So much anxiety about my heart

[QueenofAnxiety 0]

I am suffered with anxiety related to my cardiac function. I had a period of heart palpitations a few days ago, which lead to full blown panic attack. Since then, I’ve noticed random heart palpitations and elevated heart rate/feeling exerted throughout the day. My PCP did an ECG and labs and they all came back normal. I had done a few ECGs on my Apple Watch, which she looked at and said I was having premature atrial contractions and they were totally normal and benign. That helped me relax a bit. However, I went for a run and I did an ecg on my Apple Watch after and got an “inconclusive” findings. I sent it to my pcp and she said it was sinus irregularity, again normal for a young adult, unless accompanied by chest pain or lightheadedness. But I feel chest tightness and pain and lightheaded all the time because of my anxiety. I don’t understand how these can be normal?! Why are they suddenly happening. I’m so terrified they’re missing something and my heart is just going to stop. I am constantly running ecgs on my Apple Watch. I can’t think of anything else. I feel like i’m going crazy. Does anyone have similar experiences or helpful advice?

[MARC 431]

I was told by my physician that they are typically nothing to worry about. In June 2012, I started getting bothersome skipped beats while we were on vacation in Madrid Spain. I almost had a meltdown and was ready to come home because of fear. I toughed it out and made it through the vacation, which was a week. We returned on a Sunday and the heart palpitations started bothering me again, so I panicked and went to the ER. I walked in and they hooked me up to a BP monitor and EKG machine. I remember the physician and nurse looking at the EKG and the nurse saying, yes, there they are. I was getting some PVC's and PAC's. I stayed there around an hour or so and they released me. I called my physician and he saw me and ordered an echocardiogram and it was fine. I had them off and on for 6 weeks or so and they finally subsided. Magnesium supplements and banana's may help. I would avoid all stimulants such as coffee and energy drinks. Try to also get plenty of sleep and stay clear of alcohol. By the way, welcome to the forum. 

[Worriers81 0]

Anxiety is a beast to say the least! It makes us suffer from symptoms that are typically associated with other illnesses/conditions, and that adds to the frustration and anxiety of it all - it's a catch 22! I had some heart concerns years back, it was actually around the time I had my first full blown panic attack. I went to ER, and all of my heart tests came back normal. Here's where anxiety rears its ugly head... I didn't believe or trust the doctors who do this for a living! I kept picking and picking at it, and it kept eating me up. I totally agree with Marc's suggestions to avoid stimulants, get that much needed sleep, and just keep your mind busy during the day. Continue your runs, and just don't get consumed by the readings from your watch. One day you'll realize that your anxiety trigger is now gone. Right now, you're fixated on those readings, so your mind will create these feelings and your body will surely react to them. Good luck 🙂