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Avatar universal

I believe I belong here

Hello

I am 17 and have been dealing with my situation for about 8 months now and I would like some input if possible.
My story begins last January when I decided I wanted to do Insanity workout program. Though I could do it but was wrong. Second day I had to quit because I felt short of breath and had chest pains etc. that this day I was taken to the ER for my very first panic attack. Scariest moment of my life. Had an EKG chest X-ray and bloodwork and all was clear. So I went on my merry way but later started to have a bunch of chest related symptoms and that was too long ago to remember exactly what they were. But it made me completely avoid exercise and miss alot of gym. Eventually I broke down and went back to the doc and got ordered an echo and 24 hour holter monitor and thankfully all was good and this was about 4 months ago. Over the summer I have tried to run and get back into exercise but some days were much harder than others. Had palpitations and weird sensations like grinding gurgling shortness of breath. Actually I will make a list of symptoms I have felt and still feel:
Short of breath Tight chest  Heavy chest Palpitations Gurgling/grinding Chest pain Weakness Dizziness/dazed  Tingling Fluttering Pounding heart occasionally

It has been debilitating and has kept me from doing things I loved to do. Been to therapy which helped give me tool to fight back.. Doctor,parents think and people I talked to think it's anxiety but I want to believe it but the physical effects on me are just crazy. Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways and mine is my chest I suppose. Before this I had no health issues at all no heart problems from birth and no family history. And now I am fixed on heart issues it's crazy. Have trouble running when I try sometimes and am scared with every palpitation or flutter or anything. I feel weak somedays and it's just taking a toll on me. I take Xanax when needed. Some input would be nice thank you for your time.

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Avatar universal
I have also had an ECHO and a 24 hour monitor 4 months ago and everything was fine. But I am planning on getting a stress echo later this month I can only make the appointment near the end of the month really. Plus I don't have a family history of any problems. So I really hope that all is well and it's all in my head but I really don't think so sometimes.

Thank you for the reply.
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
Well, I am glad you are seeking help from all sources and have learnt to manage your panic attacks. I agree it is important to find out the cause of your increased heart rate, panic attacks etc so that this anxiety that comes with exercise can be removed.

I understand you went to ER and had an EKG, X-ray and blood tests which were all fine. However, you do not appear to be having any breathlessness or palpitations etc at rest. So an EKG at rest will not be able to detect anything much.

To completely rule out a heart related causes, you need to undertake a stress TMT and stress ECHO where a trained heart specialist monitors your EKG while you run on a tread mill and an ECHO is done immediately after the treadmill run. Alternatively, your doctor could give you a holter to wear while you go about your daily activities and short run. This also records your heart beat and blood pressure. Also, along with this, ECHO would need to be done to find out if there are problems like a leaking valve.

I know you had blood tests done. However, I wonder if causes such as anemia, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance etc were ruled out. If they were not, then please ask your doctor to look into these.

If you drink too much caffeine related drinks: cola, tea, coffee, then this can cause palpitations at rest and/or during exercise.

COPD or chronic obstructive lung disease is another cause and pulmonary function tests should be done.

If all these causes are looked into and if something is found, then it can be treated so that you can start exercising. If no cause is found then at least you are mentally satisfied that nothing is wrong with you physically. You then need to make a conscious effort to attend therapy sessions to overcome anxiety and take a mild anti-anxiety medication. Please discuss with your doctor and your parents.

I sincerely hope you will find this information useful in your journey towards better health.

Hope you get well soon! Good Luck and take care!
Helpful - 0

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