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Thread: Heart attack fear so scared.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2014
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    Heart attack fear so scared.

    Hello I am a long time lurker I have dealt with anxiety for about 6 years mostly health anxiety, agoraphobia and panic attacks.

    Last night I had something happen which has really scared me and I can’t seem to calm down. I think I am going to have a heart attack I am a 32 years old a little bit overweight.

    Last night I was lying in bed and I started getting a short sharp stabbing pain in the left centre of my chest it would last for a few seconds then go away. It did that a few times over ten minutes then stopped.

    I got sweaty, anxious, and felt weird. My heart rate didn’t go up by much maybe max 98bpm I wear a Fitbit then came back down again to about 70-80 I was anxious but my heart wasn’t racing. I didn’t get very much sleep as I was so worried I was about to have a heart attack. I have woke up this morning still feeling anxious. Can a heart attack last for a day? Can the feelings come and go? Sorry I’m trying to say it’s just anxiety but I’m not sure.

  2. #2
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    Aug 2013
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    24,667

    Re: Heart attack fear so scared.

    I've had two heart attacks. Although they can present differently depending on the severity/location of the blockage as they did with me, they're definitely not short stabbing pains on the left centre side. You reacted with classic panic/anxiety symptoms.

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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
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    Re: Heart attack fear so scared.

    Sweating, anxiousness and "feeling weird" are likely just anxiety in response to the aches/pains you experienced. I've experienced this many times, as I'm also overly anxious about heart related ailments. As was already mentioned, the short stabbing pains are unlikely to be cardiac in nature, IMO. I've read many times that cardiac chest pains are often not sharp, but a dull, diffuse pain, meaning you usually can't pinpoint the location of the pain, but instead it's more widespread.

  4. #4
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    Re: Heart attack fear so scared.

    I’m sorry to hear about your heart attacks fishmanpa. I am glad you are here to tell the tale and are doing ok now? Thank you very much I guess that makes me feel a little bit better knowing that as someone who has actually had a heart attack this is clearly not a symptom.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2014
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    Re: Heart attack fear so scared.

    Oh I defo could pin point the pain. I’m sorry you too have suffered from it. I now have a sore back and shoulder on the left side but I’m pretty sure this is now just tension from getting so worked up about it. I hate when the brain just goes to the most devastating conclusion and not the simple version of it might just have been one of these things. Thank you

  6. #6
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    Re: Heart attack fear so scared.

    I have had a heart attack as well and trust me you would know and wouldn't be posting asking if it was one.

    Chest pains are very common with anxiety.

    If you are still worried though you should consult your doctor.
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  7. #7
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    Feb 2015
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    Re: Heart attack fear so scared.

    Quote Originally Posted by nomorepanic View Post
    I have had a heart attack as well and trust me you would know and wouldn't be posting asking if it was one.

    Chest pains are very common with anxiety.

    If you are still worried though you should consult your doctor.
    What Nicola said here is the approach I try to recall any time I begin feeling anxious about my heart health. I've had a cardiac episode before (atrial fibrillation), and - much like they say with their heart attacks - I *knew* something was actually wrong. I didn't go to a forum and ask about it, that thought never once crossed my mind. It was very obvious it was different from any anxiety I've ever felt. I imagine it's even more obvious in the event of a heart attack.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2008
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    70

    Re: Heart attack fear so scared.

    A very common fear but a totally irrational one, my friend. Your obsessive thoughts are the real issue here. You've lent such credence to a false narrative that you've adjusted your attitude, behaviour, and thoughts to accommodate it. Instead, you need to seize the reigns of your inner-monologue and begin to shift the focus onto more constructive and meaningful modes of thought. What are you passionate about? What can you lend your focus to that would give a great sense of satisfaction? Recognise your skills and abilities and set yourself benchmarks for purposeful actions. Pursue hobbies and interests that appeal to you.

    There's more to be said.

    By all means, reach out on william_taylor@hotmail.co.uk

    Happy to discuss it further with you.

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