Is this Panic Attack?

I ahve recently started training, and have noticed my face goes read hot like serious sunburn and stays like that for hours and hours and will stop suddenly. My blood pressure used to be 110 over 75, my whole life, now it is 138 / 86 for me this is high. I am 45. I don't feel panicky or jittery at all, just blushed face adn BP raised. My Dr says it's depression. I should know if I was depressed and surely D does not do this. Anyoen have ideas.  Thanks :-)

[AlexParada]

that is not a panic attack.
sorry.

[HypoDi]

Well that is good news, I think:-)

Thanks

[torque]

Your blood pressure can be influenced by so many things and can change as you get a little older. When I work out hard, my face gets extremely red and hot and will stay that way for awhile. Now sometimes, you dont always know that you are depressed.  Do you feel really happy? Or more sad? When I realized I had anxiety and would start to track my symptoms (to see if there were any triggers), I realized that I might have very slight depression because of my anxiety. SOmetimes they go hand and hand. Anyway, it is great that you are starting to work out. I am only 27 but have never been physically fit. I just do the treadmill for 30minutes every day. I do not run- my chest couldnt take it! SInce I have been exercising my blood pressure has drop at a resting rate. I have also tried eating better- I do good some days. THe most important thing- for everything is exercise- it will help you beat anxiety, depression, and so much more!! Best wishes to you!!!

[HypoDi]

I went back to Dr today, blood pressure up to 140 over 89, he put me in clinic for few hours and gave injection to relax me, although I was relaxed ( so I thought) He said it is definitely panic attacks. I can't believe it, I thoguht panic attacks would be different. He says my adrenalin is kicking in, due to chemical imbalance in brain. I recently stopped Eglonyl, which I had been on for years. He has now put me back onto Sulpiride and Wellbutrin. Has anyone been on Wellbutrin. I am nervous about the side effects, especially seizure, although no history. I start tomorrow. I wake up with adrenalin rush, it is so scary. especially being alone.
Thanks for your input Torque, I appreciate it  :-)

[ziggy123]

Can anxiety cause an abnormal stress test? Please respond!!

[suzi-q]

have you been previously diagnosed with anxiety or another disorder?  I know that sulpiride and eglonyl are used for depression and other psychological disorders.  How did your doctor come to the conclusion that your pressure is panic attacks?   Do you only get flushed when you exercise?  I suffer from anxiety and depression and am on paxil and buspar.  I also take klonopin as needed.   I wouldn't worry about seizure if you never had them before...it is a very slim chance of that.

I get those rushes every morning..I wake up with my heart racing and a little nauseous.  It takes a while for it to go away..some days it is better than others.

If you do suffer from depression and anxiety, I suggest getting under a psychiatrists care instead of a regular medical doctor.  They know much better how to treat your symptoms.

I am sorry that i am questioning you like this, but it is hard for me to see the relationship between high blood pressure and anxiety/depression without other symptoms (shakes, nausea, stomach issues, fear, sad, hopeless..etc)

[suzi-q]

I have read that anxiety can cause abnormal stress test because of your heart rate.  do not quote me on this, I am not a doctor.  what did the doctor say?  You have to see what part of it was abnormal.  was it just the heartrate or other things???

[HypoDi]

I also thought panic attack diagnosis was odd, as all I presented with was high Blood Pressure and hot flushed face. The very strange thing is, I managed to do training, 1 1/2 no problem and felt fine afterwards, although BP was still high, I felt ok.
I start Wellbutin tomorrow morning, and am reallyyyyyyyyyyyyy nervous.
What do others think? :-)

[ziggy123]

Thanks you for responding. I had great anxiety just going in for the test this morning. I hat going to the doctors. I am always afraid that they are going to tell me something awful so I avoid going at all costs. My chest felt funny, no pain just that awful nervousness that I have come to live with. I was sent for the stress test due to an irregular heartbeat that I have had all my life, At my last GP visit, that I to for her to remove a mole, they took my pulse (it was wacky), they took a cardiagram, and recommended the stress test. I only lasted 5 and 1/2 minutes on the treamill before I reached my maximum rate. All the nurse said to me when she called was that it was abnormal. I asked the nurse if my anxiety could affect the test results and she said that was for the cardiologist to determine it the abnormality if a head thing oir a heart thing. As hard as I tried to relax while taking it, I know I was far from it. My mother and sister both suffer from anxiety/panic attacks. I have always been the one who tries to hold it together but this has become progressively harder, My husband walked out five years ago leaving me with 5 kids (4 still at home), unpaid taxes that are still haunting me, my dad died, and the final straw was this time last year when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I just can't get the thought out of my head that this heart thing is something awful and I will be cracked open on the table (my dad had by-pass surgery and died from congestive heart failure). I just cannot deal with this anymore, it is too hard. I begged for the first available appointment with anyone in the practice and got one for this friday.

