To my fellow heart health worriers...symptoms poll

[Kayteecatt]

I thought perhaps we might be able to have a few "aha" moments if we all took the time to input our own answers using cut and paste and then post this information here. 

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  YES
Do you have other HA worries?   Once I worried about a brain tumor, but now know I have migraines...don't know why I can accept that diagnosis, but can't accept that I don't have heart disease.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  YES
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? YES
If yes, what are those numbers? For BP it's 118/75 for heart rate it's anything between 78 and 88
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  YES
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  NO
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) YES, flip flops
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  YES, usually when I'm about to fall asleep
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? YES
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? YES, I chew one.
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? YES
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? 2 EKG's, chest x-ray, chest CT, blood work
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes, aches most of the time, weird stabbing thing once.
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? costochondritis, pulled muscle, anxiety
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? At least 5
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  Once every 9 days or so...hope the meds help.
How old are you? 32
When did your health anxiety begin?  About 7 months ago
Was there a trigger for your anxiety?  Doctor sent me to ER twice within a month for potentially fatal things, I ended up having neither of those things, but now can't stop thinking about it.
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  Yes, Lexapro seems to take the edge off
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  Was on Wellbutrin for 3 months, seemed to help but made me sick to my stomach horribly.
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety?

[crystalhanzelka]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  YES
Do you have other HA worries?   I worry sometimes about seizures or stroke.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Check my pulse
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? yep
If yes, what are those numbers? For BP anything under 120/80 for pulse anything under 100
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  not really
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  NO
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) YES both sometimes
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  no usually out of the blue which makes it worse for me...
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? no
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? Can not take aspirin due to another RX I take..
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? YES
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? numerous EKGs, holter monitor, 30day loop, chest CT and xrays, blood work, been hospitalized twice on telemetry, echo, doppler of arteries in neck
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes a lot.
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? anxiety, breathing too fast making lungs sore
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? All day ( I want this to stop )
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  less now, but used to almost everyday.
How old are you? 27
When did your health anxiety begin?  about 4 months ago
Was there a trigger for your anxiety?  found my partner dead on my couch one day....
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  No trying to avoid that...doing some cog behavioral therapy and counseling. Have Xanax for back up
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  no
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? everything I feel, dizziness, tiredness, aches an pains

[Kayteecatt]

crystal, I'm so sorry you had to go through that....thank you so much for taking part in the symptom poll, hopefully this information can help someone out there.

[andie79]

Crystal,

I was sorry to read about your experience; I cannot imagine how hard it must have been!  This board provides amazing support for those experiencing similar issues.  Hopefully you've found it to be helpful thus far.
I am a fellow heart-worrier.  I'll complete the poll-

[andie79]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  YES
Do you have other HA worries?   Yes, I worry about the possibility of a brain tumor, or having a stroke or blood clot.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  YES
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? NO
If yes, what are those numbers? N/A
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  N/A
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  NO
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) YES, both
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  YES, it seems when I'm feeling anxious (of course!) at night, and randomly throughout the day
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? YES
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? NO
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? YES
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? Several EKG's, Chest X-Rays, and Blood Work
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes, I have pain on the left-hand side which sometimes extends to my arm, back, etc..
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? costochondritis, anxiety.
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? Probably around 9 or 10
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  Not too often, honestly.  Somehow I can stop myself from panic.  Now if only I could reframe my thoughts!
How old are you? 28
When did your health anxiety begin?  Nearly one year ago this month.  Had been diagnosed with OCD around 7 years ago, however.
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? The chest pain triggered the HA; first experience took me to a walk-in clinic, and the doctor sent me to the ER for full-check-up.  Has been a concern since.
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  NO
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  Took Zoloft in the past for the OCD; helped, but left me feeling, well, bland.  So, have tried to cope via CBT....may try the meds again though, if anxiety continues.
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety?  Considering the mind/body connection, I am sure that other pains and weird sensations I have experienced over the year can all be contributed towards this darn heart health. 

