks and severe anxiety. For a few of those years the problem seemed to have went away, but here recently the problem has returned. Now I am having these heart palpitations which is something new. I have been checked for heart problems and was told that this is due to my anxiety. How does anxiety and stress cause these heart palpitations? What is going on when it occurs? I am really frightened by this because it seems to come out of nowhere, even when I feel relaxed. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD-JM, Oct 05, 1999 12:00AM
Tim,
Heart palpitations are commonly associated with panic attacks. The exact mechanism of action is not known but it is important to rule out a cardiac condition which has been done in your case. Panic attacks can occur at any time which is characteristic for panic disorder. I suggest that you have a psychiatric evaluation and treatment if needed. Please review the forums archives with the keyword panic attacks for further information.
Remember this information is intended for general educational purposes only. Please consult your personal physician for specific health concerns.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Panic attacks, panic disorder
Heart palpitations are commonly associated with panic attacks. The exact mechanism of action is not known but it is important to rule out a cardiac condition which has been done in your case. Panic attacks can occur at any time which is characteristic for panic disorder. I suggest that you have a psychiatric evaluation and treatment if needed. Please review the forums archives with the keyword panic attacks for further information.
Remember this information is intended for general educational purposes only. Please consult your personal physician for specific health concerns.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Panic attacks, panic disorder
