anxiety or arrhythmia

[cmd161]

Hi Guys,

I have had symptoms which i will list below for around 7 months. I am currently seeing a cardiologist and a therapist in a 'dual effort' to solve my problem.
My symptoms began a couple of days after a traumatic experience involving a height of which I do have fears of.
It came upon me one evening when I began to have hot flushes and drank a couple of litres which i threw back up, I also felt lightheaded and as if I was about to faint or even die. I lost all colour in my face and lips and began to get cold sweats on my feet. This has happened to me regulary since ranging from once every 2 weeks to a couple of times a week.

I have been referred to a cardiologist who done the eeg,ecg test and also have a 1 and 2 day monitor fitted all of which have come back clear. The cardiologist however still believes there is some sort of an irregular rhythm.

While awaiting further tests I got diazapem 2mg prescibed by doctor which did help for the a week or so. I played sport 3 times a until the card told me not to push myself, therefore I stopped for fear of having a heart attack.

On the otherhand I began seeing a therapist 6 weeks ago who is firmly of the opinion that my issue is panic and anxiety attacks, I am in agreement with her to a point as I am constatly anxious now thinking about my possible heart issue. I am unsure as to whether panic/anxiety is my original problem or something that has manifested itself as a result of this heart issue.

I now no longer socialise nor attend sporting events out fear of one of these episodes occuring.
I also smoked cannabis regularly since 17 and am now 26 and quit 3 months ago, and I know that it inflamed the anxiety.

I would appreciate any opinions anyone has to offer or anyone who experienced a similar situation.
I unsderstand no one can offer qualifed opinion but as I said just would like to see if anyone has any similar stories.

Thank you for taking the tine to read,
C

[mammo]

Until your cardiologist totally rules out your heart being the problem, I wouldn't assume it's anxiety. Your fortunate to have a doctor that isn't so quick to blame everything on anxiety.  Plus, until YOU know for sure that your heart is fine, this fear will only feed your anxiety which will make it worse.  I'm sure there is anxiety going on just from what you've described and now you've got the worry of your heart. You're very young to have heart problems, but it happens.  I would also think by now your cardiologist would know one way or another if there is a problem, it shouldn't take this long. This makes me suspicious of his ability, I think I would seek a second opinion from another cardiologist (have all test results transferred) and see what he says.  Right now you're in limbo which isn't helping you or your anxiety. People with anxiety do have symptoms like yours and often feel like they're having a heart attack, but you do need to rule out your heart.  I truly think it's time for a second opinion on your heart, it's rediculous that he doesn't have an answer after all this time. I think once your hearet is ruled out as the problem your anxiety will become much better.  Don't wait on this, you should be out there enjoying your sports and living your life.  Get a second opinion regarding your heart and go from there.  We're always here if you have any other questions, and we all know what anxiety can do to us.  Take care.

[cmd161]

Any responses would be appreciated, my standard of living just keeps on dropping and cannot shake this anxiety until i have this heart issue out of the way...has anyone experienced anything similiar???]