[Knightsaber]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  Yep
Do you have other HA worries?   Not anymore no :)
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Pulse only for many years, I catch myself doing it occasionally now 
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? No, because it's never perfect :)
If yes, what are those numbers? N/A
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number? Non.
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  No.
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) Not often, sometimes just a pain
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  No, that's the worst bit, no patterns
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Yes
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? No
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? Yes
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? You name it :)
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Occasionally
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? It's digestive and that's that, at this point I am beginning to buy it.
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? Sometimes none, on bad days 2 or 3
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  Maybe once in two weeks
How old are you? 32
When did your health anxiety begin? 14 years ago
Was there a trigger for your anxiety?  Yes, I do not wish to explain.
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  Yes.
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  Many.  Many.
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? Most of my anti social issues are due to sometimes worrying about walking too much.  That's not good at all.

[Kayteecatt]

Thank you both for posting your information, hopefully this helps someone out there.

[AYKM]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  Heart disease is right now.
Do you have other HA worries?   No. Mine seem to shift from one issue to another.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Yes, although I took the BP monitor back b/c I promised my husband that I would before our wedding.
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? An exact number, no. I prefer it around the low 100's, but anything below 120/80 I'll take. My pulse is never high.
If yes, what are those numbers? Oh, answered above.
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  Of course. All the time.
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  No
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) Sometimes, but I am more concerned about the rapid heartbeats.
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  No, they happen whenever.
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Sometimes
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? No, but I think about it.
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? So far.
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? Several EKG's, Chest X-Rays, Blood Work, and echo/stress test.
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes. Chest tightness/heaviness, arm-neck-shoulder-back pain, trouble taking a deep breath.
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? stress, anxiety.
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? I think it is a constant feeling..like a river flowing underneath all my other thoughts.
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  Recently, although I hadn't had a panic attack in years.
How old are you? 34
When did your health anxiety begin?  When I was 10
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? My mother got lost in the mountains. She had left me in the car. They called a search party and everything. She was found fine, but that was my first panic attack.
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  Yes, Lexapro 5mg to start
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  I have tried them all. Celexa worked the best, but doesn't anymore.
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety?  No

[Kayteecatt]

Welcome back!!  How was the wedding??  Beautiful I'm sure!!

[AYKM]

Hi Kayteecatt,

Yes the wedding was gorgeous and just came out wonderful. My husband and I went on our honeymoon in CA and it was perfect. I had one panic attack, but he was right there and helped me work through it. He was such a doll. I think I am going to keep up with the Lexapro now that all the festivities are over..I still have the thoughts and try to hide them. I have no idea what my blood pressure is or has been as I gave back the monitor. I had to go to the county recorder's office yesterday to get my marriage certificate and they had a BP machine there. I just walked right by it. I didn't want to put myself through it. I figure if there is a problem, next time I go to the Dr. they will see it. I have to get my cholesterol checked at the end of the month, so we will see. How is all going for you? I see that you had a pretty crappy day the other day.

[Kayteecatt]

Oh yah, yesterday was pure hell, today has been worse.  This Lexapro has been a miracle for me though because I know if I wasn't taking it I would be a ball of jello in bed today. 

I'm so glad everything turned out wonderful for you...you deserve this.

[rod112124]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  YES
Do you have other HA worries?   This is the predominant one but I find I can worry about any health problem--usually imagined.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Yes, pulse to check for "skips".
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? not really
If yes, what are those numbers? anything between 60-70
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number? 
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  NO
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) YES, skipped beats, sometimes very frequent
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  hard to tell.
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Exercise--sometimes--seems to help.
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? No but I carry one with me.
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? YES
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? 3-4 EKGs, stress test, another EKG--all normal, over a period of 30 years
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? weird sensations of skipping, pounding.  Never chest pain
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain?
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? Varies, some days hardly any...other days several episodes
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety? 
How old are you? 63
When did your health anxiety begin?  In my early 30s
Was there a trigger for your anxiety?  A lot of stress
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  Sort of, if low dose atenolol counts
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  atnl seems to help. 
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety?

