new patient worries

[jlollar]

My doctor is attempting to make me an appointment with a cardiologist. Im only a 20 year old male, but my family has a history of heart problems existing at this age and earlier. My main concern i suppose it not knowing what to expect during my visit. Hospitals and needles absolutely terrify me and my anxiety lately has really made my emerging problems worse. Even now as im typing this my heart rate is raised even though i am at rest and it has been this way for atleast thirty minutes. So there definitely is cause for me to see somebody, and i am homing to soon. I just am hoping for a heads up or maybe some experience anyone has to share. Also, is taking low dose asprin a good thing to calm my heart rate? My father started out with that but i have just never had a doctor to tell me to so far so i am curious. Plus,  I'm not vert open minded about medicine so i always double and triple check first.

[jlollar]

Its 120 when im at rest but it will last an hour or two and just stop. So that's what the doctor is concerned about. Not so much that it was elevated at the doctors office but the fact that ive been like this for over a week straight.

[is_something_wrong]

Hello,

I don't quite understand what condition your doctor suspects (you don't describe anything except anxiety (towards hospitals?) and an elevated heart rate when you're writing this and other times at rest too?)

How rapid is the heart rate? Is it regular?

Taking aspirin will NEVER slow the heart rate, regardless of dosage. I would not recommend taking any drugs on a regular basis without asking your doctor. They may have side effects - and what is the purpose? Some people (age 50+) with high risk factors for a heart attack may benefit from taking aspirin, but in that case we are talking about clogged arteries and that is not the case for a 20 year old male. That will not make your heart rate increase.

If your heart rate is in the 80-90s at rest and you're feeling anxious, that's probably the cause. You may also benefit from a lifestyle with less sugar and white bread (that helps me a lot) and less caffeine if you drink coffee or soft drinks.

An appointment with a cardiologist is not a big deal at all. But you should make sure your doctor has ruled out thyroid problems, as they can cause what seems to be your symptoms. If any medication is prescribed for your condition, it would probably be beta blockers, but most doctors hesitate to treat young healthy men with medication (in my country at least)

If your heart rate is even higher (like in the 130s and above) without any obvious cause, you should of course seek medical attention earlier.

Take care :)