Safe Symptoms

I have suffered from some type of anxiety disorder since the age of 20.  I'm 33 now and since the birth of my last child six months ago, my panic episodes have increased both in frequency and severity.  I have episodes almost weekly, only during the hours of 2-3am.  I wake up disoriented from a sound sleep, my heart racing to 200 beats per minute.  My husband has called 911 three times since Christmas.  My blood pressure shoots up to a dangerous level (the lower number being 120), and there's always a rush for the medics to get me to the ER.  Without converting me, it takes 4-5 hours to get my pulse down to 130 beats per minute.  During the episodes, my mouth is very dry, my hands tingle, I shake uncontrollably, and I have an extreme fear of dying or losing control.

During the past 10 years, I have had very thorough work ups - both by a cardiologist and neurologist.  Nothing conclusive has been found.  Is it possible for anxiety alone to precipitate such symptoms?  Can the heart respond so dramatically to stress alone, especially during sleep?  Can anxiety/fear cause the body to produce symptoms for hours at a time?

My family doc wants me to have an EP study now as a last resort (the only diagnotic procedure left that I haven't had!). I feel hypochondriacal, and don't want to have an invasive medical procedure done if these episodes have a psychological underpinning.

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Panic attacks may cause tingling of the hands, shaking, heart racing, disorientation, and fear of dying or losing control. It would however be unusual for panic attacks to cause extreme increase in blood pressure, or require cardioversion for increased heart rate. It is not uncommon for both psychiatric and medical conditions to co-exist. I urge you to continue with the medical evaluation recommended by your doctors.

[Christine]

Hi,

I know what you're going through.  Although, instead of a fast heartbeat I have an irregular one.  I am no Doctor, but have you worn a holter moniter or a 'King of Hearts' moniter?  It sounds to me like you have some sort of tachycardia.

Christine

[mandi]

Christine,

I wore a holter monitor about 10 years ago (a 24 hour event monitor, and then another holter for a few weeks).  Nothing occurred during that time.  As I've gotten older, the symptoms have gotten worse - especially after the birth of each child.  Almost all of the times I've ended up in the ER, the docs have said I'm having panic attacks.  Last Chrismas though, our family doctor was witness to one of the episodes and is convinced that I have some sort of arrhythmia.  I am just curious as to whether a healthy person's heart rate can soar to 190 bpm because of panic/anxiety.

[SS]

I agree. Get another opinion. Its way too fast!
Even if it is anxiety it is not good for your heart, mind or system!!! It needs to be treated.

[Susan]

I suffered from extreme fear and anxiety for years.  It was with every breath I took and dictated every move I made.  I was terrified every minute.  It was unbearable and I am shocked that I did not complete suicide to escape the misery.  

Buspar did not even touch it.  Valium just barely helped and I really did not know to take medication back then.

I finally saw a psychiatrist for the first time (I had therapy with a psychologist) after I slashed my wrist.  She knew how great my fear was and gave me Stelazine.  It is an antipsychotic.  I am not saying that is what you need but I do know it stopped and still stops my fear.  I take a low dose of Risperdal and I feel totally fine.  I cannot believe my years of suffering have ended.

If you find no other way, ask your doctor about it.  I hate to hear of anyone suffering like I did.  It doesn't hurt to ask.  I don't like the idea of taking an antipsychotic, but if it is what I need to live a normal life, then I welcome it.

Good luck to you.