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Is Heart Rate Of 68 A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016
Question: I am experiencing pain in the left side and middle of my chest. It doesn't feel heart related, my BP is normal, heart rate is 68. I have been experiencing this on and off for about one week or so. It almost feels like it's muscular or something.
I was experiencing these same symptoms, and not knowing what it was, went to the ER, had cardiac work up, stress test, EKG, all of which came back normal. The physician there said that possibly could be stress related. (Which would not XXXXXXX me, I am on anxiety meds, and do have major STRESSORS/Stressful events in my life).
This feeling is quite uncomfortable...actually more than that...it HURTS!!
Advice on what to do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
need treatment for stress/anxiety, let me know your medicines

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

You have very well narrated your problem. It is almost clear that you have stress and you are suffering from anxiety problem. Muscular problem occurs more on movement and with exercise.

Best treatment of any anxiety disorder includes both medicines and psychotherapy. .

In psychotherapy I recommend cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In mild cases only CBT is sufficient. In moderate to severe cases initially medicines and then CBT is added. And later on medicines stopped gradually.
If medicines alone are used chances of relapse are more after stopping the medicines.

In medicines SSRI group of drugs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram) are main stay of the treatment. I prefer paroxetine when anxiety is more. Benzodiazepines group of drugs (clonazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam or etizolam) are used initially for short duration for fast symptomatic relief. I never recommend alprazolam.


You should consult nearby psychiatrist for your problem.

Let me know which medicines (with details) you are taking for anxiety and since when. Also tell in brief about your menstruation/menopause.

For a while to improve health you need to maintain healthy lifestyle. This includes regular daily exercise (walking or running), hygienic food habits (no junk food, no fatty food, preferably only home-made food with law salt and fat with more fruits and vegetables) and timely scheduled sleep. Yoga- meditation can also help.

For relaxation you can do deep breathing exercise. Take deep slow breathing. Inhale for 3 seconds, keep breath in for 3 seconds and exhale for 3 seconds. Do it for 10-15 minutes. You will feel relax. Try it for few days and see the results.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,

Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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Is Heart Rate Of 68 A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: need treatment for stress/anxiety, let me know your medicines Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern. You have very well narrated your problem. It is almost clear that you have stress and you are suffering from anxiety problem. Muscular problem occurs more on movement and with exercise. Best treatment of any anxiety disorder includes both medicines and psychotherapy. . In psychotherapy I recommend cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In mild cases only CBT is sufficient. In moderate to severe cases initially medicines and then CBT is added. And later on medicines stopped gradually. If medicines alone are used chances of relapse are more after stopping the medicines. In medicines SSRI group of drugs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram) are main stay of the treatment. I prefer paroxetine when anxiety is more. Benzodiazepines group of drugs (clonazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam or etizolam) are used initially for short duration for fast symptomatic relief. I never recommend alprazolam. You should consult nearby psychiatrist for your problem. Let me know which medicines (with details) you are taking for anxiety and since when. Also tell in brief about your menstruation/menopause. For a while to improve health you need to maintain healthy lifestyle. This includes regular daily exercise (walking or running), hygienic food habits (no junk food, no fatty food, preferably only home-made food with law salt and fat with more fruits and vegetables) and timely scheduled sleep. Yoga- meditation can also help. For relaxation you can do deep breathing exercise. Take deep slow breathing. Inhale for 3 seconds, keep breath in for 3 seconds and exhale for 3 seconds. Do it for 10-15 minutes. You will feel relax. Try it for few days and see the results. Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.