Aware of heart beat

[Jean27]

I have a problem that I could use  some help with. I find that I am always aware of my heart beat. This started after having dental surgery April 1998 after 7 shots of novacaine my heart started to race they told me I was just nervous. I found out later that the shot has adrenaline which probably caused the  racing. Anyway then I started having attacks in September 1998 through March 1999 when I had a really bad episode in my car I was told was an anxiety attack. My heart was racing, I couldnt think straight by the time I got home I was fine just shaking and upset. So I went to the Cardiologist I had 2 echos done, holter, 30 day event monitor. I was told I was fine they only found sinus tach. But they did find an elongated mitral valve without prolapse with trace regurgitation. Ever since hearing that I can't help but think that means that I have something wrong with my heart. The Dr. said that wouldn't cause racing but I have read on line that MVP will cause racing and anxiety, even though they said I didnt have MVP I keep fearing that I do have it and they missed it.I have becme very scared of doing anything that makes your heart fast. I am always checking my pulse to make sure that its not fast. My problem is I dont know if I feel everything my heart does because  I'm always thinking about it or is it from the trace regurgitation problem that causes these feelings and then I notice it. Im very confused & could use some advice its ruiung my life. Im terrified that my heart will race when Im out alone so I avoid things. Also its fast when I wake up or walk up stairs.Thanks

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Jmcky,
I have actually heard this complaint before of a racing heart rate some time after a novacaine shot but I don't have a good explanation.  Epinephrine (adrenaline) has a very short half life and is gone from the body in a matter of hours.  I guess you can take comfort that you are not alone in this.  There are medications that can help such as beta-blockers and serotonin reuptake inhibitors.  I would ask your doctor about these medications in your case.

[Jean27]

Dear Dr,
I am a little confused from that response it didnt seem  to answer any of the concerns I wrote about. I know that the novacaine will do that to you but as far as still having the episodes of a racing heart 3 years later do you know if an elongated valve without prolapse but with trace regurgitation could be the cause? My cardiologist seems to think that this is a harmless thing that will not produce symptoms but I still have these attacks and it is not inappropriate sinus tach. I really could use some advice on this. Some days it will feel like my hearts racing but if I take my pulse its only 88 so I dont get it.  Hope to hear from you again. Thank you Jean

[jan]

Dear Jean,
Try to relax. I have mild MVP with mild regurgitation and mild tricuspid regurg., Inappropriate sinus tachy. and neurocardiogenic syncope. Even with all this my heart has been declared healthy and I believe it is.
I was told when it feels like your heart is racing, but it's not, it is prob. anxiety. It sounds like you have a bit of anxiety going on. You should exercise, it is good for stress and I actually feel better when I exercise. Your heart naturally is faster when you first get up and going upstairs, too. Stop taking your pulse it is only going to keep you in your cycle of anxiety. You had the event monitor and the echos, relax. I hope I have been of some help and comfort to you.

[DSTEPHENS]

JEAN,  
     I CAN TELL YOU ONLY FROM EXPERIENCE THAT YOU HAVE ANXIETY PROBLEMS.  I AM SORT OF A PULSE JUNKY AND I KNOW THAT WHEN I TAKE IT IT GOES UP JUST FROM THINKING ABOUT IT.  ALSO I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT IF YOU EXERCISE YOUR PULSE (RESTING) WILL START TO DECREASE AND THAT OVERALL YOUR ANXIETY WILL DECREASE.  YOU JUST HAVE TO GET OVER THE FEAR.  LASTLY YOU NEVER MENTIONED WHETHER OR NOT YOU DRINK ALCOHOL.... IF YOU DO IT WILL JACK UP YOUR HEART RATE ALONG WITH CERTAIN FOODS ETC...   DAVE

[Jean27]

Thank you both for your answers I feel like this problem is all I think about. Thats why I cant figure out if I feel all of these things my heart does because of a medical problem or if it is because I am making myself crazy from always worrying about it.
Jan - you said you have MVP do you ever get the racing? Is that caused by the Mvp or anxiety.
Dave - how did yu break th habit of checking your pulse? I feel like I want to know if it's fast because I have this fear that it will race and not slow back down, even though in 3 years it
has never happened
I appreciate your answers I have been thinking it is anxiety but there is that  doubt that the drs missed something making me scared.
Thanks Jean :)