[Knightsaber]

Well since this thread was revived, I think I will revisit my answers that are nearly 3 years old (geez, three years).  Will bold my new replies.

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  Yep Not anymore
Do you have other HA worries?   Not anymore no :) Yes
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Pulse only for many years, I catch myself doing it occasionally now Not anymore
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? No, because it's never perfect :) Yes, and now my BP is wonderfully under control.
If yes, what are those numbers? N/A I stay around 70 BPM and 115/70-ish with meds.
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number? Non. Still no.
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  No. Still no!
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) Not often, sometimes just a pain Not often, still
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  No, that's the worst bit, no patterns Nope, but I don't notice them often anymore, either.
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Yes Still yes, unfortunately.
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? No No
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? Yes Yes, but it has been 10 years now.
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? You name it :)  Still had those :)
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Occasionally Occasionally!
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? It's digestive and that's that, at this point I am beginning to buy it. It -is- digestive.
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? Sometimes none, on bad days 2 or 3 Usually 0 for a year or so now.
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  Maybe once in two weeks Been over a year.
How old are you? 32 35!
When did your health anxiety begin? 14 years ago 17 years ago!
Was there a trigger for your anxiety?  Yes, I do not wish to explain. Same.
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  Yes. Still taking it.
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  Many.  Many. Very many.
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? Most of my anti social issues are due to sometimes worrying about walking too much.  That's not good at all.  This is still true...

[realityiscliche]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry? Yes! Mostly Blood clots.
Do you have other HA worries? Oh boy. Seizures, cancer, stds, tuberculosis, strokes, etc.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Yes.
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? No, but I have a range.
If yes, what are those numbers? I don't check my BP, mostly because my doctor says it's ok everytime and it's not a huge phobia of mine. But my heart rate is and the range is 73-85. Anything over 85 freaks me out even though it's normal.
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number? Yes.
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions? No, but I've been diagnosed with anxiety.
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) Yes, definitely.
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations? No, I get them at random times. It can be during/after exercising or even when I'm just sitting around doing nothing.
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Yes. Which is unfortunate because exercise is suppose to help the anxiety.
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? Yes, at work.
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? Yes.
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? EKG and a lot of blood work.
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes, more often than not.
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? Gas, sore muscles, normal bruising, anxiety, and colds.
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? Around 1 to 2 times.
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety? I used to have anxiety over my heart more when I was first diagnosed with anxiety than I do now. But I'd say at least 10+ times a week. Especially when I'm in a moment of panic.
How old are you? 18.
When did your health anxiety begin?  About 2 years ago. I've had anxiety for 4 years but it wasn't as much about my health then as it is now.
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? Honestly, my first attack led me to Google and it's been downhill from there.
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you? Yes, Ativan. It helps sometimes, sometimes not.
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  I've only taken Ativan. I used to not take anything for my anxiety but now I almost need it.
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? I'm more about blood clots and strokes than heart health. So most of the time I'm worried about leg pain, numbness, speech, vision, balance, etc.

[sagremus]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry? Yes, heart attack/heart disease/heart
Do you have other HA worries? Parasites ... I know a weird one
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Yes & where I work I have easy access to do so.
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? I have a range.
If yes, what are those numbers? Right now my BP is around 130/80's and HR 100-120. I want it to be 110/80 & 70's.
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number? Ye.
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions? Sinu tachycardia & PVC's
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) Mostly rapid heart beat, used to have PVC's or ectopic beats a lot but taking a multivitamin/iron and limiting caffiene have eliminated them by 99%
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations? Mostly at night. Also when I'm dehydrated.
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Yes.
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? No, I have  asthma & cannot.
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? Yes
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? ECG
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes, almost daily this past year.
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? Anxiety, dehydration, not enough protein, muscle/nerve related, heart "pounding against chest wall" and causing discomfort b/c I am very skinny w/narrow ribcage
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? 10+
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety? None anymore. My antianxiety med prevents this plus I'm afraid if I get too anxious my heart will work to hard and have a heart attack.
How old are you? 22
When did your health anxiety begin?  Have been worrying since childhood about my heart
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? Watching emergency medical shows late at night with my parents when I was little (i.e. that old show ER)
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you? Lexapro takes a lot of edge off my anxiety
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  No.
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? Nausea from my meds, shortness of breath from allergies/asthma, chronic cough, general malaise, wondering if I am feeling that "sense of impending doom" heart attack sufferers are said to ***]

