Cardiac Neurosis

I've just had an exercise ECG this afternoon, the technician said it was completely normal in every respect. Its the last of many tests Ive had on my heart over an 18 month period now. Still I get chest pains, burning sensation in my throat/chest and runs of palpitations and sweats.

Can anxiety really make someone as convinced as I am its my heart?

I'm re assured by the test today but not sure on how to move forwards?

[cj29]

It definitely can in my opinion.  My original experience with anxiety came from concerns about my heart health.  I was having chest pains, trouble breathing, etc, and I thought something was seriously wrong so I went to get checked out.  Time and time again and test after test concluded that the ticker was in great shape, but I still felt something was wrong.

In my experience with this, we can become so focused on what is concerning us we can feel every little pain, twinge, skipped beat, etc and interpret it as something that is catastrophically wrong with us when in fact we are physically in great shape.  Now, I still can feel all those feelings if I focus in on them, but for me, the most important thing I did was to get counseling on the subject even if I did not believe that it was anxiety, which of course it turned out to be.

Anixety is very powerful, but you can and will get through it.  Many people here share the same experiences that you describe and they are doing well....keep us posted!

[Kaneda2112]

Anxiety punishes different parts of the body for different folks, for me it's bowel issues, for others it might be digestive issues.

Has your doctor ever broached the possibility of GERD or digestive issues which can also have similar symptoms?

[cj29]

It definitely can in my opinion.  My original experience with anxiety came from concerns about my heart health.  I was having chest pains, trouble breathing, etc, and I thought something was seriously wrong so I went to get checked out.  Time and time again and test after test concluded that the ticker was in great shape, but I still felt something was wrong.

In my experience with this, we can become so focused on what is concerning us we can feel every little pain, twinge, skipped beat, etc and interpret it as something that is catastrophically wrong with us when in fact we are physically in great shape.  Now, I still can feel all those feelings if I focus in on them, but for me, the most important thing I did was to get counseling on the subject even if I did not believe that it was anxiety, which of course it turned out to be.

Anixety is very powerful, but you can and will get through it.  Many people here share the same experiences that you describe and they are doing well....keep us posted!

[mammo]

You say you've had many tests done on your heart....what about blood work? Have you had a thorough exam by your doctor?  It's obviously not your heart, but you need to rule out other causes before assuming it's anxiety.  It sounds like you put all your efforts into getting your heart checked out, but there are other conditions that can cause your symptoms.  Get a thorough check-up to rule out other causes, and if everything is okay...then it's time to think about it being anxiety.  It's time to accept that your heart is fine, and if you can't do this get into therapy so you can learn how to accomplish this. Your worry about your heart is like an anchor holding you back from living your life, it's fine, try to accept this part and rule out other causes.  Best wishes.

[Pooyan01]

Hi, thank you all for the responses.

I have had blood tests, several times and quite thorough. All normal.

The only abnormal test I have had is an echocardiogram which showed a mild thickening of my left ventricle. I saw a consultant who said this was due to me losing a lot of weight over a short period by exercising to excess. She had no concerns about it.

[mammo]

It sounds like you have a clean bill of health and it's now time to address the cause as anxiety which can and does cause your symptoms.  You've ruled everything else out except for anxiety...this needs to be done.  See a psychiatrist for an evalaution and so the two of you can determine the best course of treatment for you.  If may be therapy and/or medication.  Anxiety is just like any other medical condition requiring medication to control the symptoms.  If your anxiety has a root cause then therapy would greatly benefit you.  Often the root cause is a traumatic event from your past that you never truly dealt with and is back in the form of anxiety demanding to be dealt with.  Therapy can help you learn what this is and deal with it so you can move on.  You can also learn coping skills.
You're healthy and if you have trouble accepting this than therapy can help you do this as well.  This is your next step..... don't hesitate, so you can find some peace within.  Best wishes.

[cj29]

That is great news:).  Remember, we all have little nuances that are different especially when it deals with our hearts.  What might initally look abnormal, is totally NORMAL for you.  So, take what the doctor has told you and realize physically your heart is in good shape, which of course is great.  Now, focus on confronting your anxiety.  It can be a very hard topic to deal with initially, but through knowledge and work, you can and will get through it.  Do you have access to counseling?  Talk therapy, in my experience, is very effective in giving you the tools and knowledge to deal/confront your anxiety.  Keep us posted!