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panic attacks

I've had PAT with premature beats since I was twenty (now 51).  I have recently COMPLETELY gotten off caffeine.  It is a major factor and my heart beats more normally now.  Sugar can also cause the same phenomena.  It was my physician husband who clued me into the fact that when I was experiencing ANXIETY, it was often CAFFEINE related.  Eating just a little chocolate or even decaf coffee can cause this as decaf coffee still has caffeine, just less than regular.  If you go off of sugar and caffeine, be prepared for headaches for a few days.  You will be amazed at the difference with erratic heart beats.  It should be the first thing people do.  Also, in women there's a condition called chostrochondritis.  It's benign, but it manifests as chest pain or pain in the rib cage.  That can make you worry too, but don't...it's annoying, but not life-threatening.
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272728 tn?1194740803
I totally agree with you! Whenever I stay away from even sugar filled drinks, like diet pops and even the lemon lime ones without caffeine, I feel so much better. Oh, and anxiety and stress is THE number one cause for them for me. I also have that damn chostrochondritis, so that's fun. It's really important to internalize that it's just an ache and pain, not a heart attack! Good advice!
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189238 tn?1208727319
Sounds like you are looking at what you need for your body with success.
Donna
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