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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And High BP
Question: Hello my Name is XXXX
I've been dealing with anxiety for many years. I had it controlled for a long time without medication. About 9 months ago my anxiety got triggered when my pharmacist recommended I go to the hospital because of high blood pressure. Little did we know it was due to anxiety. The hospital checked my heart and released me. I was referred to a cardiologist to check my heart in detail and he did an ecg, holter monitor, heart ultrasound, loop monitor and stress test which all came back normal. When this whole ordeal started 9 months ago I weighed 292 lbs but I have since lost 70 lbs through good diet. The reason for my message is that since about 5 months ago I would have episodes where I feel nervous and my heart races up to 160 BPM. I try deep breathing and drink water and it passes within a few minutes. This scares me because I'm not sure if it is heart related or panic attacks. I was getting it approximately once a month but lately I've had it more frequently. I had one 2 days ago and it happened twice yesterday. I am not on any medications and I don't get dizzy during these episodes. I hyperventilate a little bit but not out of control. Can panic attacks cause heart rate to go up like this. Also I must add that I am able to walk around during this to calm myself down. It starts even when I'm sitting down.
I've been dealing with anxiety for many years. I had it controlled for a long time without medication. About 9 months ago my anxiety got triggered when my pharmacist recommended I go to the hospital because of high blood pressure. Little did we know it was due to anxiety. The hospital checked my heart and released me. I was referred to a cardiologist to check my heart in detail and he did an ecg, holter monitor, heart ultrasound, loop monitor and stress test which all came back normal. When this whole ordeal started 9 months ago I weighed 292 lbs but I have since lost 70 lbs through good diet. The reason for my message is that since about 5 months ago I would have episodes where I feel nervous and my heart races up to 160 BPM. I try deep breathing and drink water and it passes within a few minutes. This scares me because I'm not sure if it is heart related or panic attacks. I was getting it approximately once a month but lately I've had it more frequently. I had one 2 days ago and it happened twice yesterday. I am not on any medications and I don't get dizzy during these episodes. I hyperventilate a little bit but not out of control. Can panic attacks cause heart rate to go up like this. Also I must add that I am able to walk around during this to calm myself down. It starts even when I'm sitting down.
Brief Answer:
Panic attack can cause heart rate to increase like this.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
Dear XXXX,
I have read the details which you have provided in your query and understand your concerns
Your main health issue is: Episodes of nervousness and raised heart rate which are increasing in frequency with time.
You have had anxiety in past since many years.
As I understand from your description, you are most probably suffering from panic disorder. I say so because all your cardiac investigations are normal. Panic attacks can cause the heart rate to go up like this.
You are right in your apprehension that it could be a heart problem. But as all the investigations are normal, you can be assured that this is just "Panic Disorder" and NOT a life-threatening heart problem.
I have some suggestions for you:
First, I would advise you stay calm and relaxed as far as possible. The more you will worry, the more panicky you will feel. Panic disorder is a common problem and remember that this is not a serious disease.
Second, continue with your practice of deep breathing as it greatly helps to reduce anxiety. Additionally you can practice meditation as well.
Third, avoid caffeinated substance like tea, coffee, chocolates and alcohol as these are known to precipitate panic attack.
Fourth, visit your nearest psychiatrist for proper treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs, specifically paroxetine (prescription drug), are used in the treatment of panic disorder with wonderful results. Anti-anxiety drugs like klonopin (Prescription drug) can be taken when the anxiety is intense.
Fifth, psychological treatments like behavior therapy work very well to treat this condition. Specifically, systematic desensitization and biofeedback are used for panic disorder. A psychotherapist will help you in this.
Hope this helps you.
Feel free to ask further.
Thanks.
Dr. Shubham Mehta, M.D. (Psychiatry).
Panic attack can cause heart rate to increase like this.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
Dear XXXX,
I have read the details which you have provided in your query and understand your concerns
Your main health issue is: Episodes of nervousness and raised heart rate which are increasing in frequency with time.
You have had anxiety in past since many years.
As I understand from your description, you are most probably suffering from panic disorder. I say so because all your cardiac investigations are normal. Panic attacks can cause the heart rate to go up like this.
You are right in your apprehension that it could be a heart problem. But as all the investigations are normal, you can be assured that this is just "Panic Disorder" and NOT a life-threatening heart problem.
I have some suggestions for you:
First, I would advise you stay calm and relaxed as far as possible. The more you will worry, the more panicky you will feel. Panic disorder is a common problem and remember that this is not a serious disease.
Second, continue with your practice of deep breathing as it greatly helps to reduce anxiety. Additionally you can practice meditation as well.
Third, avoid caffeinated substance like tea, coffee, chocolates and alcohol as these are known to precipitate panic attack.
Fourth, visit your nearest psychiatrist for proper treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs, specifically paroxetine (prescription drug), are used in the treatment of panic disorder with wonderful results. Anti-anxiety drugs like klonopin (Prescription drug) can be taken when the anxiety is intense.
Fifth, psychological treatments like behavior therapy work very well to treat this condition. Specifically, systematic desensitization and biofeedback are used for panic disorder. A psychotherapist will help you in this.
Hope this helps you.
Feel free to ask further.
Thanks.
Dr. Shubham Mehta, M.D. (Psychiatry).
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Hi Doctor Thank you so much for your feedback! It was very reassuring. The only other question I have is, does it matter that I did not have the attack while wearing the monitors or during other testing? I know the cardiologist said my heart is structurally normal and no blockages. I do not have heart disease in my immediate family. During one of these attacks one time my heart went up to 175 but that was a bad one where I kept panicking.
Thank you
Thank you
Brief Answer:
The tests would have detected heart problem anyway.
Detailed Answer:
I am glad that you are feeling relaxed with my suggestions.
NO, it doesnt matter that you did not had the attack while wearing the monitors or during other testing.
You have undergone all the cardiac tests. Attack or no attack, those tests would have detected the heart disease anyways.
So, you should not worry and be assured that you donot have any heart disease.
Hope this answers your query completely and satisfactorily.
Kindly close the discussion if you have no more queries and give your valuable feedback.
If you wish, you can also ask direct queries at your convenience.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Dr. Shubham Mehta, M.D. (Psychiatry).
The tests would have detected heart problem anyway.
Detailed Answer:
I am glad that you are feeling relaxed with my suggestions.
NO, it doesnt matter that you did not had the attack while wearing the monitors or during other testing.
You have undergone all the cardiac tests. Attack or no attack, those tests would have detected the heart disease anyways.
So, you should not worry and be assured that you donot have any heart disease.
Hope this answers your query completely and satisfactorily.
Kindly close the discussion if you have no more queries and give your valuable feedback.
If you wish, you can also ask direct queries at your convenience.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Dr. Shubham Mehta, M.D. (Psychiatry).
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
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