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Arrythmia, MVP or anxiety....please help
I am looking for some help to try to ease my mind. I have episodes where my heart feels like it is racing. This started two years ago and I went to the cardiologist who told me that my heart was fine. The only thing my test showed was the echo showed an elongated mitral valve WITHOUT prolapse WITH trace regurgitation. He was looking for MVP because he said he heard a clicking but after the echo said I did not have it. Also when I did the stress test it showed my heart rate went up to 180 bpm with in the first 5 min but there were no arrythmias just sinus tach. So I was told I was fine and that my problem was anxiety.
Do you think that I should be worried about the elongated valve? Can that cause these symptoms?
The thing is I have become so focused on my heart all day long that any little thing I feel scares me. So after 2 years of living in fear of having my heart race I went to another cardiologist who just listened to my heart and said that I have mitral valve prolapse. He did NOT do an echo to confirm it, he only did an EKG which showed sinus tach at 140 BPM because I was really nervous to be there.
My quetion is even though the Dr's are telling me it is just sinus tach, how can I be sure that when I feel this way it is not SVT are there other symptoms that I would get if it were SVT or an arrythmia. When I feel this way it usually will start because I feel like my heart is a little fast then I take my pulse I guess I get scared then I get hot then I feel like what if my heart doesnt slow back down(can that happen?) after about 5-10 min my heart slows back down and then I get really cold and shake.
Does this sound like symptoms of SVT or Mitral valve prolapse or anxiety?
I have had my thyroid checked and its normal, I dont drink, smoke, no drugs no caffiene.
One last question is my resting heart rate is 76 Bpm yet when I stand up it is 110 and if I walk around it is about 130 do these sound like normal rates? The 2nd cardiologist told me this is common with Mitral Valve Prolapse but I dont even know whose diagnosis to believe the Dr that told me my heart is fine or the one that said I have classic MVP symptoms and this is what I have. I am very worried to even walk around my house because I have become so afriad to feel my heart beat fast. I do not have chest pain or anything just feels fast and scary.
Please help me setttle my mind, I am sorry this is so long but I wanted to include as much information as possible to try to get help. Thank you so much, Jean
P.S- Do calcium supplements speed up your heart rate?
Do you think that I should be worried about the elongated valve? Can that cause these symptoms?
The thing is I have become so focused on my heart all day long that any little thing I feel scares me. So after 2 years of living in fear of having my heart race I went to another cardiologist who just listened to my heart and said that I have mitral valve prolapse. He did NOT do an echo to confirm it, he only did an EKG which showed sinus tach at 140 BPM because I was really nervous to be there.
My quetion is even though the Dr's are telling me it is just sinus tach, how can I be sure that when I feel this way it is not SVT are there other symptoms that I would get if it were SVT or an arrythmia. When I feel this way it usually will start because I feel like my heart is a little fast then I take my pulse I guess I get scared then I get hot then I feel like what if my heart doesnt slow back down(can that happen?) after about 5-10 min my heart slows back down and then I get really cold and shake.
Does this sound like symptoms of SVT or Mitral valve prolapse or anxiety?
I have had my thyroid checked and its normal, I dont drink, smoke, no drugs no caffiene.
One last question is my resting heart rate is 76 Bpm yet when I stand up it is 110 and if I walk around it is about 130 do these sound like normal rates? The 2nd cardiologist told me this is common with Mitral Valve Prolapse but I dont even know whose diagnosis to believe the Dr that told me my heart is fine or the one that said I have classic MVP symptoms and this is what I have. I am very worried to even walk around my house because I have become so afriad to feel my heart beat fast. I do not have chest pain or anything just feels fast and scary.
Please help me setttle my mind, I am sorry this is so long but I wanted to include as much information as possible to try to get help. Thank you so much, Jean
P.S- Do calcium supplements speed up your heart rate?
I was very glad to find this forum! I've been having heart palpitations for years now, when I was a teenager it was diagnosed as an irregular heartbeat, or a murmur, which didn't clarify much of anything for me at the time. I'm almost 30 now, and I've noticed that there is a correlation between the palpitations and stress in my life. But, I still was never prepared when they hit. I could be just sitting there, and oops! there goes my heart! I call them little heart attacks....they feel like that too. My heart just flips out, beating really fast, and my chest feels tight, and that tightness reaches up into my neck, and I feel rather light headed. They last about 30 seconds usually....sometimes more, and the last bout I had was accompanied with a strong pain in my chest....and the pain lingered for 2 days....making it hard to take a deep breath. That was enough to make me quit smoking and I cut the coffee as well, and haven't had one since. I know that my body was trying to tell me something....and this time I listened. I am convinced that stress plays a factor, because I am prone to panic attacks as well....especially in crowded places, and those attacks come when I'm swamped at work, and unhappy with the world. We are all connected by energy, and in negative situations of stress, that energy builds and has a huge impact on our health. It's all within our control to deal with these overwhelming situations in a more positive manner, and sometimes that seems really hard to do, but we can lead a less stressful lifestyle if we focus more on the good things, and even let a few things slide, rather than the bad, and the negative. When I'm happy and relaxed, my heart behaves, and if it does go off, it's much more bearable, and a calm, deep inhale can usually steady it. I hope that all of you can find your own inner strength to steady yourselves, and your hearts....and to not be afraid of enjoying this life! -Bloomin
Hi again Jean,
