weird experience

[paanda2]

sorry for such the frequent posts, but i had a really weird episode today. i was driving on the highway; it had been a stressful day for personal reasons, and i was driving home after a long day. i had been feeling a little nervous all day because i have had some minor chest pain, like this weird burning sensation. all of a sudden, i felt really weird, and i got really breathless. my pulse was really erratic for a few second, and by the time i pulled over, my heart was bounding and beating pretty hard, like around 120ish i guess. i sat there for a while and tried some breathing exercises, and took a half tablet of xanax. i felt a little better and got home fine, and have felt okay. however, now like 4 hours later, i still have that burning feeling in my chest and my hr resting is like 90ish. i talked this all through my mom, and we think that it is anxiety, but i'm still conflicted. my ekg, echo, and holter were all normal and i am on 50mg of atenolol. i'm still really nervous. if anyone has any idea, i would greatly appreciate it, as it is the weekend, and i can't get in touch with a dr.

[john248]

I had very similar symptoms. I had all the test run and checked out OK. I was told flat out I have a high anxiety level. Anxiety can cause some very big symptoms. Also high stress can bring on acid reflux symptoms. I have reflux and it kicks in just when you don't need it. I was hurting so bad one time I thought I was having a heart attack! I am now also on the anxiety forum as well. It helps me. Never assume that something is in your head until it is checked out. If your test are negative then it is a good bet it is stress.

[aHam4]

is anybody out there i might could talk to that has the same problem i have.  I am 38 yrs old and i suffer from pvcs and pacs and just my heart going into these fluttering spells that last for sometimes 6 to 8 hours. if there is anybody that could just make me feel better just telling me they have the same problem that would help!!
aHam

[greendave]

Hi there
As brooke says never apologise for posting frequently as it is through sharing our feara and experiences that we help each other.
I would just loke to add to the comments above my remaining 'biigy' which is driving. I live a high quality life by avoiding known 'triggers' - i am well aware of the poweful effects of Anxiety so watch my breathing patterns etc. but the one thing I cannot predict or control are the infrequent but terrifying problems that hapen to me completely out of the blue when driving.
It reaaly annoys me as one minute i am fine and the next i am looking to pull over before i pass out - and i never have this feeling at any other time.
I put a post out recently and for 2009 it is the main thing for me to try and get to grips with as i am at its mercy with no so;ution - as yet!!!
dave

[Brooke_38]

Sometimes it is difficult to accept that there is nothing wrong with our hearts,  when we experience symptoms that make us feel or think otherwise. It really comes down to having faith and trust in your Dr.

It is not uncommon to feel like something has been missed and that you are in danger. This is not very common and you've recently been seen (am I right?) If you did experience a single PVC or even many PVC's, they are not going to do anything more than cause you to panic. Your heart is tip top shape:) I know how thes beats can make you worry but worrying will only make it worse. The symptoms can be different depending on the timing of the beat. If the beat occured during the time that the valve was closed, it is the back pressure from the forced beat. So timing does play a role in how the beat can be construed for something else.

Just try to do your best to keep relaxed and not paly devils advocate with the what if's...Maybe a glass of warm milk may help you to have a resful night...tomorrow is another day:)

[Mrs_Spock]

I agree with Brooke....it does sound like anxiety attack.  My daughter suffers from this now and then and has similar symptoms.  It is so scary.  I've been off and on all day with these pvcs.  Sometimes my heart rate would be in the 40s and then over 100+.... but today I think it's just tiredness and diet....I am exhausted from yesterday with cooking and being on my feet all day... but right things are finally winding down.... But please don't ever worry about how many times you post.  As Brooke said that is why we are here. Everytime I have posted, it seems that Brooke has been here for me along with some others and I can't express how appreciative I feel to them.  Don't ever hesitate to make a trip to the ER if you feel that it is unbearable.  But relaxation exercises do help and try not to think so much about how fast your heart is beating or pounding.  Believe me, I know this is easier said than done.  I've been up in the middle of night for hours sometime...and it was difficult not to wake my husband and say "take me to the ER" but I managed to work through it.  As long as you have taken the tests and been properly diagnosed, then try the breathing and relaxation exercises first.... but we are all here for you and so is the ER 24/7.  Try to have a quiet night.  Best of luck to you.
jeri

[paanda2]

thank you for replying, now and before!

I am very conflicted about the anxiety vs. real medical problem. there are some times when i think, "it is just anxiety, calm down." but then i think that the doctor must have missed something, or something has manifested since my last check up. the big thing i am concerned about is that it felt like a biiggg PVC, or something like that. like, immediately when i felt breathless and my chest felt funny, i felt my pulse and it wasn't like anything i have experienced before. it was very erratic and weak, and i was terrified that i was going to drop dead right there. i know that pvc's are not deadly in a healthy person, but it did not feel like a normal pvc.

i know i am dwelling on this; if only i could go back into time and record the event. :)

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

There is never a need to apologize for making frequent posts. This is why we're here :) If you are nervous, have a question or just feel the need to come and chat...post until your little heart (no pun intended) is content.

Having been through all the tests that indicated no problems in your heart stucturally speaking. This should give you some level of comfort. Given your first statement, " it had been a stressful day for personal reasons..." would lead me to believe that this could have been an anxiety attack. What makes me further belive this to be the cause, is that after you took Xanax, your symptoms resolved.

I know that it is the weekend, the time your Dr is not easily reached...this is when symptoms tend to worsen due to the fear and anxiety of feeling like there is nobody for you to call with concerns. I really think that you will be ok...but you are the best judge of what you are feeling. If things worsen the ER is available 24 hours a day. Just try to continue with your deep, relaxing, breathing exercises. Hopefully this will take some of the edge of your fear.

If you are still worried, please come back to us here or go to the ER. Don't ever worry about how frequently you come here to post...we're open 24 hours a day as well:)