[HypoDi]

I am sorry to hear about all your pain and sadness. My heart goes out to you. My little 6 year old son died in my arms and I just had his memorial 7 years 2 days ago. So maybe bit sad and axious too. Just remember keep a positive disposition and a smile. Life is tough, no doubt about it. Just keep your faith up, or spiritual belief and hang in there. I hope things get better for you. I am at the stage where I am kicking back and saying, no way life, hold on, ,no more, now I kick back...I will make it :-) stand with me, we do it together :-)

[ziggy123]

Thank you so much for your kind words of support. It means alot. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I cannot even begin to image your pain and sorrow. My five children are my greatest joy and I do not know what I would do if something happened to one of them.
My oldest daughter is going to go with me to the cardio appointment because I will be a basket case and only half listen to what is being said to me. I have not wanted to admit that my nerves and fears get the better of me and she wisely pointed out to me how foolish that is. I need help dealing with my anxieties espcially when it comes to health issues. Before I go to the obgyn, I hav myself convinced that I will have some kind of cancer, I get a funny skin bump, it becomes skin cancer in my mind. All of this consumes me at times and I need to find a way to deal with it. Last year my GP suggested that I start Zoloft (sp?) but once again, in my mind that was like admitting that I could not cope and handle things on my own. What really hit me today in my melt down was hey....I can't cope all the time, but I would rather not go the medication route if I could figure out another way. But if that is what will get me back together, than so be it.
Thank you again for your kindness. I will stand with you...Ziggy

[suzi-q]

Both of you are very strong people I am sorry about your losses and problems...I hope that it works out well for both of you, and I am sure that it will.  I have lost both my parents 7 years ago (four months apart), so I am no stranger to loss either.  We just need to stand together and fight back!

Di-  Get a second opinion about your "depression"

Ziggy- It is good you have someone with you to listen for you!  Please keep us updated on the outcome of the stress test....one baby step at a time!

[Barbarella]

I saw a Hypertension Specialist and he told me that some people react hypertensive when they are having a panic attack, are nervous about an upcoming test or test result etc, going to the doctor or are afraid of having their BP taken,afraid of what the # will be as in white coat hypertension. Other peoples BP stays in the basement, and they only  react with stomach, shakes etc.  Other people react will ALL these symptoms including high BP.

When I had my panic attack at the doctor's office 4 yrs ago because I was called in to "discuss" a test result my BP shut up to 255/160 from the anxiety and suspense and I was rushed to the ER.  My every day BP before this phone call was 115/75 WITHOUT meds.

While under this high anxiety my EKG showed a "previous heart attack" I never had (many tests proved I never had a heart attack)  my Echo showed "a severe leak", which after the TEE test it only showed a "mild" leak.

The Cardiologist and the Hypertension Specialist both told me that some people when under severe anxiety or during a panic attack can have extreme BP spikes.

My best friend doesn't suffer from anxiety but from severe depression.  She was hospitalized for it more than once for an extended time.  Her BP at times shoots as high as 240 syst.  Several doctors told her that "some" people with depression react very hypertensive at times.  She as well as I were tested for the pheo, kidney, heart and all tests came back normal as well as for my friend.  In other words our severe BP spikes did not come from anything organic.

[ziggy123]

I am not sure what my blood pressure was during the stress test. Prior to it, during the EKG it was 130 over 80, which is okay, right? I talked to my mother, who reminded me of all kinds of stuff. As a child, I had a slight case of rheumatic fever due to infected tonsils. I had a pnaic attack in the 7th grade and was taken to the hospital. A teacher accused me of cheating on a test and I became so upset I could not breath had pounding heart, dizziness, the works.In my 20's, prior to knee surgery, the anethesiologist (sp?) asked me if I knew that I had a hear murmur. No! Throught my life I have ALWAYS had a wacky heartbeat. I just have never had anyone follow up on it like this. I guess that is what happens as you get older. What you dimiss in your youth because mountainous in later years.
I have five healthy pregnancies, without problems. And now this. I just can't help but think that it is connected to my stress level over the last five years. Just hearing the words "abnormal results" has sent me into a tailspin that I cannot shake. When I take my pulse, it will beat fine for a few thumps, skip, and beat for a few thumps, skip and so on. Ten minutes later, I can take it and have it be perfectly normal rhythm!
I have no patience what so ever when this kind of stuff. I wanted to be seen by the cardiologist immediatley and like I said took the first one that had a free appointment time!
Thank you again for your support. I love this forum. I started out posting to the breast cancer site last year when I was diagnosed with DCIS. The women on the site got me through a very frightening ordeal. Just like there, the reponses and support from this forum are amazing.

