Anxiety or Heart Problem?

**teenie** · 01-18-2012 05:00 AM

I'm going to go to the doctor about it (no rush, it's happened about 5 times in the last year, but never before a year ago) but i just wanted to see what you guys think it may be.

I've had a few....episodes. Usually it's the day before something i dred, or i just don't like where i'm at in my life. I'll freak out.

One time i had the shakes for half an hour.

But sometimes it starts with me feeling really sick and faintish the day before, and the following day a slightly stressing situation, like work randomy getting busy, which isn't a big deal, will send a surge of adrenalin. I feel my heart pounding - though not like palpitations (i get those occasionally), and my hands shake and i just feel a bit dizzy, even though in my mental state i am calm.

I don't really like my situation in life. I have many issues, and i'm wondering if me dreading my holidays to end one day is what is causing this?

Is it an anxiety attack? Or do you think i have heart problems?

I am within a healthy BMI, though admittedly in the higher end. And I eat extremely moodily. As in each meal ranges from 100% raw vegan, to down right hydroginated fatty chocolate and all sorts of heart cloggers. Etc.

I just think i'll go to the doctor and they will say "It's anxiety, go on drugs."
and i'll say
"No thanks, at least i know for sure what it is."

or worse.
"You have a heart problem"

Which would suck, because i love chocolate and junk.

If you guys really think it is anxiety, like myself, i see no real point in going. I don't want to be on any meds as it doesn't really bother me, my life does. So i know i need to change it. But i just have to go through one more year of school and i'm done! (that's the part i hate most about my life)

**ItsASecret** · 01-18-2012 10:33 AM

Anxiety is the most likely thing. Anxiety causes your heart to beat faster in the first place so having a higher heart rate during your nervous times is not indicative of a heart problem. A heart problem is if you are minding your own business studying or watching tv and all of a sudden the surging pain your chest leaves you crying and on the floor in the fetal position due to the pain....that is a heart problem. Being worried about an upcoming event for example is anxiety, it is you being nervous and yes if you go to the doctor they can easily prescribe you a medication to calm those nerves. You of course do not need to take it but that is what a medical doctor will do, they will give you a diagnosis and prescribe medication based on that diagnosis. They do not do talk therapy to sort things through. Therapy can actually benefit those who do not want to touch medication, simply ask if the doctor can give you a referral to a therapist or psychologist (not psychiatrist, they are also medical doctors and will give medications). Talking through anxiety issues are what psychologists and therapists often specialize in, they are not capable of prescribing medication so that will not be brought up and they can help teach you behavior techniques that will help minimize your anxiety when faced with an anxiety inducing situation. I have a major bias towards medications because I am wanting to be a doctor however I know for a fact that therapy can help someone who does not want medication and it should absolutely be explored if someone wants to help themselves sort through issues like anxiety.

**teenie** · 01-22-2012 07:11 AM

Thank you. I think it's anxiety too, that's why I'm not too fussed about going to the doctors. I have a free therapist at school, so i'll see them when school starts.

Thank you for your time!