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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go to A & E?

338 replies

AlwaysAnxiousAnnie · 31/12/2023 19:36

For some.time.now I've had major anxiety about my heart due to an episode last year of very bad heart palpitations, lasted hours and was so scary. It was like my heart was so out of rhythm. I went to A and E and they said it's anxiety, I've had numerous ECG, I've had a 24 hr heart monitor. They said they found nothing of concern just ectopic beats and and atrial thud. Apparently this is no cause for concern. So I was discharged from cardiology. I regularly have heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, breathlessness. Again it's anxiety apparently. Alas, I have developed this cardiac anxiety.
Anyway, tonight after studying up after dinner, my heart out of no where just started beating so hard and so fast in my chest. It felt like it was going to explode. Straight away I panicked, and then tried to calm myself down. I've so ce managed to calm myself but I heart beat feels all over the place. No pain or anything else. Its new Year's Eve and A&E will be busy. My DH is not very happy with me telling me not to go because it's all in my head. I've convinced myself.i won't see morning or at the very least my heart is about to give up very soon. Now I'm in this spiral of death anxiety of I could drop dead and be dead by this next time year and no one is believing me about my heart problem...am I being unreasonable to want to go to A & E and get checked out or ring 111 at th very least.. or am I just being dramatic, an anxious mess. The more I'm panicking the worst it's getting but I wasn't panicking when it first started this evening.

OP posts:
NotDoingOk · 31/12/2023 19:54

Do you have anything that actually records your heart rate? Smart watch/O2 monitor, etc?

Remember, hearts can beat very fast when exercising or dealing with stressful situations, so it's vanishingly unlikely that it would just give out.

Decimate · 31/12/2023 19:54

Xposted - what is your ferritin? Nice guidelines are way too low and generally anything under 20 is considered ok but realistically it needs to be a lot higher

CoatOfArms · 31/12/2023 19:54

Mindfulness is very good for this sort of thing.

Rachie1973 · 31/12/2023 19:55

I know how you feel. I suffer in a similar way. I have diazepam for the anxiety symptoms. So far I’ve taken 0. Just knowing they’re there if I need them helps no end.

MeinKraft · 31/12/2023 19:56

If there was anything seriously wrong with your heart a doctor would know to look at you even without the rest of the tests tbh OP.

Original poster
AlwaysAnxiousAnnie · 31/12/2023 19:56

Decimate · 31/12/2023 19:54

Xposted - what is your ferritin? Nice guidelines are way too low and generally anything under 20 is considered ok but realistically it needs to be a lot higher

Mine is exactly 20. When I was tested in January it was 8, then in May it was 11 and November it was 20.

OP posts:
SpringboksSocks · 31/12/2023 19:56

I’m a clinical psychologist and yes, palpitations can come out of absolutely nowhere. It’s not unusual and it’s a very normal panic/anxiety symptom. I know it’s easier said than done, but I say try to distract yourself and enjoy NYE with your husband 🌷

MeditatationMum · 31/12/2023 19:56

I used to get this. I cut out caffeine which really helped.
Hope you feel better soon.

Kinneddar · 31/12/2023 19:57

You've had tests & been prescribed medication to help which you've not taken, it's not surprising nothings changed

If people read all the side effects we'd never take any meds

You need to take the beta blockers. Thats probably the first thing A&E will tell you to do

MrsKarlUrban · 31/12/2023 19:57

Totally sympathise 🌺 anxiety is awful
Take the Propanalol 🤗 you'll have a much calmer evening
Maybe refer your self on nhs for some talking therapy maybe cbt
Xxxx

Original poster
AlwaysAnxiousAnnie · 31/12/2023 19:57

Rachie1973 · 31/12/2023 19:55

I know how you feel. I suffer in a similar way. I have diazepam for the anxiety symptoms. So far I’ve taken 0. Just knowing they’re there if I need them helps no end.

Yes I've been given diazepam too but I am haven't taken it because I have a toddler and I'm worried to take it in case it zones me out. Also, I have to do all the driving as my DH doesn't drive so it worries me that I won't be okay tomorrow should I need to in an emergency.

OP posts:
HorMon · 31/12/2023 19:57

You say you've had the same issues before and GP says you are fine.