[Barbarella]

YES, anxiety can give false test results as in "abnormal" when it comes to the heart.  My anxiety always screws up all my tests, and I have to have more intensive tests done.  Anxiety also can mess up your Glucose test.  Your BP readings, Stress, and anxiety can elevate your cholesterol ( I read about it).  High anxiety can screw up your EKG and other heart tests.

What you are experiencing right now are PVC's (skipped heartbeat due to anxiety) I'ven been having these PVC's for 45 yrs, very severe at times, and very long lasting.  I still hate when they come, but I lost the fear of it, I don't think anymore that I will drop dead from them.  I trust what the doctors tell me.  Lots of people don't.  I look at it this way:  A doctor/cardiologist would not put his reputation and career on the line not to mention a high cost malpractice suit by telling a patient that her/his heart issues are benign when in reality they are of concern.

[ziggy123]

So have you had abnormal cardiac stress tests due to PVCs that was due to anxiety?

[Barbarella]

YES!!!  I don't know because of PVC's, but definately because of anxiety.  I was so worked up that my BP shut up so high they had to stop the stress test, my heart was constantly skipping.  

I do have a severe phobia of hospitals, doctors due to a bad childhood experience (hospitalized for one year and almost died) and therefore severe anxiety of medical test results.

[ziggy123]

Thanks again. I will just have to wait and see what the cardiologist has to say about the stress test when I see him on Friday. Please say a little prayer for me! Until then I will try to keep positive thoughts

[Barbarella]

Will say a prayer for you.  I've a feeling that you are o.k.  Keep us posted.

To make you feel better my husband who doesn't worry about anything also had an abnormal stress test.  Further testing showed that his heart is healthy.

[ziggy123]

The news about your husband does make me feel better. If you do not mind me asking, why was his stress test abnormal?  What other tests did he have to have?
I pray that I am okay and that my test results were complicated by my extreme anxiety. Like you, the thought of any kind of medical procedure/testing sends me whirling.
All of this started because I finally got up the nerve to schedule a routine colonoscopy that I have been putting off beause of fear. They refused me due to the cardiogram and now here I am!

[Barbarella]

He used to be a heavy smoker, and he couldn't catch his wind when doing the stress test plus he has COPD but we didn't know it at the time.  He had to undergo an angiogram because of that but said it was nothing.  I went with him, it didn't take that long.  He smoked 3-4 packs a day for 45 yrs and has NO blockages, heart and arteries are fine.

[ziggy123]

What have you found helps best when trying to deal with your anxiety/panic? Medication, counseling, anything? I love riding my bike, I feel that it is the only time I am somewhat at ease. But I can't ride it 24-7!! Like today, I am so nervouse about my cardio appointment tomorrow, I feel like I need to ride my bike across the country! Has anyone had any success with yoga?

[Barbarella]

Unfortunatel for me meds, therapy (different kinds) did not help.  I suffered from severe panic attacks which took me into having severe agorophobia for 15 yrs.  When I found out that I react very hypertensive when having a panic attack and going to the doctors I developed a severe phobia of having my BP taken (white coat hypertension).

I finally came across books by Dr. Claire Weekes who helped me so much that I am now 95% free of my panic attacks, and 100% free of agorophobia.  However the BP phobia is still with me.

Fast walking is very good for my nerves.  I walk real fast 3 miles every day, outside unless the weather is to bad, then I go walk in the mall.  I feel calm and refreshed after my walks.

If I wake up occasionally with anxiety I get up go to the computer check and send e-mails to get my mind off.  If I get occasional anxiety during the day, the feeling is still very scary, but I let it hit me, and I tell myself it wont kill me it will be over soon.  Believe me I did not get to this point overnight, but I got there due to the help of these books I mentioned above.

