Am i having heart problems, or jus anxiety?!!

[tonivii]

Hi to health advisor,

Im a 19 year old male with history of intense anxiety problem for a year now. Here's how it goes; about a year ago, I have had unprotected sex with a freelance sexworker and got myself into HIV-related anxiety state. Got myself tested 5 months post window period and came back negative, which was a relief. Few months later I develop chest pain which radiates to the left arm, sleepless night and a panic attack. (I only had panic attack once so far, while after there's few occasion im at the verge of panic attack but managed to calm down and not let it happen eventually.) This worsen my anxiety state. Couldnt sleep well every night, as i keep waking up in the midst of sleep. This leads me to do countless full health screening, all which came back fine. I was then told i got anxiety and was prescripted lorazepam and fluvoxamine, which treated me completely. It was jus 5 weeks ago when i had protected sex with a sexworker and got anxious about it for 2 weeks, and 2 nights ago when i turn in really late, I felt my head getting really heavy and when i turn in that moment, i couldnt sleep at all and felt my heart squeezing itself (painless, but lasted few seconds) and stops. And i havent been able to sleep at all this 2 night in fear that i may not be able to wake up again. May i know if this condition is heart failure or heart disease related? Can anxiety or panic attack lead to heart failure or heart disease in a short while? I did 30 push ups per day and didnt get exhausted that easy. Please advice me!!

[gmachris518]

I think it's a no brainer here.  If having relations with a sexworker causes you this much anxiety, then don't do it.  And since you have this much anxiety in your life, the doctor is right....a shrink would be the best help for you.

I have a daughter who has anxiety attacks when she goes into large stores at Christmas time, or any time when there are big crowds, so she has learned to do her shopping when the crowds are the lightest and her anxiety level stays at normal range.

I hope this helps.....

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
     Organic or functional cause means the kind of cause which can lead to your symptoms. For example, organic cause can be in the form of anomalies in the heart like congenital disorders, mitral stenosis etc. Functional causes include over use injuries like left ventricular failure, rhythm abnormalities etc.
All your symptoms are related to panic and anxiety and do not have any physical evidence for their occurrence, hence can be attributed to anxiety. Hope this helps. Best.

[tonivii]

Hello doctor,

Really thank you so much for your reply. Appreciated. Am sorry as i dun understand that well what you mean for certain parts. What you mean by organic or functional cause? What will happen in organic or functional cause? Is my symptoms seemed like what you said? hmm. Thanks for your reply.

Tonivii

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
      Cardiac symptoms have a organic or functional cause which lead to their occurrence. If there is no physical cause found for your symptoms, as your history suggests your symptoms could be grossly attributed to anxiety. Yes, in anxiety you can feel chest discomfort, shortness of breath etc. Also, at your age it is uncommon to have cardiac pathologies, unless it is congenital or infectious or you have a strong family history or risk factors like obesity, chain smoking etc.
I would recommend that you consult a psychiatrist for counseling, behavioral therapy along with medication. Best.