[jesusthug]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  YES

Do you have other HA worries?   YES

Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  YES

Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? YES
If yes, what are those numbers? For BP it's 120/75 for heart rate it's anything between 80 and 90

Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  YES

Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  NO

Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) YES, BOTH

Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  AFTER I EAT OR GET NOURVOUS

Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? SOMETIMES

Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? YES

Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? YES
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had?   6 EKG's, 3 chest x-rays, Blood work, UltraSOUND

Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes

What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain?  Anxiety, ACID REFLUX,GERD

How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? At least 1

How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  Maybe once a WEEK

How old are you? 30

When did your health anxiety begin?  5 Years AGO

Was there a trigger for your anxiety? One night of drinking a lot then went to an amusement park next day in the hot sun all day..that night had my first panic attack

Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  Yes, Xanax

Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  Lots

Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? pains in arms, shoulder,back, tingling in face

[scared2011]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  YES
Do you have other HA worries?   Yes, I worry about the possibility of a , blood clot.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  YES
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? NO
If yes, what are those numbers? N/A
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  N/A
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  NO
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) YES, both
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  No it can happen whenever.
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? YES
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? yes
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? YES
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? Several EKG's, ehco and
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes, all across my chest What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? costochondritis, anxiety.
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? all day long How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  Not too often, honestly.  Somehow I can stop myself from panic.  Now if only I could reframe my thoughts!
How old are you? 27
When did your health anxiety begin?  7 months ago.
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? The chest pain triggered the HA; went the ER for full-check-up.  Has been a concern since.
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  NO
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety?  Considering the mind/body connection, I am sure that other pains and weird sensations I have experienced over the year can all be contributed towards this darn heart health. 

[ashz]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  yep heart attack or AFIB
Do you have other HA worries? stokes, blood clots, annyerism most ly anything with my brain or heart
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Yes both
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? I have a range.
If yes, what are those numbers? 180/62 usually sitting between 70-80 bpm
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number? Yes
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions? PVCS
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest)  yup almost daily
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations? afternnon/eve or when ive had a lack of sleep
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Yes.
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? No
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? i have a small murmur
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? EKG, holter, echo ect
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? yep
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? Anxiety
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? omg like constantly
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety? a few months ago
How old are you? 28
When did your health anxiety begin?  about  a year and a half ago
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? after my step dad died from a heart attack
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you? no i dont take meds as im scred it might have a reaction with my heart
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  EFFEXOR (after i went off i began to have palputations)
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety?

[kactusflwr]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  Yes, I'd say so.
Do you have other HA worries?   I've pretty much worried about everything under the sun but most of my fears revolve around my heart and my brain.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Yes to the pulse checking.
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? Yes, and my actual BP and HR are never at that number!
If yes, what are those numbers? For BP, 120/80. For HR, 75-85.
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  Absolutely, but my heart rate is very rarely below 100.
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  Nope.
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) Yes to both.
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  No, they seem to comeon whenever they feel like it.
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Yes!
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? Yes.
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? Yep.
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? Multiple EKGs, chest x-ray, echo, holter monitor, blood work
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes, I have lots of pains and aches and all sorts of weird sensations in my chest daily.
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? "Something uncomfortable but not serious or life-threatening"
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? 5-10.
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?   Not for a while.
How old are you? 21.
When did your health anxiety begin?  I've had it off and on my whole life, but it got really bad over the past couple months.
Was there a trigger for your anxiety?  Going off Zoloft.
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  Yep, back on Zoloft now.
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  No, I've never tried any other med besides Xanax as needed.
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? I get worried when I have heartburn, stomach pains, left arm pains, back pains, and shoulder pains. Always worry it's related to my heart somehow.

