Aa
Cardiophobia
Anyone else find they have developed cardiophobia from the skips? Or even become OCD with the heart? My EP calls it extreme cardiac awareness. I sure seem to have it. One bad skips days, I am bad for a few days after with it. Then I mellow out then another bad day will bring it around again.
Have you noticed it can make your skips worse?It doesn't seem to effect mine as I don't seem to have triggers, mine just come and go as they please.
Have you noticed it can make your skips worse?It doesn't seem to effect mine as I don't seem to have triggers, mine just come and go as they please.
Thanks for the article. Put a response in there.
Alot of people will look at talking about death and accepting it as something that is morbid but in reality its a truth that everyone has to accept and I totally agree. Heres the kicker for me though, even with accepting 'death' and whatever medical or problem diagnosis you have, being symptomatic still interferes with daily life. I think some people could go all day saying "yes I accept that I will die one day and today I could, so I better live it up" but the hard part is, your trying to "live it up" but are symptomatic that alters things in your daily life and those others around you. That honestly is why I think you see alot of people clinically depressed that have physical problems. They want to be happy and want to feel good or atleast good enough to interact but yet they cant escape the things like Jenn mentioned. You want the root problem fixed instead of band aids
Alot of people will look at talking about death and accepting it as something that is morbid but in reality its a truth that everyone has to accept and I totally agree. Heres the kicker for me though, even with accepting 'death' and whatever medical or problem diagnosis you have, being symptomatic still interferes with daily life. I think some people could go all day saying "yes I accept that I will die one day and today I could, so I better live it up" but the hard part is, your trying to "live it up" but are symptomatic that alters things in your daily life and those others around you. That honestly is why I think you see alot of people clinically depressed that have physical problems. They want to be happy and want to feel good or atleast good enough to interact but yet they cant escape the things like Jenn mentioned. You want the root problem fixed instead of band aids
Good doctors and therapists can do exactly that. In the short term, fast-acting tranquilizers will do it very well. As for the long term, I've been there, worked through it with help, and I know it's perfectly possible.
No therapist or anxiety medication can help you feel ok about choking, being unable to breathe and/or feeling like you're getting punched in the chest. For some of us, that's what palpitations feel like, especially PVCs.
Getting really scared when you feel like you're completely (or even partly) unable to breathe and you don't know how long it's going to last, is a natural instinct that no therapist or medication can "cure". So, I don't think that those of us who physically feel these horrible PVCs are ever going to be able not to get scared when we're having an episode. When you're choking your body doesn't really care why it's happening and will do everything it can to try to breathe again, including "fight or flight" and related anxiety, no matter if you're actually drowning or "just" getting benign PVCs.
Getting really scared when you feel like you're completely (or even partly) unable to breathe and you don't know how long it's going to last, is a natural instinct that no therapist or medication can "cure". So, I don't think that those of us who physically feel these horrible PVCs are ever going to be able not to get scared when we're having an episode. When you're choking your body doesn't really care why it's happening and will do everything it can to try to breathe again, including "fight or flight" and related anxiety, no matter if you're actually drowning or "just" getting benign PVCs.
I get it. Your shrink is dead on (so to speak). Coping is the basic thing: we have to learn to live with the fear.
And ed, one of our steadiest responders at medhelp, recently gave some excellent advice regarding the fear of death:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Heart-Disease/Heart-attack-or-anxiety-getting-bored-and-fed-up-with-anxiety-/show/2460851#post_119807
What bothers us most about death? Is it the idea of pain, the fear of heaven or hell, or what exactly? These specific aspects can be addressed by a capable shrink, taking the issue apart, step by step.
But finally, I have found that the right psych medication--and there are many to choose from--can actually *quiet* awareness of the physical sensations that cause us to ask these questions in the first place. I think of my Zoloft as the "insulin" my psyche needs to keep my bodily static in the background, where it belongs.
And ed, one of our steadiest responders at medhelp, recently gave some excellent advice regarding the fear of death:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Heart-Disease/Heart-attack-or-anxiety-getting-bored-and-fed-up-with-anxiety-/show/2460851#post_119807
What bothers us most about death? Is it the idea of pain, the fear of heaven or hell, or what exactly? These specific aspects can be addressed by a capable shrink, taking the issue apart, step by step.
But finally, I have found that the right psych medication--and there are many to choose from--can actually *quiet* awareness of the physical sensations that cause us to ask these questions in the first place. I think of my Zoloft as the "insulin" my psyche needs to keep my bodily static in the background, where it belongs.
Most definetly.