If your doctor tells you not to worry then try not to. You have a nervous heart. (that is all) It has been conditioned to respond to your worrying. You have to "uncondition" it. You do it like this. When you wake up, just tell yourself before you get out of bed that your heart will probably be beating fast. Then tell yourself that you won't add extra adreneline to this by scaring yourself over it. You will just accept it and let it beat fast. Take your mind off of it and DON'T feel your pulse. Accepting it will immediately decrease the anxiety and the "what if's". Put a rubber band around your wrist and every time you go to feel your pulse, snap that rubber band instead. After a few weeks you will start forgetting to feel that pulse. Make yourself go out. Go to the mall, to the store, all those places that make you uncomfortable because you could have heart problems while you are there and noone would be around to help you. Accept that you will feel nervous and your heart will pound but make yourself go anyway. After days and days of this, you really do feel your anxiety level go down. This in turn will help your heart rate settle down. You are the only one with the control to change your thoughts. My heart does everything yours does and more. Some days, I wake up and I'm feeling shaky and I just know my heart has decided to take off. Sometimes every year or so, it pauses and races like crazy with no uniformity to it. Then there are the usual pacs, pvc's and fast heart beats that are a daily nusiance (spelling?). You must desensitize yourself.. read the book again and again until you believe! Your heart is a nervous wreck. Your thoughts created this problem. If your thoughts made it a nervous wreck then they can heal it also, because that is how strong you and your thoughts are. good luck and e-mail me if you want. ***@****
If your doctor tells you not to worry then try not to. You have a nervous heart. (that is all) It has been conditioned to respond to your worrying. You have to "uncondition" it. You do it like this. When you wake up, just tell yourself before you get out of bed that your heart will probably be beating fast. Then tell yourself that you won't add extra adreneline to this by scaring yourself over it. You will just accept it and let it beat fast. Take your mind off of it and DON'T feel your pulse. Accepting it will immediately decrease the anxiety and the "what if's". Put a rubber band around your wrist and every time you go to feel your pulse, snap that rubber band instead. After a few weeks you will start forgetting to feel that pulse. Make yourself go out. Go to the mall, to the store, all those places that make you uncomfortable because you could have heart problems while you are there and noone would be around to help you. Accept that you will feel nervous and your heart will pound but make yourself go anyway. After days and days of this, you really do feel your anxiety level go down. This in turn will help your heart rate settle down. You are the only one with the control to change your thoughts. My heart does everything yours does and more. Some days, I wake up and I'm feeling shaky and I just know my heart has decided to take off. Sometimes every year or so, it pauses and races like crazy with no uniformity to it. Then there are the usual pacs, pvc's and fast heart beats that are a daily nusiance (spelling?). You must desensitize yourself.. read the book again and again until you believe! Your heart is a nervous wreck. Your thoughts created this problem. If your thoughts made it a nervous wreck then they can heal it also, because that is how strong you and your thoughts are. good luck and e-mail me if you want. ***@****
Jean read my posts down below under PVC'S. I know exactly what you are speaking about. Some mornings, I can tell if it is going to start up when I get up. It can be normal, but as soon as I sit up, then get up, and start to walk around, for at least 15 to 30 minutes it is beating like crazy. But would be ALOT faster if I was not on the Toprol. Just a few minutes ago, before I got up, I was feeling this flutter here and there in the area of the upper part of my chest, or I should say the lower part of my throat. I dont know what the med. term is when you feel flutters. I dont know if it is extra beats, pvc's? Always right around that time of the month all my symptons get much worse. Especially the racing heart. I get that all different times of day, but especially when I stand up out of bed in the a.m. and start to walk around. Also it will start up sometimes after I eat a meal, especially breakfast.
Val.
Val.
Hi Jean:
I have the exact same thing, the only difference is that my resting heart rate is around 100 bpm. But in doctor's offices, when I get scared it goes to about 140/150 bpm, and with exercise it goes to about 170 bpm.
In my case I don't remember when it started, but have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for many yrs. One day I ended up in ER because of tachycardia (I was stressed and that's why I got the tachycardia: 170 bpm), and the doctor said that even though anxiety caused rapid heart rate, it would not increase it "that much" (he said there was something else going on). Then, I had all type of tests (thyroid, EKG's, chest x-rays, etc) and everything was normal, just fast pulse. I went to an electrophysiologist and he said I have inappropiate sinus tachycardia, and that it would not kill me. He put me on Toprol, but that doesn't help when I'm stressed (he said it was normal). Now I don't worry as much, and it's much better.
Also, don't be scared to exercise because if you do not exercise your heart rate will get faster in the long run (at minimum exertion it will increase more). Exercise raises your pulse in the moment, but lowers it in the long run.
Good luck, and don't worry, I know.....easier said than done, but it has helped me (and our cases are soooooo similar)
Poly
I have the exact same thing, the only difference is that my resting heart rate is around 100 bpm. But in doctor's offices, when I get scared it goes to about 140/150 bpm, and with exercise it goes to about 170 bpm.
In my case I don't remember when it started, but have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for many yrs. One day I ended up in ER because of tachycardia (I was stressed and that's why I got the tachycardia: 170 bpm), and the doctor said that even though anxiety caused rapid heart rate, it would not increase it "that much" (he said there was something else going on). Then, I had all type of tests (thyroid, EKG's, chest x-rays, etc) and everything was normal, just fast pulse. I went to an electrophysiologist and he said I have inappropiate sinus tachycardia, and that it would not kill me. He put me on Toprol, but that doesn't help when I'm stressed (he said it was normal). Now I don't worry as much, and it's much better.
