Damaramu

Hi! I'm new here and thought I'd introduce myself! People seem really friendly and knowledgeable.

This is a long one, so thanks in advance for reading it!

I'm 34, and diagnosed with high blood pressure and insulin resistance by my PCP. Both are under control through diet, exercise, and medication.

I used to suffer from strong bouts of hypochondria while in my early 20's. I've managed to squash it until recently. My diagnosis 5 or 6 months ago regarding high blood pressure and insulin resistance caused my health anxiety to flare up in full force. I supposed to make up for lost time.

I've had a heart stress test, echocardiogram, EKG's, blood work, etc. My heart is OK and at the time (3 or 4 months ago) I was in "deconditioned" state according to the results. Blood work results indicated normal thyroid, liver, and kidney functions.

Since then, I've lost nearly 40 pounds, eat a low carb, sugar, and sodium diet, and walk nearly 2 miles on a regular basis (at least 5 times a week).

So yeah, I can't help but think that every small ache and pain is something related to my heart even when I know better. I keep thinking "My test results were ok, but that was X months ago! What if I've gone downhill from that? What if the tests missed something?" Old habits are hard to break.

So with that:

Went to bed at about 10:30-11:00pm last night. Woke up at about 2:30am after an intense dream. My heart is racing. I always feel a little panicked when this happens.

I check my BP using a digital wrist BP monitor I bought at Walgreens. It's elevated, 160/100 (or round abouts). I feel even more panicked. I check every 10 minutes and watch as my BP goes up and down, 140/90 - 160/109.

I'm worrying big time here. I'm afraid my heart is about to fail or I'm going to stroke out (no symptoms of either appearing mind you).

Finally, around 4am, I take my days dosage of AZOR (bp medication). Checking my BP now, it's down to 130/80.

So my question is: Were my high BP readings due to anxiety?

I did not suffer any chest pains, dizziness, tingling, numbness, slurred speech, etc. associated with impending heart attack or stroke.

I think I may need let my PCP know about my health anxiety (I haven't told him) and see if I can get something to help me with this.