Worry about heart health

[Pooyan01]

I've had various symptoms that may be heart related for about 10 months. All tests say my heart is fine, my doctor tells me stress is the cause of the chest pains and tightness, I have explained I worry despite all the tests it's angina, doc was quite clear and said it's not heart and if I get pain to ignore it or exercise through it. I remain unconvinced.

My question is not about my heart, I'm going to assume my heart is fine. How on earth do I deal with the constant worry about my health? The constant worrying is affecting my life badly, it's also affecting my family. I try to think positively but I soon get a pain and the worry is back.

I have explained my worries to the doctor, was prescribed diazepam 2mg 3 times daily, no effect. Not happy taking Valium either as the withdrawal can be bad.

[Pooyan01]

Hi, You're right about staying away from google! The thing is that most people need good information and explanations. Being told you're ok by the doctor is not really enough by itself. Only 12 months ago I was not suffering chest discomfort, now it's every single day. I am told this is anxiety, the adrenaline I produce makes things worse and causes the chest pains. While I know the mind can be a powerful thing, accepting that it can cause such real symptoms ( even at times when I am ok and don't think I'm worrying about my health) is difficult.

Every test I had is normal but I am aware no test is perfect and there are false negatives. My first job after college was working in a cardiology dept doing tests. I know many people with angina have normal ECG, even during an attack ECG can be normal... It probably won't be but it CAN be. And so, I'm never quite sure and the doubts remain. While my worries may be excessive I wouldn't say they are really irrational. Until I can really believe I am being totally irrational I see no end to this unfortunately and that in itself is a worry.

Thanks for your comment and i hope this coming year is a peaceful and relaxing one for you.

[Alisonj29]

I am so sorry you are suffering, I have health anxiety or hypochondria. Mine focuses around heart as well despite NUMEROUS tests. My father died at 40 from a massive heart attack and he had already had a triple bypass and 2 other heart attacks in his early thirties. Add me having very scary experiences with super dangerous high blood pressure after delivering my children(its normal now) and a low HDL level and I worry all the time. Doctors and cardiologists assure me that I am fine as is my heart but I take cardio vitamins, fish oil, and other heart friendly supplements, eat a low sodium diet, and still take my blood pressure daily. I HATE living like this. I find the more information you search regarding a disorder etc the worse things get. My doctor said that many pre-med people end up with health anxiety just from the constant study of it all. In health anxiety google is never ever your friend. I had a couple of surgeries recently, minor just day ones and I was sooooo worried about getting a clot I made them put me on 3 weeks of fragmin. I injected myself for 3 weeks in the stomach over an irrational fear. See you doc and explain things as soon as you can! Dont let it control you. Stay away from google! And if you ever ever want to chat please feel free to message me!

[Pooyan01]

Thank you for the advice, I've done extensive research on angina, heart failure, aneurysms etc. I had a pain in my footm3 days ago and had pretty much decided it was DVT! My world is spinning out of control but I mustbsay I haven't researched hypochondria, I intend to and hope it helps.