Also, don't be scared to exercise because if you do not exercise your heart rate will get faster in the long run (at minimum exertion it will increase more). Exercise raises your pulse in the moment, but lowers it in the long run.
Good luck, and don't worry, I know.....easier said than done, but it has helped me (and our cases are soooooo similar)
Poly
My problem is similar to yours. I have been diagnosed with sinus tachycardia. My heart usually beats fastest in the morning right when I get out of bed. I have been taking Toprol XL for about a month and it has helped. I still have days that it doesn't help, though. When this happens, my heartrate will stay around 85 bpm but if I stand or move around it goes right to 120-130. I, too, am scared when this happens which probably makes it worse. I have had problems with anxiety in the past and have taken clorazepate. I haven't taken it since I have started taking Toprol because I haven't asked the doctor if the two medications can be taken together. I don't have any answers for you but I thought I would let you know that you're not alone.
Shelley
Shelley
HI Bloomin,
What you said is so true. I am trying so hard to stay positive, I dont know why I cant stop focusing on what my heart is doing. I dont know how much of it is REAL and how much of it I create by worrying about it. I too have panic attacks in any place that getting out would be hard, long lines etc.. and I try to remind myself that true heart problems dont come on because I am in a crowd. The worst is when I am at home and it feels like my heart is jumping a lot of times I will take my pulse and it is only 78Bpm so I guess it is just a feeling because I am so introspective about waiting for my heart to act up. Anyone know any ways to snap out of this cycle? I am trying positive talk & breathing some days it works others it doesnt. Sometimes the fear of it keeps me from going out and I dont know how to get passed this. I look foward to hearing from you. Jean
What you said is so true. I am trying so hard to stay positive, I dont know why I cant stop focusing on what my heart is doing. I dont know how much of it is REAL and how much of it I create by worrying about it. I too have panic attacks in any place that getting out would be hard, long lines etc.. and I try to remind myself that true heart problems dont come on because I am in a crowd. The worst is when I am at home and it feels like my heart is jumping a lot of times I will take my pulse and it is only 78Bpm so I guess it is just a feeling because I am so introspective about waiting for my heart to act up. Anyone know any ways to snap out of this cycle? I am trying positive talk & breathing some days it works others it doesnt. Sometimes the fear of it keeps me from going out and I dont know how to get passed this. I look foward to hearing from you. Jean
Hi Jean,
Sorry for taking so long to reply. In answer to your questions, did I ever find myself totally focused on my heart....oh my goodness yes.....each and every little feeling. I started out with the fast heart rate at odd times, it would wake me out of a deep sleep sometimes going as fast as 180 bpm. The fear that I added to the situation I grew to learn made it beat even faster. The sweat would be pouring off my face and down my chest. Even my feet would sweat. I could feel my heart pounding in my neck and ears. There I would be sitting in the dark feeling for my pulse, scaring myself silly. Once I calmed down and my heart rate slowed down then I would begin to get cold....teeth chattering cold and I would shake. I would have to put socks on, and sometimes I would drink warm water to get warm. Once I went to the doctor and learned I had Parasoxymal Artial Tachycardia (PAT's) I was still scared when it happened..but I also learned to talk to myself. Strange thing is, it mostly happened at night. Sometimes it happened while I was sitting in a hot tub, or taking a shower. Talk about getting out fast. Sometimes I prayed I'd get the soap washed out of my hair fast enough to get out. I began being afraid of being home alone. The extra fear that I added created more adrenaline which made it beat faster and for longer periods of time. It was when I learned to think positively, and it didn't happen overnight. I admit, it was hard work...but I knew that it had to be me and that I had to change my thinking....I actually got to the place where I would wake up, it would be beating fast and I'd acknowledge it...and think, well I'll wait and see what happens. Getting up and splashing cold water on your face helps, or taking a cold washcloth back to bed. It still happens once in a great while, it scares me...but not all consuming. I believe now that everything I experince now may be due to peri-menopause. I always heard this age (45) was supposed to be the best time of your life. I'm not sure. Try staying focused.....of course your focused on your fast heart rate, but focused on the positives.....it will get better if you try.....giving those what-if's is not good. MLS
Sorry for taking so long to reply. In answer to your questions, did I ever find myself totally focused on my heart....oh my goodness yes.....each and every little feeling. I started out with the fast heart rate at odd times, it would wake me out of a deep sleep sometimes going as fast as 180 bpm. The fear that I added to the situation I grew to learn made it beat even faster. The sweat would be pouring off my face and down my chest. Even my feet would sweat. I could feel my heart pounding in my neck and ears. There I would be sitting in the dark feeling for my pulse, scaring myself silly. Once I calmed down and my heart rate slowed down then I would begin to get cold....teeth chattering cold and I would shake. I would have to put socks on, and sometimes I would drink warm water to get warm. Once I went to the doctor and learned I had Parasoxymal Artial Tachycardia (PAT's) I was still scared when it happened..but I also learned to talk to myself. Strange thing is, it mostly happened at night. Sometimes it happened while I was sitting in a hot tub, or taking a shower. Talk about getting out fast. Sometimes I prayed I'd get the soap washed out of my hair fast enough to get out. I began being afraid of being home alone. The extra fear that I added created more adrenaline which made it beat faster and for longer periods of time. It was when I learned to think positively, and it didn't happen overnight. I admit, it was hard work...but I knew that it had to be me and that I had to change my thinking....I actually got to the place where I would wake up, it would be beating fast and I'd acknowledge it...and think, well I'll wait and see what happens. Getting up and splashing cold water on your face helps, or taking a cold washcloth back to bed. It still happens once in a great while, it scares me...but not all consuming. I believe now that everything I experince now may be due to peri-menopause. I always heard this age (45) was supposed to be the best time of your life. I'm not sure. Try staying focused.....of course your focused on your fast heart rate, but focused on the positives.....it will get better if you try.....giving those what-if's is not good. MLS
Hi Jean, Hopefully I'll finish this message before I screw up
and hit something else and post it before I finish.