[alexawesome1]

Dear Jean, Hopefully this will give you some reassurance... I'm now 27 year's old and initially experienced a few skipped heart beats since the age of 24.  This got me EXTREMELY!!! concerned about my heart.  I saw two cardiologists, did a stress test, numerous EKG's, echocardiogram, VO2 Max Test, 24 hour holter, pulmary evaluation etc... The more I though about my heart, the more aware I became! It started driving me insane and definitly ruining my life.  I guess if you're toe was hurting you and it was diagnosed as nothing, it would be easier to ignore! When it comes to the heart, that's impossible.  You're constantly reminded if it stops then that's the end!  We'll here's the friendly advise.  This story is long and should comfort you because that's what you need! First of all, you've been cleared by the Cardio, seek a 2nd opionion, it's free and painless!!! Now I'm a health freek so I jog 2-3 times a week about 2-3 miles with my weight training, box, swim, tennis and am usually active 1+ hours a day/ 5-6 days a week! I would also constantly check my pulse and found that I have a low HR at rest of 50 which is typical for active young people.  Now depending on your age and physical conditioning you'll need to exercise regularly to relieve your stress and increase you CV health overall.  Relax about your condition because you don't have one.  It might sound weird at first but try a basic Yoga video and training to relax, I found swimming really helped my anxiety.  Try some comile tea (spelled wrong! It's yellow tea from flowers with some honey) don't consume Aspertaime diet products, black tea's, caffine, chocolate, alcohol, drugs etc... I mean have very little maybe once a week treat yourself.  Trust me when I say it's in YOUR HEAD!!! Your OK and you will live untill at leat 120, just like MOSES did! If you wanted any more advise feel free to email: alex_dolgonos***@****  RELAX! RELAX!

[jan]

Hi Jean,
I have inappropriate sinus tachycardia, so yes, my heart races (even on meds). It isn't from the MVP, however, it is from something wrong with my sinus node. The racing doesn't bother me unless it makes me short of breath or feel faint. The funny thing is when I am anxious my heart doesn't race, but it did beat alot harder when I was really worked up. Fortunately that didn't happen often and now with the med it doesn't happen at all. If you do have sinus tachycardia and it is so bothersome maybe you can take some beta blockers, but I wouldn't. If you take them there is always a chance for side effects and you have to see a cardio. every 6 months. It's a pain, believe me. Just try to relax and exercise,too. Good luck!

[Kek]

Hi, Jean!
I might be too late to post a comment!  Here's my story, not unlike yours.  I have a "funny" beating heart - all stress.
I have what the Drs. want to call panic-anxiety disorder.  My heart "skips", my heart beats fast on occasion, and I'm aware of it all 90% of the time!  And I've lived with it for over 2 years.
It has also made me a pulse-taker addict.  Who was it that said theirs beats faster when they start to take it?  So true!!
I'm glad I found your comments.  It has helped me to know that I'm not alone( although it feels that way when no one understands!) and we'll live through it.
Thanks to all for sharing your stories:>)

[Kek]

Hi, Jean!
I might be too late to post a comment!  Here's my story, not unlike yours.  I have a "funny" beating heart - all stress.
I have what the Drs. want to call panic-anxiety disorder.  My heart "skips", my heart beats fast on occasion, and I'm aware of it all 90% of the time!  And I've lived with it for over 2 years.
It has also made me a pulse-taker addict.  Who was it that said theirs beats faster when they start to take it?  So true!!
I'm glad I found your comments.  It has helped me to know that I'm not alone( although it feels that way when no one understands!) and we'll live through it.
Thanks to all for sharing your stories:>)

[Jean27]

Hi ,
I just found your comments. So is yours just anxiety? Did you go for all of the heart tests also. I hope you read this I would be interested in talking to you our "problem" seems the same.
Thanks Jean

[MLS]