However, when I go the doctor nothing works, my anxiety goes through the roof including my BP.  A Cardiologist advised me to take my BP at home and bring in the readings.  At least I don't have to work myself up anymore beforehand "what will my BP be".  No tranquelizers or beta blockers prevented my BP going over the top when visiting a doctor.  I was on beta blockers when I first saw the Cardiologist and my BP at his office was 240/130.  But he didn't rush me to the ER, he UNDERSTOOD and said he saw many patients like me.  He explained to me that my body releases so much anxiety it fights against any tranquelizer or beta blocker, and wins!  They would have to give me total anesthesia to check my BP :)  I laugh now, but believe me I would not want to wish this on my biggest enemey.

[ziggy123]

Thanks for the book suggestion. I will check it out. I guess I will just have to try and relax until I see the doctor tomorrow. I am curious about something. How many on this site have medical anxieties but do not go to the doctor for fear of finding out something is wrong. It seems that I fit into this category but everytime I go to the doctors SOMETHING IS WRONG!!

[Barbarella]

I was one of them.  I stopped going to the doctors for 8 yrs at one time.  Stopped everything even routine mammos.  I prayed to god and said keep me healthy I cannot stand this anxiety anymore going to doctor appointments and the "what if".

When our two grown kids told me and begged me that they don't want to lose me due to maybe an illness I do not know about and therefore should go for my check ups that did a number on me, and I caved in.  Not that I did not think about it, but the way our kids spoke to me with all the love and care in their voices and eyes that did it and I made appointments again.

[Barbarella]

One more thing:  You said with you there is always something wrong.  Same with me.  Kidney scan found kidney stones, EKG said I had a previous heart attack which I never had, lower GI found diverculitis, echo found mild leaking heart valve, and for the mammogram I was called in THREE times to do it over because "malignancy cannot be exluded" final result "several cysts in my breasts", still have them.  Glucose test showed diabetes, glucose tolerance test then showed the total opposite, no diabetes and I am sure there are more I forgot.  

The suspense till I get the final and true/real result of these tests is unbearable.  But what helped me is this:  I picture people in wheelchairs, people on breathing machines in bed 24/7, people who are paralyzed from neck down, when I think these people I count my blessings, and that always gets me through waiting for test results, and of cours praying.

[ziggy123]

Your are so right about counting our blessings. I am really trying hard to keep your good advice in mind. I did call the cardio's office to make sure that all the necessary test results were faxed to his office. The last thing I want is to get there and be told, "well I am not sure because I do not have"...whatever! The office assured me that they had requested everything be sent to them, so that base is covered. My daughter came home from work to take me out to lunch but I could not eat. Maybe I will lose those last five pounds I have been trying to get rid of this summer!

[Barbarella]

I know what you mean about the faxing maybe not being there.  Whenever I have a test done, I ask "when" I can come and pick up a copy of that test, if they say "don't worry we'll fax it to your doctor" I always say "yes, but I want to "hand carry the test result, and want a copy for MY records".  I never have a problem getting my test results because ITS YOUR RIGHT to get a copy for YOUR records, and its YOUR right to "hand carry" it to your doctor.  Matter of fact a doctor yrs ago asked me to "hand carry" my test results I had done at a Specialist's office because my doctor said occasionally he does not get the faxes and he has to call and wait for the fax while the patient is sitting in his office.

A couple of times doctors have thanked me, and told me that the faxes never got there or have been been misfiled etc.

CT scans and X-rays (don't know about MRI)  the results are put on disks now a days.  I carried these disks many times to my doctor.  He pops it in his computer and sees the results instantly.

Good luck tomorrow!  If you have to have additional tests done, don't freak out.  You will be fine.  I think your anxiety caused your test to be screwed up.

Even if you should have something wrong, which I do not think you do my sister in law who had bad chest pains, and therefore had to have an angiogram done found that two of her heart arteries are blocked 79% only got medicine for it.  No stent, no bypass, and she has got excellent insurance.  Cardiologist told her they treat blockages now with meds.  She takes the meds, no side effects, and lives a normal life, and keeps on going to work, she says she feels great.  

[ziggy123]

Good point about asking for the results right then and there. I do that with my mammogram because my breast specialist also happens to be a family friend. If there is any problem, which there ususally is with my mammos, I take them from the diagnostic center to his office. He is the only doctor that does not freak me out. I know that he will not take any chances with me, so I feel very safe with his opinions.
When I was diagnosed with the DCIS last summer, he did my surgery. I felt great when he said, "we got it all!"

[Barbarella]

What does DCIS stand for?  Thanks in advance!

