How do you tell the difference between a heart problem and anxiety?

[KLB32]

I have been diagnosed with OCD, general anxiety disorder and panic disorder. About 3 months after I stopped therapy(in late 2004), I started getting PVC's.  Then one day I was grocery shopping and felt like I was having a heart attack.  I couldn't breathe, was hot and sweaty, my chest felt tight, I felt numb, rapid heart rate/skipped beats and all I could think of was getting out of there. I went to the ER and had an EKG which I was told was normal overall but did show a couple of PVCs.  The Dr. explained to me what PVCs were and told me to follow up with my GP soon to rule out an underlying heart problem.  This was on a Saturday so I called my Dr. that Monday.  He ordered a Holter which showed 45 PVCs and 15 ventricular ecotopies (which I am told is the same thing).  He referred me to a cardiologist who told me PVCs were nothing to worry about in a structurally normal heart and that they were probably anxiety related.  I had an echo which confirmed my heart structure was normal.

Lately, I have been having weird episodes that mimic a heart attack.  I get short of breath, feel weak and tired, heart races/skips, chest pressure, arm pain (sometimes, nausea/heartburn(sometimes) and dizziness.  I have been to the ER 3 times in the last 2 months and am assured I am ok.  The three EKG's I've had have been normal. For some reason, I just can't believe I'm ok.  It happened again today in the middle of church and I had to leave.  I went home and took a Xanax and fell asleep for two hours.  I felt better when I woke up except for the heartburn was still there.  

I'm 32, don't smoke, rarely drink, I'm thin, BP is under control, slightly high cholesterol but my "good" cholesterol is in a good range and my triglycerides are normal.  My parents and brother do not have heart problems.  My grandfather has CAD and wears a pacemaker but his problems did not start until he was about 60.  He's still living.

Does it sound like these "episodes" are just panic attacks?  How can I tell the difference between panic attacks and a real heart attack?

[zoe114]

I came across something that has been a great help to me. Nasal steroid spray. I never realized first that I had allergies, and second how bad they were.  When I got on this spray, I was able to breath better and this has help my overall feeling, more than I ever thought could be.

[PollyWolly1]

I have a question for those diagnosed with anxiety attacks, after the attack do you feel completely exhausted and a headache that feels like someone is squeezing your brain?  My episodes start by feeling my heart flip flop, than my heart beats very rapid and then I start yawning uncontrollably, really Long deep yawns as if I can't get enough oxygen, my chest feels tight and as if it's being squeezed.  After these syptoms have passed I feel so tired and want to sleep.  I've had all the usual tests and other than a mitral valve click I was told there was nothing wrong.  My Dr started me on Bata-blockers, but they made everything worse and I had real chest pain and shortness of breath.  Not sure where to go from here, any suggestions?

[brittney171]

Hello not sure how old this is or if anyone will read it but it's worth a try. I am a 21 ur old female I had my first panic attack at 18 which I was convinced was a heart attack and followed up with my family doc which referred me to a cardiologist just to shut me up the cardio then sent me to an electrophysiologist who diagnosed me with an over active sa node and put Me on a beta blocker all was well until I turned 21 everything came flooding back the anxiety and panic and er trips every second of the day I think I'm going to die I'm scared all day unless I am asleep my biggest question would be is this my heart or my panic disorder pray for me

[nikole73]

I have had anxiety for years, which made me think i was having a heart attack which was scary, but i recently really did have a heart attack, and didnt even know it. Happened to be in hospital for some thing else. Now, everytime i do get anxiety, i am fearful it may be a heart attack. How can i know the difference? I can't run and get checked everytime or id be in the er every day. dont know what to do. It driving me crazy.

[zoe114]

One more thing, have them also check your magnesium levels. You need 1/2 the amount that you get from calcium. Both of these help relax you.

[zoe114]

Have your doctor check your potassium levels. This is not check often enough and can cause many of the issues you speak of. Cut back on process foods- even out to eat, and start adding more potassium foods- Oranges, Kale, chicken thighs, plain yogurt, just to name a few.