I just believe the mind is more powerful to the point that you could never fully convince yourself that you are completely okay.
Personally, I have been to counselors and put on medications that I love. Some of the best people I've met and have helped me. The part that most the time undermines this is still the reality and the fact that you are experiencing what you experience. This in itself becomes a problem with you and your own concious which will always contribute to some sort of anxiety/fear.
The one thing I took away the most when speaking to one of my counselors was I said ' you know talking to you and you helping me trying to better understand whats going on with me and how to better cope, I will always have the feelings of what I am here for. Yeah I will feel more confident but I will always have the power of my mind telling me something is worse than what it is" He stated " Yes you will and it's almost impossible to erradicate that voice telling you something is wrong. We are here to help you cope better and to learn to get through it as best you can. But like you said you will always have that bad thought telling you the worse will happen. Its what you decide to do with it that counts." then said " the only undeniable truth we have as humans is we will not live forever here on this earth, understand this and I can bet you look at things differently"
I just believe the mind is more powerful to the point that you could never fully convince yourself that you are completely okay.
Personally, I have been to counselors and put on medications that I love. Some of the best people I've met and have helped me. The part that most the time undermines this is still the reality and the fact that you are experiencing what you experience. This in itself becomes a problem with you and your own concious which will always contribute to some sort of anxiety/fear.
The one thing I took away the most when speaking to one of my counselors was I said ' you know talking to you and you helping me trying to better understand whats going on with me and how to better cope, I will always have the feelings of what I am here for. Yeah I will feel more confident but I will always have the power of my mind telling me something is worse than what it is" He stated " Yes you will and it's almost impossible to erradicate that voice telling you something is wrong. We are here to help you cope better and to learn to get through it as best you can. But like you said you will always have that bad thought telling you the worse will happen. Its what you decide to do with it that counts." then said " the only undeniable truth we have as humans is we will not live forever here on this earth, understand this and I can bet you look at things differently"
" And even those that have been told repeatedly they are "okay" will still have that little voice of fear in the back of the head that's always saying "what if". No matter how hard you try"
Sure. And most of us cannot overcome this *without help.* That's why we see a counselor for some cognitive/behavioral therapy and maybe a touch of medication to aid us with the rough patches.
That's the thing: Get help with this kind of problem in order to reclaim our lives. And help is available.
Sure. And most of us cannot overcome this *without help.* That's why we see a counselor for some cognitive/behavioral therapy and maybe a touch of medication to aid us with the rough patches.
That's the thing: Get help with this kind of problem in order to reclaim our lives. And help is available.
I believe alot of the anxiety and irrational thought comes from basically how they make some people feel. Some feel fine when they get them but some feel horrible. I fall in both instances. I could be having dinner with wife and friends and one of the episodes can occur causing me to feel really uncomfortable or malaise. This in turn ruins your night, then you stress because you feel you ruined the night of your loved ones and friends.
You know in your head they are not dangerous but how these things can make you feel can defintily frustrate you and make you feel bad. And even those that have been told repeatedly they are "okay" will still have that little voice of fear in the back of the head that's always saying "what if". No matter how hard you try
You know in your head they are not dangerous but how these things can make you feel can defintily frustrate you and make you feel bad. And even those that have been told repeatedly they are "okay" will still have that little voice of fear in the back of the head that's always saying "what if". No matter how hard you try
Health anxiety is not about having imaginary diseases. It's about having an irrational fear of real diseases.
What's irrational about being afraid of pacs, tachycardia, and low exercise capacity? Assuming the heart has been thoroughly and repeatedly checked out and found to be healthy, then pacs, tachycardia, and low exercise capacity are not dangerous conditions.
They are annoying, and can be frightening to very sensitive people who 'listen' to their bodies a lot, but these phenomena are not life-threatening.
What's irrational about being afraid of pacs, tachycardia, and low exercise capacity? Assuming the heart has been thoroughly and repeatedly checked out and found to be healthy, then pacs, tachycardia, and low exercise capacity are not dangerous conditions.
They are annoying, and can be frightening to very sensitive people who 'listen' to their bodies a lot, but these phenomena are not life-threatening.
Maybe Im just not aware of what health anxiety is, but isnt it supposed to be about imaginary diseases. We all suffer from real problems. I have pac and tachcycardia and low excercise capacity. Sure I might be scared but I dont think it is irrational anxiety.
