strk3

For those who have responded with messages to my various posts, thank you. As promised, I thought I would just follow up with my recent experience and medical testing in case it helps someone as much you all have assisted me.

Long story short, I had an experience where my heart rate "raced" to 143 for no apparent reason. After 2 ER trips and litte by way of diagnosis other than "everything is normal", I had a batter of tests performed included EKGs, portable heart (or event) monitors that I wore for nearly a month, CT and MRI/MRA scans of the brain, and, most recent an echocardiogram and stress test.

The results? You guessed it: normal. So, I am out of heart tests that are non-invasive and everything seems normal. But, every once in a while I still get that "anxious" feeling. Does my heart race when it happens? According to the event monitor, it did rise as high as 114. But, according to the docs, it is still no reason for concern cardiologically speaking.

So, the doctors are pointing towards stress. Whether its panic attacks or not, I don't know yet.

What they did tell me to do was lose weight (I was 262 three weeks ago and have thus far lost 10 pounds to bring me back to 250. I have 25 pounds to lose and that should help.

Also, the doc (both primary care and cardiologist) said to change my lifestyle...less work (I put in 60-70 hour weeks) and more relaxation.

For now, I am going on Paxil for a month to see how it works. I have 30 Xanax pills in case of a panic emergency.

Personally, I think all this will blow over now that I have confirmed that my heart is healthy and that its "just stress." Now, I have to learn to deal with stress better, reduce it in my life...and shed 25 pounds. Damn those burgers! lol

Comments are welcome. Suggestions are great. Once again, thanks for all your help and for just listening.