Anxiety Due to Arrhythmia (SVT, PACs)

I don't really know how to make such a long story short. But I will try.
I am 37, married, mom in Wisconsin. I have a long history of GAD and panic. For many years I was having symptoms with my heart and they kept telling me it was in my head and would send me on my way.

8 years ago I landed in the ER with a sudden heart rate of 130 for over 4 hours until given a beta blocker. I have been on the beta blocker since which has helped a lot. My tachycardia has been under control, but I also get palpitations (PACs) which are increasing.

I feel that my anxiety is regressing. I was doing so well accepting this and coming to terms with my heath anxieties. Recently I had some testing and they found more than I had hoped for...but they still claim it is basically benign and it won't kill me. But the doc still suggested an invasive procedure called an Ablation. She said I didnt need it to save my life, but to improve my quality of life.

Most people I have spoken to thinks this would be unnecessary and I am getting a second opinion tomorrow.

Thing is, the more stress and anxiety I have about this...the more it happens. It is a vicious cycle. I feel that if I could just get a handle on this...I could learn to ignore it and aviod a risky/expensive procedure. I just want to get back to a normal life free of fear.

It seems that CBT would be best for me and I am looking for some kind of online support group which can help with that...or even just a place to talk.

I am in therapy - mostly talk therapy and I like her a lot. But it only helps so much. I also take .5 mg of Klonopin twice a day. I have taken this for 7 years now with no dose increase. In fact, I was almost off of it before the palps started getting worse a couple months ago. I have no problem taking it...but it isnt as effective when I am feeling these darn skips.

Any advice, suggestions, etc would be so helpful and appreciated.

Thanks.

Heather

[lilylove431]

hello:)...I am soo sorry your goin through this..I can sympathize greatly cuz I to suffer from these awful heart rates and palpitations..I had a bad episode last night actually.and it seems once i have a big bad one, I have em on and off for weeks..and this is so depressing and tiresome.I so understand.Ive been told I have svt, is that what you have?I was told this after my heart rate reached 167 on the holter monitor.The doctor then told me he could write me a script for a beta blocker that im scared to take.I have heard that they can make it worse...I cant imagine getting worse then what i have expierienced..uggh.Im sorry im talking about myself..lol...its just so scary..I have suffered anxiety and panick disorder all my life and always had a on and off fast heart rate.Whenever i had these heart episodes people would jus say oh ur just having a panick attack..wich at that time i prolly was..but over time with so much anxiety, do you think its possible that svt could be brought on by years of anxiety?I dunno, all i know is this is awful..and when your up at 3 in the morning feeling like ur heart is going to explode, and adrenaline goin through ur veins, u feel so alone.Im thankful for this site though, it does help some...I hope we both feel better soon:)

[Cheers]

Honestly, I think the anxiety is brought on by years of having these heart symptoms which go undiagnosed/untreated. SVT is usually something you just have...I dont think  you can make yourself have it. But I do know that anxiety will trigger it and make it worse.

I have been taking beta blockers for 8 years and they have helped A LOT. I would highly recommend them if these are interferring with your life. They are pretty benign drugs. Some people may have side effects such as fatigue or low BP...but I really wouldn't worry about that right now. If it will effect you poorly, you will know soon enough and can stop them or switch to a different kind.

My BB pretty much takes care of my SVT. I still have short runs that I dont even notice really. But it is the skipping (PACs/PVCs) that really bother me. And sadly, the BB doesnt do too much for that. They do help those for some ppl tho. So it is worth a try!! They honestly made a big difference for a long time for me. I currently take 12.5 mg of Metoprolol twice a day. That is a VERY small dose. I may just have to up my dose, but was trying to avoid that because it CAN impede weight loss and I have 10 more to lose.

[lilylove431]

well, good luck to you:) and good health.I think I will give the bb a try, and hope it works:)

[lilylove431]

I just got my bb today..it is metoprolol..Its .25 mg.I was thinking about starting out with a half since im so afraid of taking meds.Have u ever done htat with yours.Did u notice anything after u took it the first time? Im to take mine as needed for the attacks..do you take yours everyday.sorry for all the questions..lol....