I was just at my first cardio appt back in January bc I get very strange heart beats. I am literally waiting for my heart to just stop, when they happen. Afterwards I am a hot mess for days...weeks even. I constantly am worrying/thinking about my heart.Anyway, I Had an Ekg, blood work and wore a holter for 24 hrs. My Ekg showed non specific ST Depression. Blood work was all normal (electrolytes, sugars, kidneys and thyroid). Holter showed my heart beats fast from time to time. The nurse said, "pertaining to your heart palpitations, the Dr sd your heart just beats fast from time to time...but thats normal." But I am sure there was something else on there. The Dr didnt even mention my ST Depression at my visit. I called his office the next day and asked exactly what the "abnormality that is very common" was, on my Ekg. When I wore my monitor I knew the weird heartbeats I get, did not show up. Its not just a faster heart rate, it is a quiver. Like a fluttery, shakey thing my heart does. So scary! And I was just watching TV this eve. My heart started to beat really fast. It was only for like 12 beats (yes, I check my pulse A LOT. Esp when I am having an episode). But just that scared me and I ended up here, again! I always Google stuff. Like the ST Depression...that was a bad idea! It is comforting to know others have the same issues. Before I had children, I was not worried about any of this stuff. I went on Zoloft after my daughter was born. And also ativan, as needed. I look at it like this...I worry bc I dont want to drop over dead. When my heart does that crap, I think I am going to die right then Or I have a life threatening heart issue and cld die at any moment. So it is the fear of dying, I guess. I am scared to death (no pun intended) to leave my kids w/out a mom. In a way I think we are all normal. We just voice our feelings on here. No one wants to have heart issues or any other diseases. No one wants to die. Having panic, anxiety, OCD over any health issue I would think is very common. Ppl who never worry are the weird ones ;) (kidding)
Yes, I can relate. I probably have cardiophobia, but only because of these stupid PVCs and PACs. I usually think about them a lot more after I get a PVC/PAC or a run and then I do everything I can to try to make them go away and never come back.
I HATE THEM SO MUCH! I'm so sick of feeling like I can't breathe or like I'm getting punched in the chest. These horrible palpitations are ruining my life (and I'm not joking). I would be a much happier, healthier and a more productive member of society if I didn't have these horrible things, so obviously they scare and depress me.
I don't think my cardiophobia makes my PVCs/PACs worse. Usually, it actually makes them better, because it makes me avoid PVC/PAC triggers.
I HATE THEM SO MUCH! I'm so sick of feeling like I can't breathe or like I'm getting punched in the chest. These horrible palpitations are ruining my life (and I'm not joking). I would be a much happier, healthier and a more productive member of society if I didn't have these horrible things, so obviously they scare and depress me.
I don't think my cardiophobia makes my PVCs/PACs worse. Usually, it actually makes them better, because it makes me avoid PVC/PAC triggers.
I did not say "suck it up and get over it." I suggested sucking it up enough to consider that the proper treatment for a cardiac neurosis is treatment of *the neurosis* per se, rather than an endless, continuous search for a true cardiac disorder.
Having had PVCs for decades, I know that it is possible to get hooked on the idea that something must surely be wrong with the heart. But after repeated cardiac testing showing that my ticker was fine, I finally had to accept that the real problem was fear.
In other words, I had been going to the wrong type of doctor. What I needed was a shrink who specialized in anxiety. So I found myself a good one and took his advice, with excellent results.
I have been a member of this board for years, and many, many times I have seen repeated posts from patients with extreme cardiac fears whose frequent tests indicated that their hearts were perfectly healthy. One striking feature of posts like these is that these patients are extremely resistant to the idea of getting psychiatric help for their real problem, namely anxiety.
That phenomenon is what I was referring to with my advice about sucking up AND (note the 'and' in my post) considering the possibility that anxiety might be the real disorder in need of treatment.
Going to a good psychiatrist does teach you--as you say--'"to change the way you think," and it really *does* help to overcome the "anxiety...which this whole thread is about, anxiety of the heart."
That is why the last sentence in my post is a question about whether the proper treatment in these cases would be more cardiac tests OR treatment of the *fear* of cardiac disorders.
Having had PVCs for decades, I know that it is possible to get hooked on the idea that something must surely be wrong with the heart. But after repeated cardiac testing showing that my ticker was fine, I finally had to accept that the real problem was fear.
In other words, I had been going to the wrong type of doctor. What I needed was a shrink who specialized in anxiety. So I found myself a good one and took his advice, with excellent results.
I have been a member of this board for years, and many, many times I have seen repeated posts from patients with extreme cardiac fears whose frequent tests indicated that their hearts were perfectly healthy. One striking feature of posts like these is that these patients are extremely resistant to the idea of getting psychiatric help for their real problem, namely anxiety.