Here are some intersting facts that may help others.  They sure helped me to know this so that when I suffer from anxiety, heart beating fast, palpitations, chest discomfort I think about this so that it doesn't scare me. I know that it is in my make-up to experience "skipped beats" and sometimes it is frightening. Anxiety is a natural part of life and for some of us too much stress, good or bad sets us up to have these attacks once in awhile.  Anxiety is part of the experience of being human.  It has an overiding purpose and that is protection and preparation.  Prepare and protect oneself.  Try to think about it as your "body trying to protect you" instead of being against you.  It thinks you perceive danger "so itis preparing to fight or flight.  For some reason this helped me immensly.  I was able to work with and go with the palpitations instead of fighting against them.  This has helped with the chest discomfort too. When we become tense and worry "what if" my heart races, etc...we are tense all the time and any negative feeling (even if it pertains to getting stuck in traffic or whatever) your bodies natural reaction is "fight or flight" and symptoms that accompany that. So remember, anxiety and even panic do not make you lose total control, their purpose is to protect you.  Although the symptoms may seem frightetning, they are actually part of the body's protective mechanism and as such are not dangerous.  I hope this helps others as it has helped me....MLS

[MLS]

Here are some intersting facts that may help others.  They sure helped me to know this so that when I suffer from anxiety, heart beating fast, palpitations, chest discomfort I think about this so that it doesn't scare me. I know that it is in my make-up to experience "skipped beats" and sometimes it is frightening. Anxiety is a natural part of life and for some of us too much stress, good or bad sets us up to have these attacks once in awhile.  Anxiety is part of the experience of being human.  It has an overiding purpose and that is protection and preparation.  Prepare and protect oneself.  Try to think about it as your "body trying to protect you" instead of being against you.  It thinks you perceive danger "so itis preparing to fight or flight.  For some reason this helped me immensly.  I was able to work with and go with the palpitations instead of fighting against them.  This has helped with the chest discomfort too. When we become tense and worry "what if" my heart races, etc...we are tense all the time and any negative feeling (even if it pertains to getting stuck in traffic or whatever) your bodies natural reaction is "fight or flight" and symptoms that accompany that. So remember, anxiety and even panic do not make you lose total control, their purpose is to protect you.  Although the symptoms may seem frightetning, they are actually part of the body's protective mechanism and as such are not dangerous.  I hope this helps others as it has helped me....MLS

[Mary Linda]

Hi!  Most of my problems began when I went for periodontal work and was injected with epinephrine.  My heart was racing so fast, you could see my shirt moving.  It was a horrifying experience.  Because of it, I became so traumatized, that I would be afraid to climb stairs, run or do anything that would produce a quick pulse or heart rate.  I would wait for my heart to race, and you know what that does - you bring it on yourself.  From that point on, I had all of the typical symptoms on anxiety - including hypochondria.  Going to the doctor was a nightmare for me.  White Coat Syndrome and full-blown anxiety attacks!  Unless you've been through it, you can't understand what it is like.

Just a helpful hint - Get a very easy to read book that will explain everything in simple English.  It is called "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weeks.  It was my life saver - that and 1/2 Atenolol pill a day.  My blood pressure and heart rate are well under control now.  I have my life back!  There is help - just accept it.

[Jean27]

WOW you described almost the same situation as mine. The only thing I dont understand is you said your's was all anxiety right? Why did they put you on Atenol isnt that used if you have a heart problem? Just wondering thanks so much for sharing that it really sounds like I could have wrote it. Did you also become constantly focused on your heart and taking your pulse to make sure its not fast? you can email me if you like at
***@****
Thank YOu :)Jean

[Mary Linda]

Hi Jean!  I will e-mail you, personally, but in the meantime - No, I didn't have a heart problem regarding the Atenolol, but every time I went to the doctor's office, my heart rate would climb up to 120 or more and my blood pressure would soar to 160/90 or more.  At home, it was normal.  The doctor felt that if I reacted to stress in his office that way, I probably did in other stressful situation as well.  He was probably right.  In any event, since I've taken the Atenolol, my heart rate has been great and my blood pressure is well within normal limits.  IN fact, in the beginning, I was taking 1 25mg Atenolol pill and it was too much.  It made my pulse go down to nearly 48-50.  

