Tachycardia and Anxiety

Dear Sirs,

I

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear jmcruz,

Q: Is it possible that only anxiety can lead to a heart rate of 120-132 bpm (in rest) ? - I know it accelerates the hart
     something, but could be that much ?
A: Yes, anxiety can accelerate the heart into the 120's range.  There are other possible causes and you can read many postings on this site concerning other causes of tachycardia.  Beta-blockers are good for helping to lower heart rates, including those induced by anxiety.

Q: How is the maximum heart rate that we can have in rest and how long it can be maintained, not damnifying the
     heart ? - Is it a problem to go to emergency room immediately or after a little time ? - Supposing that is only sinus tachycardia?
A: Generally if heart rates are sustained above 110-120 for prolonged periods (days to weeks) this can cause problems.  I generally advise my patients to report to the emergency room if the pulse is above 160 at rest, if they are having significant symptoms or if it is lasting for longer than 45 minutes.  Many times all we see is sinus tachycardia but this helps in making a diagnosis.

Q: In exercise, till how much can I go in heart rate ? - After stopping the exercise, what is average time for the heart
     to recuperate its normal rhythm ?
A: Maximum heart rate is about 220-age.  Recovery to 80% of baseline occurs in about 10-15 minutes and complete recovery in about 1/2 hour.

Q:What do you think my problem really is ? - Is it more for a psychotherapist than physical ?
A: Hard to say.  I would first ensure that physical causes were excluded and then if nothing could be found look into psychological causes.  Often times beta-blockers can work for both.

[suedaley]

I came across your post, and just wanted to let you know that my mother-in-law has been going thru what you have.  She too for a time was wondering if she needed if it was anxiety, which is what the doctors told her, since all her tests came back fine. They Xanax for the anxiety and Endurol for the heart rate. They even ran a thyroid test which came back good they said. She still had episodes of tachycardia. Since then, her chiropractor put her on a vitamin B supplement called B Food Complex made by NutriPlex Formula.  He said the body can assimilate it better and she's supplemented it with B-1 also, and have noticed that she's done alot better. (She takes 9-12 a day)
  There is a condition called "beriberi" that she researched online and found out it causes symptoms like what you and she has shown.  She also had episodes of it after she ate too...(not all the time, but sometimes).  She wanted me to pass this information onto you and it certainly wouldn't hurt to try since vitamin B is essential for the nervous system and the heart. You can try it and give it a week and see if it helps.  She said eat to try to eat smaller meals and chew really good.  If you have any questions you can email me.  I pray that this will help.....

[Mary Linda]

Hi Jim:  I just want you to know that I know EXACTLY what you've been going through.  I, too, began my harrowing experiences in the doctor's office with the so-called "white coat" syndrome.  My heart racing began with a trip to the periodontist (whereby he injected me with epinephrine) and caused my heart rate to soar.  I became so traumatized by it, that I keep waiting for it to happen again and again.  I kept checking my pulse and avoided anything to keep my heart from racing.  I couldn't stand the feeling.  This began to rule my life - but I decided that I had to come to grips with it.  I was assured by my doctor that the blood pressure elevation and the speeding heart was due to anxiety.  He put me on Atenolol - 1 pill (25mg) at first, but then half a pill because my heart rate went way down.  The Atenolol has helped me so much.  Ask your doctor about it.  Also, read "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weeks.  I've recommended this book to other people on this site, and I can only tell you that it helped me immensely!  Good Luck. - Linda