Severe anxiety? - Anxiety Message Board

Ninja1 · 01-18-2008, 06:21 PM

I've had 5 EKG's, heart enzyme bloods done twice, and a stress test--I am 23 y/o and have recently lost my father to a heart attack, is the aforementioned enough to rule out heart problems?

I'm extremely anxious about having a heart attack and am quite scared of being alone. I get pains in my arms (both but usually my left arm) and slight chest pains (outer chest near ribs). I do get short of breath sometimes but usually only when I dwell on problems.

All the doctors have told me I have anxiety problems, however, I just want to be sure that a stress test is rather definitive when it comes to a heart problem. I know that there are more tests that COULD be done, however, in Canada it's not so easy to get a heart test in my age group. I had to PUSH HARD for the stress test. Either way it came out amazing.

I am more worried about my arm pains. I must say that I have been sleeping on my sides now because sleeping on my back makes me feel reflux-y. Is arm pain a possible symptom of anxiety from tense muscles?

Thanks in advance.

singer78 · 01-18-2008, 07:01 PM

I'm so sorry to hear you lost your father.
I have a feeling most of your stress is coming from that.
It's not uncommon to start thinking of your own mortality, after losing a loved one.
Since you were diagnosed with anxiety, that's probably what you're experiencing.
May I ask...do you have a work-out regimen of any kind?
That might be beneficial for you. Even walking, socializing....taking your mind off yourself, is good.
Maybe some weight-bearing exercises would be good, too, to possibly strengthen your upper body.
If all else fails, maybe you should ask your doctor what to do about your anxiety.
There's lots of medications you could try, if necessary.
You mentioned "being alone." That sounds like anxiety, also.
I hope you have some family members that you can talk to....and/or friends.
It's important, when grieving, not to hold it in.
The best of luck to you.

Ninja1 · 01-18-2008, 07:14 PM

Well I have been doing martial arts and going to the gym almost daily until a month ago (when my father died). However, I do not want to take meds, I just need some reassurance in the sense that I need to know my symptoms are anxiety symptoms. From what I understand, left arm pain is not so much a symptom of anxiety. Could it be that because I am looking for said symptom I am creating it?

Also, I get pangs in my middle chest once or twice a day for a few seconds--but like I said I did 5 EKG's and a stress test as well as heart enzymes--should I be reassured and just fight the mental battle now?

Lourage · 01-18-2008, 07:20 PM

Yes, i think you are creating the symptoms. But i'm surprised you're EKG came out so good, if you have anxiety. When i went to the hospital when i thought i had a brain tumor, my EKG came out horrible LOL. I had to tell the doctor like 10 times it was due to anxiety, but he still said it was really high. So maybe you don't have anxiety, and just the thoughts about your father are making you think about symptoms of a heart ailment.

Sorry about you're father also. It's good that you are taking some precautions though since stuff like that can run in the family.

Ninja1 · 01-18-2008, 07:30 PM

It does run in the family (his side at least) but every doctor says I'm too young to show any symptoms since my problem was not congenital (from birth).

Is a stress test a valid measure? Also, you said I'm creating these symptoms--is that possible for real?

One more question--when muscles are pounded day in and day out for 2 years straight (with intense weights) could your muscles still be sore and recovering a month later?