panic attacks

[True]

I  suffered panic attacks and constant anxiety since mid 2001. For about one year, I had panic attacks 2-3 times a day. I am no longer anxious 24/7 but I  suffer massive anxiety at work when it gets busy. Recently I  read that there research linking panic attacks to heart attacks ,in young women too( due to spasms of coronary arteries, hardening of arteries etc). This is throwing me right back to constant anxiety as I cannot stop obsessing over the possibility of heart attack. One of my coping strategies for  calming myself during a panic attack was to reassure myself that I will not suffer from stroke or from heart attack. I am scared to be without this coping strategy.I am 32 year old female. I have had a normal result on an echocardiogram 12 months ago (I had anxiety related palpitations). I  experience tight heart, pains down left arm, chest pains, dizziness, feeling faint... pain is usually sharp). Dr says its anxiety.
My question is, statistically, what are my chances of suffering a heart attack any time soon given my condition (I am a type A personality, not obese, no high blood pressure, I exercise for 30 min per day, my mother,at 53, is similar personality and suffers anxiety and has been a heavy smoker for 30 years , neither of my parents have heart problems but my father's mother has (she is in her seventies and is still alive). I need some answers as I was due to move interstate which will put additional pressure on me. Im thinking maybe I wont move which makes me upset. I am on low dose antidepressant and had counselling for 1.5 years. Desperate...PLEASE HELP.

[Mieke]

I visit this site quite regularly but have not logged in for a week or so and when I did today I was so shocked by all the nasty comments being posted.  What is wrong with you people? this is a fabulous site and most of us come here to share our experiences and gain comfort from one another.  Pluto has given many people advise and comfort and has always said to check with your doctor if you are concerned about anything. Surely no-one would go blindly ahead just on his advise alone without checking with your doctor.  It is so nice that someone takes the trouble to re-search our problems and tell us things we didn't know, if you are stupid enough to follow someone's post without checking with your doctor then the consequences must be yours alone.  I will miss you Pluto if you don't come back,you have helped and comforted many of us.
Take care

[jkf]

GET OVER YOURSELF!!  IF YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO YOURSELF TALK SO MUCH GO SEEK OUT TOASTMASTERS.  INTIMIDATING PEOPLE OUT OF THIS FORUM IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

REGARDS

[NBCT]

Please, do not post again!!! I am tired of reading your mud slinging, clearly immature responses. You are suffering from more than a cardiac condition and I truly feel sorry for you, and for the record, I am a medical professional, have followed this forum for three years AND find no problem with the comments and sincere help offered by someone who is obvious trying to cope with what life brings. Please seek help.

[Linda123]

I think Hank is misunderstood as in his posts he often says things like "always follow the good doctor's advice", etc., before or after giving his opinion, he has never pretended to be "a doctor", or in my opinion is remotely interested in being thought thus, to my mind he has just tried to talk, in layman's language, to fellow sufferers, to help fellow sufferers, and aren't we rather defeating the object here with all this foolishness - the object being to support each other??  
I find it easier personally to talk to a fellow sufferer than a doctor about my heart problems as with a doctor I always feel rather stupid.
Klonopa - I'm really sorry you've had a rough time but I can't quite understand what Hank has ever done to you??
Let's put this thing to bed now and move on.  Hope you'll start writing again Hank.
Best Wishes to all, Linda

[Sigleinda]

Dear True,
I too have suffered from panic attacks for many many years. I have changed antidepressants several times but if they try to increase the lowest dosage I get panic attacks again.  My psych added Xanax to my medication and it was a miracle.  I still do not like to fly but I take an extra xanax before the flight and I am fine.  I do not increase my Xanax just rearrange how I take it.  I have to take it several times a day but they now have Xanax XR which is a once a day medication.  Ask your doctor for it.  It will stop all your worries and will let you fly.  Keep your Paxil low dose and I think you will have relief.  Don't use your regular doctor.  See a psych.  They are the only ones who helped me.  Good Luck

[lmroswell]

I am sure you can find a 'real' doctor to take care of your nose and that broom you can't seem to get rid of.