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Anxiety and Heart Health

Hello, I'm new here!! I have struggled with anxiety since I was 19, I am 35 now. I have had it under control until recently I had an extremely busy month. Ran a half marathon (my 4th!) got sick (some sort of tummy flu) and then travelled abroad for a week. My immune system was shot so I had a bad herpes outbreak (have had it for years as well) and developed bad anxiety. Started feeling my throat closing up, panic attacks in the middle of the night, fatigue, etc... I tried to go back to work and could not. I have been trying to take it easy and heal but I'm constantly worried about my heart. I've experienced occasional skipped heartbeats ever since I started experiencing anxiety. Since I am in the anxiety loop right now I can't seem to let go of the idea that my there is something wrong with my heart. My flutters/skipped beats have never showed up on any tests. Blood work has always been good, Blood Pressure is 110/68, cholesterol is good. My Dr. tries to assure me that I'm fine. Should I be worried about my heart? PVCs? Heart inflammation? Please help...thank you in advance!!
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1807132 tn?1318743597
The stress hormones from the anxiety may very well be a big contributor to your skipping beats.  Other things that can contribute are stomach issues like acid reflux.  Caffeine, diets high in sugar and carbohydrates or eating big heavy meals.  Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.   A lot of athletes experience the ectopic beats.  It could be due to cardiac inflammation but in an otherwise healthy heart they are of no consequence so do your best to try and not worry.  I know easier said than done but them more you hyper focus on them the more they will take your life hostage.  So just try and address any lifestyle issues that maybe be contributing to them flaring up and do what you can to make peace with them.  They are fairly common and not at all considered a threat to your well being.  Take care.
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