Scared there's more to my panics

[Skin'eadWesty]

Basically I was reading up on panic attacks since my heart rate gets incredibly high, seems well over the normal panic attack rate, A few times off me beta blockers its been so fast I've had to stop what I was doing and run for me medication, once at work, and that knocked my confidence totally. Had tests at hospital and they took bloods etc, couldnt find anything, put it down to anxiety, but it just worries me, since the diagnosis I've been socialising and having a drink, but now I'm scared to even do that. Been sticking to minimal drinks and I feel like a shadow of myself. Was reading about PSVT and how it could indeed be that instead, since the symptoms appear so similar. My girlfriend is worrying too, we were watching a film and I took my medication, chest felt tight so I rubbed the side of me chest to try and relax, she saw and held onto me a bit tighter, felt really silly. Just wish I could go out and not care every now and then. I adore her, and I'm so glad she's stuck by me, but I can't help but think I'm straining it with all this. Just had enough, and I'm scared for my heart allllll the time :(

[blueangel]

Pulse rate can get incredibly high when we're anxious/panicking. The beta-blockers are definitely a good idea as it will help to control this. I've been on them for 10+ years as I take them to help with migraine, but as I get anxiety they also help with this as well, but if I forget to take them, the effects are pretty horrible.

I managed to forget to take them for nearly 48 hours a few months ago, and it was very frightening, as for a while I couldn't work out why I felt so twitchy, then my heart rate shot through the roof while I was at work.

Stick with it - it does get better, although it can take a while.

[stonecutter76]

As blueangel said, when your beta blocker wears off the result could be a dramatic increase in pulse rate, which makes you start to panic worse, and you worry about your heart, and on and on.

Although I admit this is *very* hard to do, personally I have focused on stopping the "cycle of worry" before it starts. One thing leads to another, and it only serves to make things worse and compound my anxiety.

First, my heart is fine. It's been fine before during panic attacks, and it will continue to be. I sometimes just find someplace to comfortably walk in circles, controlling my breathing, and reassuring myself. Meditation has helped with this process, though i don't practice meditating a lot - only enough to learn how to calm myself down.

Second, your significant other sounds as though she's just squeezing you tighter out of care. I would cherish that you have someone who can reassure you with some squeezing :) Talk with her, and I'm sure your worry about her is just that - more to worry about.

[stonecutter76]

Also wanted to say - i have the additional panic too of "is this more than just panic?" It's very common to worry about that, but realize that more than likely it's just panic. Focus on relaxing, your heart is okay. Remember - you've had it medically checked out, and all is well!

[Skin'eadWesty]

Thanks a lot, both of you, your words are very reassuring, think I'll stick to the beta blockers, trying to get off them did cause more problems.
And stonecutter you've made me appreciate her even more than usual :D

[jothenurse]

Your heart rate can get quite high with panic. I have been in the ER with my rate in the 160's. Very uncomfortable and scary. They said it was sinus tachycardia, from panic. I sometimes think when this happens I have an SVT, but the several ekg's I've had during these episodes have shown sinus, just panic.
I am constantly trying to calm myself when my pulse feels high and poundy. It gets frustrating. I was on a beta blocker last year for a while, but it brought my blood pressure down so low I felt lightheaded. So, I got off of it. I take an Ativan once in awhile.
You'll be fine. I know it's scary, but it does get better.