Heart Flutters/Anxiety-Related?

[OxygenRunningOut]

Hi. I am a 30 y/o male, was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in August of last year, 2008, but have had it since like 2 years ago. I every so often, maybe about 1-2 times a week, get a strange sensation like my heart is fluttering or is gonna stop. This is followed by weakness, dizziness, and a strange feeling on my face, like tingling. The anxiety started last year when I had a bad stomach flu in February 2008 and had to go to the ER by myself (first time ever in my life going to the ER) after 4 days of straight diarrhea. I live alone and have no family and almost no friends and I believe this has caused all this. I believe that the depression started even like 2 years ago. The last time I went out on a date, like in January of 2008, I had a strange episode, like I couldn't eat and was gasping for air, was getting flushed in the face, extreme fatigue, and had to go to the bathroom for fear of throwing up. Last year, I had 6 blood sugar tests, 3 CBCs, 3 metabolic panels, EKGs, A head catscan, 3 ER visits, countless doctor appointments, for palpitations, flu, and severe dizziness, had thyroid function tests, liver function tests, metanephrine tests, and cortisol tests, plus all c-reac prot & the tests they do on your heart function in the ER, needless to say all normal.  The only abnormality was that my blood pressure on going to the doctor has always been high because i get horrible panic attacks when going, that i don't even want the nurse to take my blood pressure (it's been as high as 160/100, heart rate 150bpm). I now take it almost daily and it's between 115/75-125/80. I am 5'9 1/2, 135, lead an active life, no drugs/alcohol, no risky activity. I had an HIV test, was negative. Also I began to have stomach symptoms last year about july and although it's gotten better, i still have an irate stomach.  Last year around March I had an episode where I spent one week not being able to even talk or eat, and by the end I ended up at the doctor's again.  I have lost so much weight because I eat a lot less than i have, just don't have the voracious appetite I used to have and sometimes can't even drink water.  The doctor said I also have IBS.  Since 2007, around mid 2007, I have lost about 20 pounds, people think I am sick and it's embarrasing and it makes me self-concious because I am one of those people who has trouble putting on weight.  I've always been rail thin (in 2003 I weighed about 130-140, in college less), but in 2006 I peaked at about 160, looked great, was lifting weights, and eating a lot.  Could this be also that I am not eating out anymore and eat a lot healthier? (I used to never eat fruits and vegetable now that's like half of what I eat, also I eat bananas daily, could that make you lose weight?) Even when I sit down it hurts my backside, my *** is so skinny)! So now you know my ordeal.  The doctor I go to is very dismissive and just wants to load me up with Zoloft and beta-blockers, which I have opted to not take.  What do you suggest I do now? Should I get a holter monitor? An endoscopy for the stomach problems? Are there any natural remedies?  Will lifting weights be safe with my heart flutters and will it help me gain some weight? Much obliged if you will, thanks.

[SassyLassie]

All this sounds like high anxiety to me. I get high blood pressure when I am at a docs office, but at home, it is super low. All the symptoms you mentioned can certainly be due to anxiety and since your tests are good, that is another sign it is anxiety/stress.

You do need to eat a healthy, well balanced diet. Not eating will make anxiety worse too as it causes the blood sugar to drop and this can also cause anxiety.

As to being a vegetarian. I would say to eat veggies that are green and yellow and most all fruits. For protein, eat any kind of bean. If you do not get enough protein, your body will again get sick. I try not to eat much meat, but, I am not a vegetarian, I do not feel good on that diet, so I do all things in moderation, and eat organic when possible. I am like you though, not a big eater, but, I have the opposite trouble, I cannot seem to loose weight, but, being a woman, I guess my metabolism is different than a guys. Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day, this might help, you won't get that "full" feeling, and it might help to put some weight on.

[Jerry_NJ]

Given your "at home" BP is normal, not taking BB may be reasonable.  I don't like going against doctor advice, but as you say you know you high BP was due to your reaction at being in the doctor office.

Most of us would like to lose 20 pounds, but that's the way it goes, those who want to gain and those who want to lose (the majority) and no way to make the exchange.

Someone who is a vegetarian, or at least a strict healthy diet person may be able to advise.  In my limited knowledge there should be no problem with eating lots of fruits and vegetables. .. but remember you also need protein  - beans should meet that need if you don't want to eat meat.