That phenomenon is what I was referring to with my advice about sucking up AND (note the 'and' in my post) considering the possibility that anxiety might be the real disorder in need of treatment.
Going to a good psychiatrist does teach you--as you say--'"to change the way you think," and it really *does* help to overcome the "anxiety...which this whole thread is about, anxiety of the heart."
That is why the last sentence in my post is a question about whether the proper treatment in these cases would be more cardiac tests OR treatment of the *fear* of cardiac disorders.
I'm not sure why you posted in here achillea. If you've looked at my other posts you'd know that I know I have anxiety, particularly a phobia of heart failure. Anxiety and especially cardiophobia/cardioneurosis/etc. is particularly frustrating for us because it's a vicious circle. It's not simply, "suck it up and get over it." That's like saying to you, get over your heart rhythm disorder, or saying to a person, suck it up and get over depression. It doesn't work like that. You need to change the way you think and that alone is a process. That is why I asked the community, any things they found beneficial to help overcome the ****anxiety**** which this whole thread is about, anxiety of the heart.
Based on decades--decades, my friends--of dealing with funny rhythms, I would strongly advise sucking it up and considering the possibility that anxiety (rather than cardiac disease) might be worth considering.
You see a cardiologist for heart disorders, but if repeated tests show that your heart is OK, which approach is more rational?
More cardiac tests
or
Treatment of the *fear* of heart disorders
You see a cardiologist for heart disorders, but if repeated tests show that your heart is OK, which approach is more rational?
More cardiac tests
or
Treatment of the *fear* of heart disorders
I'm a couple years late to this posting party, but thought I'd jump in anyway.
You are so right is_something_wrong. The fear of dying is anxiety. I'd like to see how everyone is doing now. Any tips or advice? I hope a message gets through to someone on this thread. I have a constant fear of my heart having CHF or some other problem.
Hope all are well!
You are so right is_something_wrong. The fear of dying is anxiety. I'd like to see how everyone is doing now. Any tips or advice? I hope a message gets through to someone on this thread. I have a constant fear of my heart having CHF or some other problem.
Hope all are well!
I take Zoloft for the panic and anxiety and I have xanax as needed as well. My doc has offered to tried Bystolic but I have declined as of now.
I also have chest pain, have had it for 2 years, its atypical and not what they would consider cardiac related. I do have mild asthma as well and have gone through so many tests. Not only all the heart tests but thorasic MRI, Chest CT Scan, xrays etc. With nothing to pinpoint the pains. Its a dull ache on the left, right and sometimes center chest. Comes and goes as it pleases and has to schedule. I always put it back to being my heart even though the docs say no. SO FRUSTRATING!!!!! My foot will hurt and I think its my heart LOL
I also have chest pain, have had it for 2 years, its atypical and not what they would consider cardiac related. I do have mild asthma as well and have gone through so many tests. Not only all the heart tests but thorasic MRI, Chest CT Scan, xrays etc. With nothing to pinpoint the pains. Its a dull ache on the left, right and sometimes center chest. Comes and goes as it pleases and has to schedule. I always put it back to being my heart even though the docs say no. SO FRUSTRATING!!!!! My foot will hurt and I think its my heart LOL
I've taken Propranolol (Inderal)since my ablation; not only does it work on my arrhythmia's it;s supposed to help with hypertension, anxiety and panic etc..
I've tried Lexapro for GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) it didnt work for me but Lamictal worked great and when I get my new insurance I'm going to try it again...
I was dx with GAD, PTSD Agoraphobia and Bi Polar after my ablation and ICD implant.
I've tried Lexapro for GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) it didnt work for me but Lamictal worked great and when I get my new insurance I'm going to try it again...
I was dx with GAD, PTSD Agoraphobia and Bi Polar after my ablation and ICD implant.
I can relate to virtually all of these postings. . . and all of the emotions and issues -- the fear, the dysfunction, the depression, etc. . .
Re your panic disorder, can you tell us what is the medication you take? An anti-anxiety? Like Ativan or Xanax? Or something in the anti-depression arsenal, like Effexor? My doc wants me to move away from the first two and get started on the latter because he wants me to work at the root level of my anxiety and find ways to stay functional.
Dear Dolphin8808, can you also tell us if you are taking any meds like this? And, if so, are they worth it for you?