I'm glad to see that you said you are starting to think positive and that when your heart races that it doesn't last as long, only 2-3 minutes. It has only been a week since you've started trying to think more positive. PLEASE don't be so hard on yourself. They say, and I've read many places and many times throughout the years that in when you are trying to start something new, such as think positive, quit smoking, change your eating habits, etc. that it begans to get easier after the 23rd day - if you try to be consistent. After being afraid for two years or so it is bound to take longer. Your body is sensitized to your thoughts, when you begin to think it is not going to work, repeat some of the things you've read above, over and over if you have to...give yourself time. Try reading Claire Weekes books again...she explains wonderfully. Best of luck.MLS
and hit something else and post it before I finish.
I'm glad to see that you said you are starting to think positive and that when your heart races that it doesn't last as long, only 2-3 minutes. It has only been a week since you've started trying to think more positive. PLEASE don't be so hard on yourself. They say, and I've read many places and many times throughout the years that in when you are trying to start something new, such as think positive, quit smoking, change your eating habits, etc. that it begans to get easier after the 23rd day - if you try to be consistent. After being afraid for two years or so it is bound to take longer. Your body is sensitized to your thoughts, when you begin to think it is not going to work, repeat some of the things you've read above, over and over if you have to...give yourself time. Try reading Claire Weekes books again...she explains wonderfully. Best of luck.MLS
Hi again,
I have been trying to take everyones advice and think positive. I am still having the episodes where my heart starts to race but they seem to not last as long only 2-3 minutes and then it passes. I am having a hard time with the mornings. I can feel great the night before and then as soon as I wake up it starts all over again. Does anyone else feel this way? Also I cant seem to stop focusing on my heart, even when it is slow like 79 BPM I find myself thinking about it because I am hoping that it wont start to race again.I guess I cant shake the fear of it. Anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this? I guess it is anticipatory anxiety over my heart rate. Thanks again I am glad that there are people here that understand. Jean
I have been trying to take everyones advice and think positive. I am still having the episodes where my heart starts to race but they seem to not last as long only 2-3 minutes and then it passes. I am having a hard time with the mornings. I can feel great the night before and then as soon as I wake up it starts all over again. Does anyone else feel this way? Also I cant seem to stop focusing on my heart, even when it is slow like 79 BPM I find myself thinking about it because I am hoping that it wont start to race again.I guess I cant shake the fear of it. Anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this? I guess it is anticipatory anxiety over my heart rate. Thanks again I am glad that there are people here that understand. Jean
Hi Jean,
I'm glad to see that you said you are starting to think positive and that when your heart races that it doesn't last as long, only 2-3 minutes. It has only been a week since you've started trying to think more positive. PLEASE
I'm glad to see that you said you are starting to think positive and that when your heart races that it doesn't last as long, only 2-3 minutes. It has only been a week since you've started trying to think more positive. PLEASE
Hi Jean,
I'm glad to see that you said you are starting to think positive and that when your heart races that it doesn't last as long, only 2-3 minutes. It has only been a week since you've started trying to think more positive. PLEASE
I'm glad to see that you said you are starting to think positive and that when your heart races that it doesn't last as long, only 2-3 minutes. It has only been a week since you've started trying to think more positive. PLEASE
Dear MLS,
Thanks for the encouragement...(I need it):) I keep trying to remind myself that it can not be a deadly arrythmia like I was so afraid that is was because it wouldnt pass in a few minutes like it always does. I still have a hard time believing 100% that it is not a true heart problem but wouldnt you think that something else would happen by now? There is still that little doubt that prevents me from being calm. When you used to have the attacks did you ever find yourself always focused on your heart? Also I get hot first and then after my heart calms down I get cold and I read this is typical with anxiety does it sound like it could be anything worse to you? My problem was I read about all of these arrythmias that sounded like what I was going through and then I scared myself even more.
Have a great day and I look forward to hearing from you again. Jean
Thanks for the encouragement...(I need it):) I keep trying to remind myself that it can not be a deadly arrythmia like I was so afraid that is was because it wouldnt pass in a few minutes like it always does. I still have a hard time believing 100% that it is not a true heart problem but wouldnt you think that something else would happen by now? There is still that little doubt that prevents me from being calm. When you used to have the attacks did you ever find yourself always focused on your heart? Also I get hot first and then after my heart calms down I get cold and I read this is typical with anxiety does it sound like it could be anything worse to you? My problem was I read about all of these arrythmias that sounded like what I was going through and then I scared myself even more.
Have a great day and I look forward to hearing from you again. Jean
Hi! Dinner was great, thanks for asking. It was even better because of reading your comments before leaving the house. When the skips and flutters happened, I let them do their thing, and tried to convince myself I was in control of my thoughts and attitude only. I then imagined the sunset from my yard on a warm summer day and could feel the anxious feelings subsiding. I also told my heart to go as fast as it wanted, that I was enjoying this evening out( I would usually get very quiet until the beats let up) and actually found myself laughing during them.
I am sorry to hear about your friend. None of us no our fate, but 44 is still way too young to die.