[DreamsDeciphered]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  Yes, especially blood clots.
Do you have other HA worries? Yes, I worry about tooth infections, pulmonary embolisms, and strokes. There is a cluster of other things, though, but I'm going to save myself some set back and not think about it too hard. Haha.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  My pulse, yes.
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? Yes.
If yes, what are those numbers? For my pulse, it's in the 70's.
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number? Definitely.
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  Nope. As far as I know, I have an incredibly healthy heart.
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) Occasionally, maybe once or twice a month.
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations? When my anxiety has been particularly high.
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? No.
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? Yes, or when I suspect a blood clot.
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? Yep.
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? EKGs, heart lead, chest x-ray, and several blood tests.
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes.
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? Costochondritis, anxiety, muscle strain from tension
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? I couldn't tell you, but it's enough that is intervenes with my daily routines.
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety? Yes, I've had some awful ones.
How old are you? 19
When did your health anxiety begin? I've had it sprinkled throughout my life, but the summer of last year is when it absolutely started taking over my life.
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? Yes, I had shingles in my eye. For the longest time, the only symptom I had was eye irritation and itching, so I thought it was my allergies or I had gotten a cat hair in it. When I started getting sores on my face and a lymph node hear my ear got incredibly swollen, I want to the doctor. I nearly lost my eye sight in my left eye, and there is irreversible damage. Ever since, every little ache and pain makes me think that I'm probably dieing.
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you? No.
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  Yes, Zoloft. It helped with my depression, but it never eased my anxiety. I eventually went off it and refused to touch another for fear of Serotonin Syndrome.

[constantworries]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry? Yes.
Do you have other HA worries? Sometimes cancer,but I mainly stick with my heart.
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse? Yes to the pulse checking.
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? Not really
If yes, what are those numbers? Imainly just check to make sure it's not beating too fast or too slow.
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number? Yeah.
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions? NO
 Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) I have weird feeling all day.
 Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations? No, they are constant.
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Yes, but I try to go for awalk everyday to prove to myself that my heart is fine.
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? Yes.
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? Yep.
 If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? Ekg, chest x ray, and blood tests.
 Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? That's why I'm here ain't it lol
 What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? GERD.
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? All day
 How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety? once or twice a day, it's worse if I'm by myself.
How old are you? 20
When did your health anxiety begin? I've always been concerned about my heart, just never this badly.
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? Isure some tomato soup and got indigestion, been a wreck ever since
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you? St.John's wort helps sometimes
 Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you? No, I've never tried any other med besides Xanax as needed. Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? I get worried when I have heartburn, stomach pains, left arm pains, back pains, and shoulder pains. Always worry it's related to my heart somehow.

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[Acex77]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  YES

Do you have other HA worries?   Once thought I had an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  YES

Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? YES

If yes, what are those numbers? BP around 120/80 and a hr between 65 and 85

Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  Only if way off, ie 120+ hr, and 160/100+ bp

Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  NO

Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) YES, rapid or hard beats, many times in a day usually

Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  Not particularly

Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? YES

Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? YES, Once

Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? YES

If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? 8 EKGs, 2 chest X-rays, 3 blood works, 1 24 hour urine test(still waiting on results) and 1 echocardiogram And a 1 month telephonic event monitor

Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes, pressure on sternum, burning or squeezing pain, feeling of a belt across bottom of ribs, arm pain squeezing or burning and even aching, and tooth/jaw pain.  As well as flushing sensations, hot flashes, and cold sensations. Also have shortness of breath, and pressure in chest worsens upon standing or walking, but on days I go see a doctor or psychiatrist I tend the feel more normal for that day

What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain?  anxiety

How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? Not sure, it's nearly an all day experience

How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  Was pretty spread out, once every 1 to 3 weeks, but went on meds  4 days ago and had 3 attacks yesterday

How old are you? 23

When did your health anxiety begin?  About 4 months ago

Was there a trigger for your anxiety?  Lost both grandparents on my fathers side In a matter of months, wasn't really close to them but clearly it affected me in some way

Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  Yes, Luvox made me worse first few days, not sure how I feel yet, only been 4 days though

Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  Not for HA

Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? Nothing beyond what I posted under symptoms

[BorealisImperator]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  Yes
Do you have other HA worries? Brain Tumors, Lymphoma, MS, Stroke
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Yes
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? Not really
If yes, what are those numbers? n/a
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  No
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  No
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) Rapid heart beat, very brief, occasionally
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  Not really
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Yes
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? No
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? Yes
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? 1 EKG, Blood-work twice
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes, usually at the bottom of my chest/top of abdomen or at collarbone
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? n/a
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? Most of the day
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety? Not sure, it varies
How old are you? 19
When did your health anxiety begin?  About 6 months ago
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? Not really, started after I had a heart palpitation
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  Not yet, using Rescue Remedy which helps take the edge off a bit
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  No
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? Not sure, I was diagnosed with GERD and Sinus Congestion recently so I am not sure what goes with what.

[Boo89]

Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  Yes
Do you have other HA worries? Brain Tumors,MS, Stroke, Cancer in general, high BP, rare random diseases
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  Yes - pulse
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? Yes
If yes, what are those numbers? 55-65 bpm - I have a low resting heart rate
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number? YES
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  No - one doctor mentioned MVP
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) sometimes strong pounding heartbeat 
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  Sadly no, sometimes when nervous or when eating/at a social event/bowel movement... sometimes random
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? Yes, sometimes
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? No
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? Yes
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? 4 EKGs, extensive bloodwork, bio resonance scan (showed there's nothing wrong anywhere)
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations? Yes - chest pressure, like I cant catch my breath but I'm breathing fine
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? anxiety, not breathing correctly
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? some days just once (morning/afternoon), bad days all day
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety? once a month, at its worst it was almost every day
How old are you? 23
When did your health anxiety begin?  About a year ago
Was there a trigger for your anxiety? Not really, started after a weird food poisoning, then I started to worry it was something more till I couldn't stop the thoughts
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you?  taking an herbal remedy (lemon balm) and have Xanax for backup (havent touched it in 6 months)
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  Xanax - made me feel weak/weird which freaked me out
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? general weak feeling - at times I worry I'll faint (never have), tension headaches, disassociation, been diagnosed with panic attacks/GAD

[maric@46]

Here's mine...


Is heart disease/heart attack/blood clot your most common HA worry?  YES
Do you have other HA worries?  None
Do you or have you obsessively taken your blood pressure or checked your pulse?  YES
Do you have the "perfect" number in your head when it comes to BP or heart rate? YES
If yes, what are those numbers? For BP 120/70 normally heartbeat goes between 70-80
Do you feel anxious if your numbers are not around your "perfect" number?  YES
Have you been diagnosed with any heart conditions?  NO
Do you have palpitations? (flip flop or rapid heart beat feelings in your chest) YES, flip flops..like 1x month
Is there a pattern or particular time you get these palpitations?  Yes when it's time to eat
Are you afraid you'll have a heart attack if you exercise? YES
Have you ever taken an aspirin right after a weird feeling in your chest because you fear heart attack? YES, I chew one. (2x in my lifetime)
Have you had medical test showing that there is no heart condition? YES
If you answered yes above, what tests have you had? ECG, holter monitoring, stress test, 2D echo
Do you have chest pain/aches/weird sensations?Only when i have acid reflux, weird stabbing thing once.
What explanation if any have you received from a doctor concerning your chest pain? costochondritis, pulled muscle, anxiety
How many times a day would you say you feel heart health anxiety? At least 5
How often do you have a fullblown panic attack due to heart health anxiety?  Not really panic....
How old are you? 46
When did your health anxiety begin?  About 7 months ago, right after my dad's heartattack and successful triple bypass
Was there a trigger for your anxiety?  Yup my dad's attack
Are you currently taking an anti anxiety medicine that helps you? No
Have you tried any anti anxiety medicine that did not help you?  No
Any other side effects or symptoms that you believe is related to heart health anxiety? None