Anxiety and heart rate and blood pressure

[justin61]

Hi, I'm 19 years old and in good health. In July I had my first anxiety attack, I went to the hospital with a pulse of 160 and BP of 160/90. I was put on metoprolol and sent home. I decided to see my family doctor and he did a battery of tests including EKG, blood test, urine test, diabetes screening and ect. All came back normal except the EKG said bordline sinus tachycardia with possible biatrial enlargement. This made my anxiety really really bad. He decided to send me for an echocardiogram. In the 40 days I waited for the echo and test results I went from 6'3'' 280 pounds to 235 pounds. My doctor also had me on perindopril and indapamide while waiting for the test results. After he gave me the results of the echocardiogram(perfectly healthy heart and normal for my age) i got blood pressure readings of 110/60 in his office. He took me off the blood pressure meds and prescribed me citalopram. I am now on 20mgs of citalopram and 0.25mg clonazepam. I however still feel my pulse all the time, all over my body. And everytime i go to check my blood pressure i have an anxiety attack. Yesterday my first reading was 160/60 HR of 145 and then after 5 times it went down to 122/75 with HR of 88. So my questions are: why did my ekg say possible biatrial enlargment and the echo came back normal? Why do i always have high systolic pressure/low diastolic and high pulse pressure(been told this is insignificant in my age)Is it just anxiety? I work a physical job and am never short of breath however my pulse is usually high while working. And do i feel my pulse because i just simply have a strong beating heartÉ

[kikixo]

what is white coat syndrome

[Lee Kirksey, MD]

Hello Justin
You may also have some component of white coat syndrome meaning that youre blood pressure is high in the medical setting. I would encourage you obtain a bp cuff and monitor your pressure. Also, kudos for the weight loss. Eating healthy is the most imporant path to a healthier life. Regardless, you need to docment your BP everday. Also try meditation during the day

LK

[justin61]

I bought an expensive, accurate home blood pressure kit yesterday and it has relieved my anxiety so much, at home i am getting readings like 114/65 HR: 58 bpm, however at the doctors office i was getting 154/85 HR:110, i definately have white coat syndrome.

[mindforge]

Your prescription drug is an anti-depressant and a muscle relaxant. It means doctors have ruled out any heart problem and are treating you for anxiety. I was exactly like you. My BP used to fluctuate and I always thought I am going to get a heart attack. The anxiety is real bad to deal with, but it is easily curable if you trust the results and the doctors. Nothing is wrong with your heart.