Tachacardia

I would like to know how high a heart rate can go with Panic or Anxiety disorder, before it is considered too high and it is something else...I have always been diagnosed with sinus tach.  But, my rate is really high, so I was wondering if anxiety can push it up that high, and how high before it's too high.  I'm 44 years old and suffer from Schmidt's syndrome too.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I think you should ask your cardiologist that question since part of the answer has to do with what shape you are in.  IN any case, if your cardiologist thinks it is too high, then you should be on appropriate medications....anxiety can push it very high at times of pure panic, but otherwise usually only moderately high.

[karen8]

what does "very high" mean?  I'm looking for you to be precise?

Thanks
Karen

[yellowrose2277]

In times of extreme panic, I know my heart has gone well over 165 bpm.  When I'm just in my general anxiety that I live with from day to day, it is usually around 100 resting and can go up to 120 with activity.  I'm now on Toprol (beta blocker) and my heart rate stays around 72 resting, so the medication really helps a lot.  I was told by an ER nurse that they see people all the time with very high heart rates from anxiety attacks (I'm guessing she meant 160 and over).  Hope this helps!

[karen8]

That does help...but what I'm really looking for is can a HR go over 200bpm with a sinus tach?

Thanks
Karen

[pandora9048]

Hi, I believe maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age.  for example, I'm 31, so my max heart rate is 189 bpm.  anything over that might be worrisome.  I'm no doctor,  but I think they go by your max heart rate.

[Paule]

Karen,

My heart rate will sometimes suddenly (from say 70 in a relaxed state) jump with a single breath and go to over 200 bpm.  BUT understand that at rates that high, it is very difficult to measure your pulse accurately without an ekg or medical professional.  My rate is stable and is sinus tach and my "attacks" just last 10 to 20 minutes tops.  I can now stop them by doing deep breathing, breathing into a bag or carotid massage or bearing down (like pushing out a bowl movement) or pressing my eyeballs in...

If you have rates from panic then just do yoga breathing or go on a low dose beta blocker or ssri. First get a holter monitor to determine what is really going on...is it sinus tach, v tach or something else.  Rule out the worst case and deal with the best.

Good luck and don't worry

[I'mallheart]

i take 25 mg of atenolol every other day..i have the same troubles..just try to deal with it..breathing ecxersises help
thanks