In answer to your other questions, though, after that incident with the dentist, I was constantly checking my pulse, and being very aware of my heart rate.  It was awful, and if I didn't do something about it, I knew it was going to rule my life.  I rebelled, went to the bookstore, and found "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weeks.  I promise, if you buy this book, you will be thanking me.  I have recommended it to many people.  It is clear, easy to read and truly a life and mental mind saver!  I will keep in touch and contact you on your e-mail.  Good luck.  Just remember, we are in control of our own ships - as crazy as that sounds.  Once you realize what the problem is, you will be able to handle it.  If I could, you can!

[worryer]

Hi

I suffer from White Coats Syndrome and I constantly anxious and panicky. I feel my heart beat 95% of the time and most of the time I can see my shirt moving, although my heart isn't pumping that fast. Sometimes I feel desparate to just feel normal again. It is very frustrating. I find that exercise seems to take my beating away for a while. I've had MRI's of the heart and echo-grams- the works and apparantly my heart is fine! Although, I don't feel it is. I'm constantly worried that something is wrong with my heart. However, as I said exercise seems to help and if I put my mind onto something totally different I find it goes away without me even noticing it - but when I realise this I start to feel the familiar old surge. I am currently seeking an opinion as to whether I have some sort of anxiety disorder. If anyone's got any comments or questions then please feel free to e-mail me.

worryer

[worryer]

Hi

I suffer from White Coats Syndrome and I constantly anxious and panicky. I feel my heart beat 95% of the time and most of the time I can see my shirt moving, although my heart isn't pumping that fast. Sometimes I feel desparate to just feel normal again. It is very frustrating. I find that exercise seems to take my beating away for a while. I've had MRI's of the heart and echo-grams- the works and apparantly my heart is fine! Although, I don't feel it is. I'm constantly worried that something is wrong with my heart. However, as I said exercise seems to help and if I put my mind onto something totally different I find it goes away without me even noticing it - but when I realise this I start to feel the familiar old surge. I am currently seeking an opinion as to whether I have some sort of anxiety disorder. If anyone's got any comments or questions then please feel free to e-mail me.

worryer

[daisya]

hi when I had my baby I had a panick attack my heart whent up to 180 something & they had to calm me down then I was taken to the ICU were they did an ultrasound but never gave me the results just the cardiologist told me I might have an imbalance but that was just his suggestion ever since then Im scared that there might be something wrong with my heart it drives me crazy but then I wonder that if 180 something is normal when scared I mean we all get scared without being monitored I think that what about if I have another panick attack & it gets bad I dont know what to do I even cry when I think that there is something wrong with my heart  

[Evie1963]

Jean, I'm 43 and when I was 15 a few of my friends and I took 5 Phenergan one day and again the next - a stupid idea to try and go 'tripping' while at school! Unluckily for me I ended up with epilepsy and a racing heart, palpitations and chest pain that radiated down one arm and up my neck.

I started having anxiety attacks thinking I was going to die. Mum took me to a doctor (I never admitted what I'd been up to) and of course nothing was found to be wrong while there but funnily the pills I got, some sort of muscle relaxant, worked, but they ran out(I didn't complain to mum anymore because I knew I'd be put on the hypochondriac). It took 17 years before I was finally diagnosed with vasospasm angina and a leaky valve even though for years I'd diagnosed myself with angina. The anxiety was the worst, I ended up on psych meds which never worked, they just made my heart beat more noticeable, so I never continued taking them.

Finally I ended up a heroin addict(I've been clean now for 16 years) and sadly that was the only thing that gave me some relief. I still would get the odd angina episode ( I kept a nitrolingual angina spray in my handbag for security even though I refused to use it - irrational thoughts) but without the anxiety I was able to manage it.

It took many years to realise that if I hadn't died yet from my heart problem then I wouldn't be dying anytime soon from it and that's the key. You have to believe that before you can tackle your anxiety and seriously, who wouldn't get anxiety, when for the first time their heart starts misbehaving and you're the only one who's felt it but noone else believes you! You've had some really great advice from people in here and trust me they're on the right track.

Even if you do discover in time that the medication at the dentist did have a rare effect on your heart, it's probably not life threatening. I recently discovered, after nearly 30 years, through my local GP that Phenergan - the meds I took at school - can possibly cause heart problems. Good Luck for your future. You will tackle this.