Thank you again for helping me slowly regain control of my life. I mentioned you both to my husband, and he said Thank God for the internet!! Take Care, NBCT.
I am sorry to hear about your friend. None of us no our fate, but 44 is still way too young to die.
Thank you again for helping me slowly regain control of my life. I mentioned you both to my husband, and he said Thank God for the internet!! Take Care, NBCT.
Hi NBTC,
How did your dinner go? I have thought about you the last couple days and wondering how it went. I hope you have noticed monumental changes but most times it takes awhile for positive thinking to take affect. As I mentioned before, when we become sensitized to these symptoms and our thoughts that follow, it appears they are one in the same. I had a girlfriend that had a heart attack at 44 yrs. old (just a month ago). She weighs all of 115 lbs., has great cholesterol of 123 with good HDL although she smokes and drinks lots of caffeine. When this happened to her it scared me quite a bit....because my cholesterol is "up there," I'm about 20-25 lbs. overweight and I get extra beats, etc. on occassion. But...after a couple days of fretting, doing some soul searching and positive thinking I came to the conclusion, again...that I might as well take each day as it comes, nothings happened to me so far...look it happened to my friend....but it could happen to anyone and if I worry so much about it...I will only make myself sick. I hope you believe I truly know that positive thinking can help....sometimes you just have to positive think more...but I'd rather be positive then negative any day. When you think negatively a lot everything becomes a problem...even things not related to our health, which in turns creates stress...which then does affects our health in the long run....so think of it as a cycle...try to break the cycle. If you read this, please let us know how you've been. MLS
How did your dinner go? I have thought about you the last couple days and wondering how it went. I hope you have noticed monumental changes but most times it takes awhile for positive thinking to take affect. As I mentioned before, when we become sensitized to these symptoms and our thoughts that follow, it appears they are one in the same. I had a girlfriend that had a heart attack at 44 yrs. old (just a month ago). She weighs all of 115 lbs., has great cholesterol of 123 with good HDL although she smokes and drinks lots of caffeine. When this happened to her it scared me quite a bit....because my cholesterol is "up there," I'm about 20-25 lbs. overweight and I get extra beats, etc. on occassion. But...after a couple days of fretting, doing some soul searching and positive thinking I came to the conclusion, again...that I might as well take each day as it comes, nothings happened to me so far...look it happened to my friend....but it could happen to anyone and if I worry so much about it...I will only make myself sick. I hope you believe I truly know that positive thinking can help....sometimes you just have to positive think more...but I'd rather be positive then negative any day. When you think negatively a lot everything becomes a problem...even things not related to our health, which in turns creates stress...which then does affects our health in the long run....so think of it as a cycle...try to break the cycle. If you read this, please let us know how you've been. MLS
Hi:
MLS said it right, I rather take one day at a time with a positive attitude than take it negatively til' it affects my health. If something is going to happen, it'll happen no matter how much I worry, so I better enjoy each moment. This thinking pattern has helped me tremendously, so much that my heart rate is even lower now (it was about 85 bpm with meds and some worrying, now is about 70 bpm :-), and I couldn't be happier). And I have not had an anxiety attack for so long now, what a relief.
My best wishes for you both, and remember, "positive thinking" does work (the best medicine).
Poly
MLS said it right, I rather take one day at a time with a positive attitude than take it negatively til' it affects my health. If something is going to happen, it'll happen no matter how much I worry, so I better enjoy each moment. This thinking pattern has helped me tremendously, so much that my heart rate is even lower now (it was about 85 bpm with meds and some worrying, now is about 70 bpm :-), and I couldn't be happier). And I have not had an anxiety attack for so long now, what a relief.
My best wishes for you both, and remember, "positive thinking" does work (the best medicine).
Poly
Hi Jean,
I wanted to respond to your questions. When you said, "I just sometimes feel like I am running around in circles" you are. You are in your mind, searching for the answer and the more you scare yourself the more adrenaline you are producing and it has no place to go because you are even afraid to move around as it is because your heart might race. This would make anyone tired, because the excess adrenaline in your system is producing the same symptoms as if you had been running around all day. Think about that!! You might as well be up and walking around. When your heart starts to race say to yourself "okay here we go, it's just you and me, I'll be okay." Give yourself nothing but positives, exactly as Poly has mentioned. I had a stress test which showed I had Parasoxymal Atrial Tachycardia, which can be induced by stress, alcohol, eatting too much, etc. I had an echocardiogram, glucose tolerance tests, etc. I kept trying to search for answers, reading books, contantly, and I mean constantly thinking about it, analyzing what I did, what I ate, what if I got somewhere and my heart raced, what if...what if...this constant analyzing exhausted me out beyond belief, which only created more racing, fluttery heartbeat. What you need to do is try not to think about it so much...I know it's hard........it's damn hard.....but be constructive with that adrenaline running around in your body and walk around your block...and tomorrow maybe two blocks...and see what happens, remembering to let your heart just do as it does. It's been two years or so and nothing has happened yet, right? One thing to note is that when you breathe in your heart naturally speeds up a little. This is a sign of a normal healthy heart. When you're walking, take big gulps of fresh air, hear the birds sing, listen to the kids playing on the street now that winter is over and spring is here. Take each day at a time. This forum is a great place to find help...but if all you do is spend your time reading over books and concentrating too much on your problem, it will only seem more unmanageable. Remember, enjoy today, be nice to "little Jean"....MLS