[ziggy123]

It stands for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ meaning that the cancer is confined to the milk duct and is noninvasive. Left untreated it can become invasive and spread to surrounding tissue. It is thought to begin with microcalcifications that occur in our breasts as we age. One more age thing, right!!!Some specialists consider it precancerous because it is at such an early stage. I had a great radiologist who spotted it on my mammagram when it was only 3mm about the size of the end of a pencil. Had the biopsy, lumpectomy and that was it! I am followed up every six months with mammos. You should see me before I have to go for a mammo....I am taking my mother's xxanax (sp?) to get through it!

[Barbarella]

I'm so glad that it was "noninvasive".

About mentioning the "age thing" :).  My mom was only 46 yrs old when she died of stomach cancer.  Never had a symptom or was sick by time she got this awful pain it was to late.  I think this added to my phobia since I was a child, phobia of illnesses, doctors and test results.

But you know what we worry about the most never happens, with me its always the "unexpected".

[ziggy123]

I am very luck that it was caught early. My mother is a breast cancer survivor. She had a radical a masectomy almost 20 years ago. My parents seem to have passed on some interesting stuff to me....breast cancer on mom's side, heart disease and colon cancer on dad's side. Like I said in an earlier post, I was in the process of getting the colon thing checked out when wham, no test due to funny cardiagram.

[Barbarella]

I refuse the colonoscopy, but have a lower GI (Barium enema) instead.  Doctor told me this is just as good and accurate, the only thing is IF the lower GI shows a polyp,  with the colonoscopy it can be removed immedately, also biopsies can be done immediately, with the lower GI you have to come back and have it removed or biopsied.

In case you wonder why I refuse the colonoscopy?  Everything where my BP and heart will be checked during a test I try to avoid if I can because of my severe anxiety and phobia.  Of course if my life would depend on it I'd go through with it or if the lower GI would show a polyp or something suspicious I'd go through with it otherwise "no thank you".

I've never been afraid of pain, I can stand lots of pain, never been afraid of needles, but this anxiety/suspense/working myself up/phobia thing takes the cake.

[bip]

Hi barbarella how are you 2 day?

[Barbarella]

I'm fine today.  Just looked on the calendar, and my next appointment is not until November so I have a few months to relax unless a new symptom comes up :) :)

Relax bip like I and Ziggy said "malpractice suits are not on the top of the list for doctors".  Trust me.  Once you will calm down your bloating will get better.  When we are nervous we also swallow a lot of air, air causes gas bubbles, and gas bubbles causes bloating.

Hang in there!  

[bip]

Im seeing my OBGYN so I can get to the bottom of this so hopefully Ill get eased tomorrow..... I was talking to Ziggy very helpful  you are all so good to me.......


I LUV U GUYS

[alternate reality]

I have looked over your posts and as a 15 year sufferer of panic disorder, I would like to offer my comments.

I am absolutely shocked that a so called doctor can establish a panic attacks & depression from a red face & higher blood pressure after training! Did they get their medical licence off the back of a weeties box??? Its no wonder people like myself who have been trying to get help for the real thing find it soooo difficult to get help that actually works instead of being prescribed stuff that does nothing to actually get to the cause as it is only masking symptoms.

It is an extremely exhusting & some times all consuming life having panic disorder, anxiety & depression......

Imagine a time in your life that you have the most frightened, scared out of your wits (like a rollercoster ride), that you thought you were actually going to die, you cant breathe & feel like your being suffocated, your head tingles, you feel dizzy, you feel cold, your eyes go blurry, your heart beats that hard it feels that it will break out of your chest, you want to run away & escape as quick as you can, it takes you hours to calm down, your so afraid it will happen again, so much so that you start to avoid places you have had them before, until you can hardly leave the house, not to mention avoiding all people because of the embarrassment & shame, the more you try not to think about it the more appears, like a demon on your back every minute of every day.

Thats panic disorder........not a red face & high blood pressure

Go to a naturopath and get some iridology not a quack who will turn you into another one in the medicated nation!

[HypoDi]

The Dr now decided, that is it now related to me stopping Sulpiride ( Eglonyl or Espriide ) in other Countries. He says it is Hormonal, based on no blood tests. Just the fact that it all started 2 weeks after me stopping this tablet after being on it for past 5 years. Now he says quickly start taking it again, so it can get into your system again, but I now am reaction to it by hypertension. 180/98 first thing in morning. I am now on Pur Blocka blood pressure tablets. Oh! what a mess I am  
Reading what you just described about a Panic Attack, that is defiantely not me, and my heart goes out to anyone who has them, they sound really scary.