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.

[knicks30]

I think think he/she is obsessed with pluto. I would say that pluto is a very intellegent man with knowledge on cardiology. The
mans knows his knowledgable facts on the cardiovascular system.

[jkf]

I feel very sorry for you.  You are full of hate.  You must have no friends and I'm sure your husband is make believe too. (as well as your sex life) Who would want you.  How sad.  Go find an anger forum.  You'll be right at home there.

[thumper21]

This forum is intended for all persons desiring to improve their health. Th opinions expressed here are from laypersons and not people who are medically qualified to dispense medical information. Most posters have opinions or theories they have garnered through the hard knocks of life and hope that by sharing them here they will improve someone elses quality of life. Poster's are not trying to tell someone to use their advice on it's own merits but should consult a medical practicioner to help make a final decision. Remember how good it feels to help someone out of a bad situation. This is no different. Respect for all posters is needed.

[JenniferJames]

"why" "don't" "you" "give" "it" "a" "rest" "already"

I think you are obsessed with Hank personally

[True]

Thank you so much to everyone who replied to my post. I truly appreciate it. To Flycaster, any tips about deterring panic attacks that you could share with me? I am due to go on a 3.5 hr flight and am quite terrified...my biggest phobia. I have various coping skills but Im not sure how well they will go on the plane.

[Scotty1234]

True -
I have suffered from a few panic attacks this year.  I am 24 years old.  I am in excellent physical shape.  I went to the ER one night about 5 months ago because of a panic attack.  The doctor asked if I was stressed, which I was.  But something didn't add up.  I'm not the kind of person that lets stress get to me.  The doctor mentioned that I should get my thyroid checked out.  I began to research the thyroid and I have found compelling evidence that my thyroid is to blame.  I recommend that anyone with panic or anxiety read the book "Thyroid Power" by Dr. Shames.  He has a website too: Thyroidpower.com.  Keep in mind that there are several other reasons that panic attacks can occur:  adrenal gland problems, kidney problems, yeast syndrome.  I would look into all of these; and be ready to lay down the law with your doctor.  My doctor did a thyroid test (TSH), and it was normal.  He said "you're fine".  I said "I want another test".  So we did a Free T4.  It was fine.  He said "you're fine".  I said I want to see an endocrinoligist.  She did a test for antithyroid antibodies, and said "you're fine, go back to your primary care".  So I did. Finally, we did a Radioactive Iodine Uptake Scan and Thyroid Scan.  The Radiologist said "you're developing hypothyroidism".  I said "oh really, I've been telling my doctors that for 6 months!"   So my advice:  DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!