I wanted to respond to your questions. When you said, "I just sometimes feel like I am running around in circles" you are. You are in your mind, searching for the answer and the more you scare yourself the more adrenaline you are producing and it has no place to go because you are even afraid to move around as it is because your heart might race. This would make anyone tired, because the excess adrenaline in your system is producing the same symptoms as if you had been running around all day. Think about that!! You might as well be up and walking around. When your heart starts to race say to yourself "okay here we go, it's just you and me, I'll be okay." Give yourself nothing but positives, exactly as Poly has mentioned. I had a stress test which showed I had Parasoxymal Atrial Tachycardia, which can be induced by stress, alcohol, eatting too much, etc. I had an echocardiogram, glucose tolerance tests, etc. I kept trying to search for answers, reading books, contantly, and I mean constantly thinking about it, analyzing what I did, what I ate, what if I got somewhere and my heart raced, what if...what if...this constant analyzing exhausted me out beyond belief, which only created more racing, fluttery heartbeat. What you need to do is try not to think about it so much...I know it's hard........it's damn hard.....but be constructive with that adrenaline running around in your body and walk around your block...and tomorrow maybe two blocks...and see what happens, remembering to let your heart just do as it does. It's been two years or so and nothing has happened yet, right? One thing to note is that when you breathe in your heart naturally speeds up a little. This is a sign of a normal healthy heart. When you're walking, take big gulps of fresh air, hear the birds sing, listen to the kids playing on the street now that winter is over and spring is here. Take each day at a time. This forum is a great place to find help...but if all you do is spend your time reading over books and concentrating too much on your problem, it will only seem more unmanageable. Remember, enjoy today, be nice to "little Jean"....MLS
Hi Jean, me again
I also have the MVP (with no regurgitation), I think it's all related; MVP, tachycardia, panic attacks. I usually wonder what started first; In my opinion I have an overreactive nervous system (may be an excess of adrenaline or exagerated response to it) that made my heart become faster than normal. And yes, it is possible that your heart race at 140 bpm just thinking about it raising (in my case it goes to 150 bpm every time they take my blood pressure/pulse at doctor's offices; I just can't help it, I think it's going to race, I feel the surge of adrenaline, and there it goes,......Oh God, I hate it). It's normal to worry about it, and the more you try "not to worry", the more you do, so let it be. I even tell myself: "OK, go faster, I don't care,nothing ever happens". Sometimes one part of me keeps worrying, but then I think, so what.....worrying won't kill me, it's just uncomfortable, but "nothing" will happen. I used to be an extremely anxious person, but reading books about these subjects have helped me change my way of thinking (positive self talk), and now I can do so many things I couldn't before: I still feel the "physical" symptoms sometimes, but it's the way you respond to them; if positive, they go away faster. Even my pulse has been normal lately (except in doctor's offices, I'm still working on that).
Have you tried any beta blockers? I tried Atenolol but made me feel terrible, then Toprol, and no problems with it. Sometimes it doesn't work for me, but it's a way to calm my mind (may be placebo effect, who knows), but in any case, since it blocks adrenaline receptors, it must help some.
With the support of books and boards like this, I know you'll be able to overcome this
Best wishes,
Poly
I also have the MVP (with no regurgitation), I think it's all related; MVP, tachycardia, panic attacks. I usually wonder what started first; In my opinion I have an overreactive nervous system (may be an excess of adrenaline or exagerated response to it) that made my heart become faster than normal. And yes, it is possible that your heart race at 140 bpm just thinking about it raising (in my case it goes to 150 bpm every time they take my blood pressure/pulse at doctor's offices; I just can't help it, I think it's going to race, I feel the surge of adrenaline, and there it goes,......Oh God, I hate it). It's normal to worry about it, and the more you try "not to worry", the more you do, so let it be. I even tell myself: "OK, go faster, I don't care,nothing ever happens". Sometimes one part of me keeps worrying, but then I think, so what.....worrying won't kill me, it's just uncomfortable, but "nothing" will happen. I used to be an extremely anxious person, but reading books about these subjects have helped me change my way of thinking (positive self talk), and now I can do so many things I couldn't before: I still feel the "physical" symptoms sometimes, but it's the way you respond to them; if positive, they go away faster. Even my pulse has been normal lately (except in doctor's offices, I'm still working on that).
Have you tried any beta blockers? I tried Atenolol but made me feel terrible, then Toprol, and no problems with it. Sometimes it doesn't work for me, but it's a way to calm my mind (may be placebo effect, who knows), but in any case, since it blocks adrenaline receptors, it must help some.
With the support of books and boards like this, I know you'll be able to overcome this
Best wishes,
Poly
To Poly and MLS, I have just read your comments to Jean, and now plan on trying your advice to relieve the anxious feelings I get when experiencing frequent irregular and rapid beats. I want so very badly to have control of my life again(it has been about a year). The doctors reassurance does not always do it. I have been on Toprol XL for 6 months which has definitely decreased the intense pounding, but will not stop them. He states it is due to MVPS(I have MVP& mod. MR) My husband and I are going to dinner with friends tonight(kids at sleepover party) and my positive thoughts will begin today!!! Thank you both for words of encouragement!!!!!!! Take Care. NBCT.
Thank you so much for everything you have said. It helps to hear advice from someone that has been there. I just sometimes feel like I am running around in circles. Half of me thinks that I am feeling my heart race from anxiety and then there is the other half that keeps saying I need to go to another Doctor and see if they missed something. Is this common with anxiety to keep searching for a physical reason? I dont know why 2 years ago after the holter,echo, stress test and event monitor came back negative except for sinus tach. I was still not satisfied. I walked out of his office and said oh they just didnt catch it while it was happening.