From a Cardiophobic in California
Re your panic disorder, can you tell us what is the medication you take? An anti-anxiety? Like Ativan or Xanax? Or something in the anti-depression arsenal, like Effexor? My doc wants me to move away from the first two and get started on the latter because he wants me to work at the root level of my anxiety and find ways to stay functional.
Dear Dolphin8808, can you also tell us if you are taking any meds like this? And, if so, are they worth it for you?
From a Cardiophobic in California
TOTALLY! I've become a full blown hypo since I developed PVCs, even tho Dr's convince me that they are not dangerous. I already have panic disorder and phobias so PVCs for someone like me is NOT a good mix LOL. What you're experiencing is very normal IMO. Hard not to feel that way. I think in time, you will learn to "live with them." You will see that you keep waking up and that they aren't killing you. You'll be fine.
Very sorry to hear about your father. :( Nothing like our papas. R.I.P
Very sorry to hear about your father. :( Nothing like our papas. R.I.P
It always make me feel somewhat better knowing that I am not suffering alone. Everyday I am convinced that I am going to die from these....I have had numerous work ups and have herd many many times that my heart is normal...but as soon as I feel the pvc/pac/nsvt it is all down hill...have now developed a panic disorder related to this and take medication...
I am more afraid of the dizziness, breathlessness and faintness that I had with WPW-the worst episodes felt like imminent sudden death to me. Once it was over I would be relieved and mostly forget about it.
I certainly don't like feeling arhythmmias and racing heart, but for me they nearly always stopped of there own accord so I just expected that they would.
I thought of them more as a nuisance than scary.
Howver my last experience was fast atrial fibrilation which went on for four hours, most of that time in the Hospital Emergency Department. I was very scared, but I could still have a laugh with the staff and my husband.
( My heart went back into normal rhythm after an hour of intavenous Flecanaide)
After this experience I was much more scared of the possibilityof racing heartbeats but I was on flecanaide and metoprolol for 3 weeks and then had my ablation.
During the waiting time on the drugs I was mostly frustrated with how exhausted and yuck I felt from the metoprolol. My heart felt like a heavy trapped bird in my chest and I didn't much like that feeling.
Now that it is getting better I am noticing it less and less and getting on with my life more.
I have found that it is important to do things that take my mind off me and my problems and that make me happy. Feeling useful makes a difference for me too.
I certainly don't like feeling arhythmmias and racing heart, but for me they nearly always stopped of there own accord so I just expected that they would.
I thought of them more as a nuisance than scary.
Howver my last experience was fast atrial fibrilation which went on for four hours, most of that time in the Hospital Emergency Department. I was very scared, but I could still have a laugh with the staff and my husband.
( My heart went back into normal rhythm after an hour of intavenous Flecanaide)
After this experience I was much more scared of the possibilityof racing heartbeats but I was on flecanaide and metoprolol for 3 weeks and then had my ablation.
During the waiting time on the drugs I was mostly frustrated with how exhausted and yuck I felt from the metoprolol. My heart felt like a heavy trapped bird in my chest and I didn't much like that feeling.
Now that it is getting better I am noticing it less and less and getting on with my life more.
I have found that it is important to do things that take my mind off me and my problems and that make me happy. Feeling useful makes a difference for me too.
PVC Man ~ I had anxiety long before my PVCs /PACs came into the picture and I often focuse don health issues prior too any of this. So with me, yes it is a form of OCD / hypochondria. Just like Mom2four85 has had montiors catching thousands and thousands per day and yet her fears lie somewhere else. I have met many people with skips who either are not afraid of them or just do not care about them. Maybe some of us are just more jarred by them and it makes us question our own mortality? Either way, they freak me out and I am 100% cardiophobic.
Mom2four85, You are such a fighter! My family history of cancer scares me too.
Mom2four85, You are such a fighter! My family history of cancer scares me too.
I'm like Ireneo; they've been such a part of my life that I got used to them just like fainting
I could be the poster child for Arrhythmia's..36 years and counting...I've had just about every arrhthmia there is caught on some test or other except AFib and yes my heart has stopped and guess what? it keeps on going...
you know what bothers me more than feeling pvc's, pac's svt vt etc? not being able to walk; going out & the fear of tripping or falling on something or my family history of cancer... ugh that scares the heck out of me...weird huh?
I could be the poster child for Arrhythmia's..36 years and counting...I've had just about every arrhthmia there is caught on some test or other except AFib and yes my heart has stopped and guess what? it keeps on going...
you know what bothers me more than feeling pvc's, pac's svt vt etc? not being able to walk; going out & the fear of tripping or falling on something or my family history of cancer... ugh that scares the heck out of me...weird huh?
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