Anxiety and Heart Palpitations: A Patient's Journey - Psychiatry

More Info

---

Understanding anxiety and its physical manifestations, such as heart palpitations, can be a complex journey for many individuals. Your experience reflects a common struggle faced by those dealing with anxiety disorders, particularly when symptoms manifest in ways that can be alarming, such as rapid heart rate and shortness of breath.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that anxiety can indeed lead to physical symptoms, including palpitations. When you feel anxious, your body enters a state of heightened alertness, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This response can cause your heart rate to increase, blood pressure to rise, and even lead to sensations of breathlessness. The fact that you experience a rapid heart rate of 120 beats per minute during moments of stress, such as when having your blood pressure taken, is a classic response to anxiety.
The 24-hour heart monitoring you underwent is a valuable tool for assessing your heart's rhythm and function over an extended period. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience palpitations or increased heart rates during times of stress or anxiety, and these episodes can sometimes coincide with feelings of panic or fear. The sudden onset of palpitations at night, accompanied by shortness of breath, can be particularly distressing and may lead you to worry about the possibility of panic disorder.
Panic attacks are characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes and can include symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and feelings of impending doom. While your symptoms may align with those of panic attacks, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a comprehensive evaluation. Your cardiologist may not specialize in mental health, but they can help rule out any cardiac issues and refer you to a mental health professional if necessary.

The medication you mentioned, "癒利舒盼錠" (likely a form of anxiolytic), is often prescribed to help manage anxiety symptoms. It’s understandable that you chose to stop taking the medication if you felt you could manage without it. However, it’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your experiences, including any thoughts of self-harm or feelings of hopelessness. These feelings can be indicative of underlying depression or anxiety that may require further intervention.

Your family and friends may not fully understand the complexities of anxiety disorders, which can lead to frustration on both sides. It’s important to educate them about your condition, as well as to express how their comments affect you. Anxiety is not simply a matter of "just relaxing"; it often requires a multifaceted approach that includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication.

To address your fear of nighttime palpitations, consider implementing relaxation techniques before bed. Practices such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help calm your mind and body. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a calming bedtime routine can also be beneficial.

If you continue to experience anxiety and palpitations, it may be worthwhile to explore cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based treatment that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. This therapy can provide you with tools to manage your anxiety more effectively and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic-like symptoms.

In summary, your journey through anxiety and its physical manifestations is not uncommon, and there are effective strategies and treatments available. Open communication with your healthcare providers, along with a commitment to self-care and therapeutic interventions, can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and seeking help is a strong and positive step towards recovery.