Before I even get up to walk around my house I am already afraid that any exertion will cause my heart to race so I am convincing myself that there is a real problem here. I know it sounds ridiculous but being as you went through this does it sound like it is typical anxiety or could my heart be so fast when I stand from MVP or an arrythmia? The thing is if I could just not be so conscious of it I dont know if it would even race at all, or am I aware of it because it is racing? Its like I cant tell which problem is coming first. I wish Claire Weekes was still here to talk to, I have her tapes and the way she explains it sounds so much like me but then there is that doubt that is keeping me so scared of the racing. Do you know anything about POTS? Does it sound like I could have that or would there be other symptoms that go along with that problem? Thanks so much Jean :)
Before I even get up to walk around my house I am already afraid that any exertion will cause my heart to race so I am convincing myself that there is a real problem here. I know it sounds ridiculous but being as you went through this does it sound like it is typical anxiety or could my heart be so fast when I stand from MVP or an arrythmia? The thing is if I could just not be so conscious of it I dont know if it would even race at all, or am I aware of it because it is racing? Its like I cant tell which problem is coming first. I wish Claire Weekes was still here to talk to, I have her tapes and the way she explains it sounds so much like me but then there is that doubt that is keeping me so scared of the racing. Do you know anything about POTS? Does it sound like I could have that or would there be other symptoms that go along with that problem? Thanks so much Jean :)
Jean, Sorry...I meant Jodie gave a wonderful explanation of how to talk to yourself....she would defintely be someone to listen to...MLS
Hi Jean & Jodie,
Jean gave a wonderful explanation of what you need to do to talk to yourself when you feel your heart racing. This is exactly what you need to do. It really does work. I still have problems where my heart flips and flutters around. I know it happens more when I'm tired, stressed out or before that time of the month. It is a nuisance but it does not have the capacity to scare me like it did before. One of the most important things to remember is that anxiety is a "natural" part of life. It will never go away completely, but you need to let it settle down a little. Think in terms of "big Jean" who knows what she needs to do and "little Jean" who just needs a lot of help right now. Don't be too hard on yourself. Little steps lead to big steps. Everyone is here for you and this is a wonderful place to find support. One thing we have to remember is that we only have each day. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. If we spend each day in fear we are only cheating ourselves out of today. Breathe deeply, tell yourself constantly you are okay, think of your heart racing as your little friend. Accepting is not biting the bullet and tensely accepting.....letting go and saying okay here it is....I've had this before and nothing happened is accepting and this happens more often with practice. When you first realize you did something without the fear that accompanies your rapid fluttering heartbeat and you feel such "Joy" because you actually forgot about it, if only for 10 minutes, that feeling of joy is something to hold on to and that begins to grow longer and longer until you are no longer "trapped inside your own self." I met Claire Weekes over the phone one day because I was so desparate. I had found a magazine in a store that had an article in it titled "When the Doctor says it is ony your nerves." That article was about me. Back in 1981 no one in a small rural Wisconsin town knew anything about panic attacks and phobias. I called Claire Weekes. She put me in touch with a group by mail that originated in New York City by a wonderful lady who also had connections through the White Plains (NY) Phobia Clinic. By following Claire Weeke's books and working with this group by mail I learned to cope with my anxiety and the overly sensitized symptoms went away. I felt like a free person. This forum is alot like the group by mail was back then. Only we had to wait for our letters in the mail. But...the concept of the group was...you are not alone. There are many out there that suffer such as you do.....When Claire Weekes would come to the states to visit and speak at the Phobia Clinic I was invited out to see her but I never got the chance. I did speak with her the phone...and one thing she said to me in her wonderful Australian accent was...."oh little Michelle....it will get better...when you learn to say "Oh what the hell!!" So Jean, it will get better. You have won half the battle already. You know you are not alone, you know that others have done it....and you have help......Michelle (MLS)
Jean gave a wonderful explanation of what you need to do to talk to yourself when you feel your heart racing. This is exactly what you need to do. It really does work. I still have problems where my heart flips and flutters around. I know it happens more when I'm tired, stressed out or before that time of the month. It is a nuisance but it does not have the capacity to scare me like it did before. One of the most important things to remember is that anxiety is a "natural" part of life. It will never go away completely, but you need to let it settle down a little. Think in terms of "big Jean" who knows what she needs to do and "little Jean" who just needs a lot of help right now. Don't be too hard on yourself. Little steps lead to big steps. Everyone is here for you and this is a wonderful place to find support. One thing we have to remember is that we only have each day. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. If we spend each day in fear we are only cheating ourselves out of today. Breathe deeply, tell yourself constantly you are okay, think of your heart racing as your little friend. Accepting is not biting the bullet and tensely accepting.....letting go and saying okay here it is....I've had this before and nothing happened is accepting and this happens more often with practice. When you first realize you did something without the fear that accompanies your rapid fluttering heartbeat and you feel such "Joy" because you actually forgot about it, if only for 10 minutes, that feeling of joy is something to hold on to and that begins to grow longer and longer until you are no longer "trapped inside your own self." I met Claire Weekes over the phone one day because I was so desparate. I had found a magazine in a store that had an article in it titled "When the Doctor says it is ony your nerves." That article was about me. Back in 1981 no one in a small rural Wisconsin town knew anything about panic attacks and phobias. I called Claire Weekes. She put me in touch with a group by mail that originated in New York City by a wonderful lady who also had connections through the White Plains (NY) Phobia Clinic. By following Claire Weeke's books and working with this group by mail I learned to cope with my anxiety and the overly sensitized symptoms went away. I felt like a free person. This forum is alot like the group by mail was back then. Only we had to wait for our letters in the mail. But...the concept of the group was...you are not alone. There are many out there that suffer such as you do.....When Claire Weekes would come to the states to visit and speak at the Phobia Clinic I was invited out to see her but I never got the chance. I did speak with her the phone...and one thing she said to me in her wonderful Australian accent was...."oh little Michelle....it will get better...when you learn to say "Oh what the hell!!" So Jean, it will get better. You have won half the battle already. You know you are not alone, you know that others have done it....and you have help......Michelle (MLS)
All of your posts made so much sense to me about the anxiety. I am having a real problem of being able to not let it scare me so much. I am not sure how much of the racing is being caused by this MVP or my worry over it. I find myself thinking about it all day and hoping that my heart wont race today. I have bceome so fearful of the feeling. Also I wonder if I am helping to cause the feeling by what I am thinking. Before I get up to walk around my first thought is what if it races when I stand, so of course it feels fast as soon as I get up. But the problem is I dont know if that means I have a real problem going on here. I had an EKG done at 140 bpm and there were no arrythmias so that should be a good sign right?
