Heart Pounding or Anxiety?

[crazycam]

Hello,

I would really like a doctor to respond to this question. All over the internet you will find thousands of posts from people posing questions with the same symptoms. What on earth is causing this heart pounding?? If you read my previous posts over the past 2 years, you will find out that I had my first panic attack after trying marijuana for the first time, I was dumb, I know this, but now I am just seeking help and answers for all the others out there like me. Ever since that first panic attack, where I thought my heart was going to explode, I have had constant heart palptations and repeart panic attacks, and just overall high anxiety. However, with me, most of my anxiety starts with the heart pounding. The best way I could describe it to someone who has never had it before is this. If you lie down and get comfortable, and get up to fast, there is a brief moment where you can feel the heart beat very forcefully, and feel lightheaded, almost faintish. This is the type of heart pounding I feel constantly. I have seen 4 cardiologists, ER doctors, primary care physicians, electrophysiologists, it's insane. I feel insane. All heart tests came back normal, except IRBBB, which is benign anyways. I am currently on metoprolol 12.5mg twice a day to help with the heart pounding/anxiety. However, like those on SSRI's, still have the symptoms. From my knowledge and experience, I believe it is a combination of to much adrenaline, and or anxiety stimulating the adrenaline. I have seen multiple CBT's, counselors, and done yoga, P90X, everything I can think of, and yes, I eat healthy. It's sad so many of us are suffering with so little answers. Perhaps there never will be an answer, and SSRI's and beta blockers will continue to be our temporary assistant with these symptoms. I really emplore any doctors to give their ideas or input, as well as those suffering. Thanks.

[crazycam]

Saw the doctor today. He presribed me Celexa 20 mg to see if it helps calm my anxiety down. Only concern I have now is that the recent FDA warning about celexa prolong QT intervals might be dangerous to me since I have IRBBB. Hopefully he will call back soon.

[Gulfstream2]

Well I'm not a doctor, but this I can say:

When you feel your heart pounding or thumping, all you are feeling is just the increased stroke volume, that's all. It just means that you are pushing out more blood with each beat then when at rest, it can be caused by sitting up or getting up too fast, high stress levels, severe anxiety or excitement. If your tests show that you are fine except for your IRBBB, you should not give it another thought. You are probably stressing yourself out over this so much that you are constantly feeling the effects of the stress and anxiety, hence the pounding heart.

This is just one opinion, so hopefully others will comment on your concern. Try to relax and just get used to the feeling, if you let yourself get used to the feeling, you will be able to reconcile and fears about it and get back to the norm.