Ok not rhythm question, but this is the closest forum to my question...

[smjmekg]

Ok so when I was in 9th grade, about 9 years ago, I would keep getting a tightening in my chest and feel like I needed to just scream, I continued having this issue, and about 5 years ago went to the dr and to a heart dr, the heart dr (forgot what they are called)  said I had a "weak heart" and I had a sinus arrhythmia, which is normal in teens.  I've had two heart monitors, and he said the "weak" heart was caused by stress. He also said to stay away from medication like pseudophedrine and sudafed, also energy drinks make me more than extremely hyper and I don't drink them anymore because they make me feel like my heart will fly out of my chest. SO to my question...has anyone on here had a similar experience, or anxiety issues, and what do you recommend? My aunt said potassium helps, and I don't want to be put on a drug that will make me like a zombie...but it does still happen every once in a while...I know you guys aren't drs, but I wanted to know what vitamins or herbal supplements could help.

[ireneo]

That made me smile. Stay away from stress? We all try to do that but stress seems to find us.

If you're feeling crummy, wondering what your heart is up to, please see another doctor. You need some answers so you can go forward and enjoy your life. Even if your heart is a little less than perfect, it would give you peace of mind and confidence if you knew exactly what was going on. Take care.

[smjmekg]

Thanks, I haven't been back to a dr about it in quite some time, but no he didn't say anything about meds, or cardiomyopathy...he just said to stay away from stress.

[ireneo]

Telling you that you have a "weak heart" is like telling you nothing at all. That's so vague. Did he say you had some form of cardiomyopathy? Did he mention needing medication? It might give you some peace of mind to see another doctor that could explain this more clearly to you.

Many people with arrhythmias have to stay away from the cold/allergy meds because they can trigger some quirky beats. Also things like stress, caffeine, chocolate, heat, alcohol and exercise can set them off. It's an individual thing.

Potassium can help IF you're low in potassium. Like many things, just because a little is good doesn't mean a lot is better. You can be too low in potassium and you can have too much potassium (a mineral by the way) and either way it will affect your heart negatively.