Jodie and MLS, I also have read Claire Weekes and believe what she is saying the only thing is I havent been able to truly Accept and let time pass when I get the feelings. My first reaction is to say oh no and what if this is the time where my heart wont slow back down. Anyone have any good calming techniques. Also do you think I can raise my heart rate so fast with just the fear of it and the constant introspection? I have tried to find a good therapist but have had no luck I live in Staten Island New York if any one knows of any please let me know.
,Thanks everyone.....Jean......here is my email address also. ***@****
Jodie and MLS, I also have read Claire Weekes and believe what she is saying the only thing is I havent been able to truly Accept and let time pass when I get the feelings. My first reaction is to say oh no and what if this is the time where my heart wont slow back down. Anyone have any good calming techniques. Also do you think I can raise my heart rate so fast with just the fear of it and the constant introspection? I have tried to find a good therapist but have had no luck I live in Staten Island New York if any one knows of any please let me know.
,Thanks everyone.....Jean......here is my email address also. ***@****
Hi Jean,
Claire Weekes books are wonderful because they are written with such meaning. One of the things that you have to realize is that people who suffer from intense anxiety and subsequent symptoms tend to be people that are very sensitive and "highly imaginative." This then causes total "self-introspection." Scarey symptoms such as ones related to heart beat, heart rate, skipped beats, etc. would cause anyone to self analyze many things. The first thing to do is get a good physical and then listen to your doctor if he tells you everything is okay. Claires books will not help you unless you learn to practice. Accept, wait, float, let time pass, do not what-if. I don't remember the exact order but I do remember LOTS from her books. I had panic attacks and terrible anxiety the whole day. I did not begin to get better until I began to practice, take each day and sometimes moment as they came. I had shakes, extra beats, fast heart rate all day (130 beats per minutes whole day), throwing up or the constant urge to gag, sweating, etc. I began my day by hating to get out of bed because I knew it was going to start. The only trouble is, it had already started before I got out of bed.......it truly does work. One success leads to another. It is not instantaneous, because this did not happen over night. It really is true that overly sensitized nerves will cause your bodies reaction to stress and worry to become almost automatic and instantaneous, from thought to symptom. Fear doesn't even have to enter into the picture. Tension, aggravation, anger at the symtoms are all negative thoughts and have the capacity to create the same symptoms. It is never easy, but if you take each day as it comes, wait, let time pass, talk to yourself, etc. it will work....good luck.....consider yourself a stronger person for having gone through this. There are many people out there who don't seek the proper help. Good luck!! MLS
Claire Weekes books are wonderful because they are written with such meaning. One of the things that you have to realize is that people who suffer from intense anxiety and subsequent symptoms tend to be people that are very sensitive and "highly imaginative." This then causes total "self-introspection." Scarey symptoms such as ones related to heart beat, heart rate, skipped beats, etc. would cause anyone to self analyze many things. The first thing to do is get a good physical and then listen to your doctor if he tells you everything is okay. Claires books will not help you unless you learn to practice. Accept, wait, float, let time pass, do not what-if. I don't remember the exact order but I do remember LOTS from her books. I had panic attacks and terrible anxiety the whole day. I did not begin to get better until I began to practice, take each day and sometimes moment as they came. I had shakes, extra beats, fast heart rate all day (130 beats per minutes whole day), throwing up or the constant urge to gag, sweating, etc. I began my day by hating to get out of bed because I knew it was going to start. The only trouble is, it had already started before I got out of bed.......it truly does work. One success leads to another. It is not instantaneous, because this did not happen over night. It really is true that overly sensitized nerves will cause your bodies reaction to stress and worry to become almost automatic and instantaneous, from thought to symptom. Fear doesn't even have to enter into the picture. Tension, aggravation, anger at the symtoms are all negative thoughts and have the capacity to create the same symptoms. It is never easy, but if you take each day as it comes, wait, let time pass, talk to yourself, etc. it will work....good luck.....consider yourself a stronger person for having gone through this. There are many people out there who don't seek the proper help. Good luck!! MLS
Thanks Hankstar. Every day was a battle. Now when they happen I just can't be bothered. (except for those pauses that you know about and explained somewhat to me about) Have you heard from Savannah? Just would like to know what the doctors found out.
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