Slow heart rate, tight throat, extreme lightheadness..

[aerogirl_dixieland]

For years now I have been told that i have anxeity. I am 18 and in high school. My dad currently lost my health insurance, so I cannot go see  a doctor or my old therapist for the problems that i have been recently having. I all the time feel lightheadness, and I bump into things. I have always thought that something was wromg with my heart because it beats too slow and I could jsut be sitting around the house and start to feel all of these symptoms come up... Espically at night i feel like my heart rate is too slow. I am taking classes this year because I am studing to become a nurse. i know what I am talking about, but my family thinks I am nuts. I really have just started to go thorough this again, and I am really concerned. My head feels really clogged, or stuffed... and when my heart rate feels to slow, all of these symptoms get worse...Can someone reassure me or tell me something?

[Mozartcowgirl]

well. i have to say.. that i experienced those very same things.  i would consider hypothyroid.. the throat tightness really used to bother me.. and when my heart would dip into the 50's.. even when i was stressed.. it freaked me out.. are there any free clinics you could go to ? i do know that even without health insurance.. my thyroid pills are only 10 dollars a month.. surely your dad can pay for you to see a doctor... get the appropriate blood tests.. and pay 10 dollars a month..

of course.. this might not be your problem.. hence.. ask him to take you to the doctor... its not THAT much.. what is your heart rate anyway?

take it when you  are just lounging around... take it when you are standing up.. etc etc. get back to me! let us know!

[Mark TX]

I have no idea whether your symptoms are due to anxiety or not.  Light-headedness is a symptom I experience.  But generally when I have an anxiety or a panic attack my heart seems to be racing (thought the doctors at the ER assure me it's not!)  So I don't understand the slow heartbeat thing.  Perhaps someone else can relate to that.

You mentioned health insurance and a therapist.  Are you taking other medications?  I never experienced anxiety until I was prescribed anti-depressants and other drugs.  I am entirely convinced these drugs triggered my anxiety.  My first panic attack occurred within weeks of going on meds.  The doctors hem and haw about that... but they can't deny or confirm.  But I know my body and I am pretty sure I understand what happened.

mark