So if you go to A&E and they say the same you still won't be reassured.
The whole basis of health related anxiety is you are not reassured by medical professionals and test results.

JustACountryMusicGirlInCowboyBoots · 31/12/2023 19:58

Definitely take the prescribed dose of beta blockers. We used to have some regulars on the ward who had had everything ruled out but they still had pain or other cardiac symptoms. Some were treated appallingly by some of the nurses and disbelieved. It's awful having symptoms that aren't believed and being dismissed. Please try the beta blockers and see how you feel in an hour but if you have any doubts then get checked out.

quarrelmerchant · 31/12/2023 19:58

I have had various treatments for my health anxiety over the years

So why is this different? You've had thorough investigation, you're describing anxiety and panic attack symptoms.

Helloandgoodmorning2 · 31/12/2023 19:58

It sounds like anxiety and it would be best to take the medication that was prescribed after your tests. A 24hr test would have picked up any heart irregularity and apart from an echo cardiogram there is not much more to look at if you have had ecgs. Your GP could refer you.

Original poster
AlwaysAnxiousAnnie · 31/12/2023 19:58

MrsKarlUrban · 31/12/2023 19:57

Totally sympathise 🌺 anxiety is awful
Take the Propanalol 🤗 you'll have a much calmer evening
Maybe refer your self on nhs for some talking therapy maybe cbt
Xxxx

I've had talking therapy which hasn't helped me x

OP posts:
hitherandhither · 31/12/2023 19:58

I get it @AlwaysAnxiousAnnie as I've had this over the Christmas period.

I'm 20 years older than you but I've had to tell myself that it's far more likely anxiety than my heart. I regularly take by BP for HRT and also my Apple Watch does my pulse and ECG. All ok.

I have used distraction, put on a comedy, talked with friends, things I know will help calm my anxiety.

I am on meds (and in therapy) - I think it's really important for you to take yours as it's there to help you. My DD has used propanolol in the past and she found they did help.

Please make sure you get therapy to understand why you are anxious so you are able to see it for what it is.

Zanatdy · 31/12/2023 19:59

Your ferritin is low and when my DD’s was so low she had palpitations etc. Do you have a Fitbit etc? They can alert to high heart rates etc, might help to reassure you. I wouldn’t go to A&E unless you feel a lot worse as other than run an ECG not much they will do

scrunchmum · 31/12/2023 19:59

Only because you said it started when you stood up today, have a google of POTS. It is often under diagnosed and may not have been spotted on an ECG if it was done lying or sitting down only. Hope you get to the bottom of it.

Rachie1973 · 31/12/2023 19:59

AlwaysAnxiousAnnie · 31/12/2023 19:57

Yes I've been given diazepam too but I am haven't taken it because I have a toddler and I'm worried to take it in case it zones me out. Also, I have to do all the driving as my DH doesn't drive so it worries me that I won't be okay tomorrow should I need to in an emergency.

Show quote history

If you have diazepam take one now! You’ll be fine in the morning.

tokesqueen · 31/12/2023 20:00

I had similar. After tests they said I had costochondritis, was anxious too, and menopausal.
Then I went into fast AF at 180 bpm, ended up in resus and eventually needed an ablation. I cut out caffeine and alcohol and take beta blockers but still get ectopic beats almost every hour of the day.
They've obviously checked you out though, but it can still be unsettling. Check your pulse. Is it regular?

CoatOfArms · 31/12/2023 20:01

Prescribed beta blockers. Won't take them. Prescribed diazepam. Won't take them.

Surprised she's not feeling any better. 🙄

Willmafrockfit · 31/12/2023 20:02

take the medication op
read a book , perhaps outloud
do something crafty

Original poster
AlwaysAnxiousAnnie · 31/12/2023 20:02

tokesqueen · 31/12/2023 20:00

I had similar. After tests they said I had costochondritis, was anxious too, and menopausal.
Then I went into fast AF at 180 bpm, ended up in resus and eventually needed an ablation. I cut out caffeine and alcohol and take beta blockers but still get ectopic beats almost every hour of the day.
They've obviously checked you out though, but it can still be unsettling. Check your pulse. Is it regular?

It's mostly regular although I have times when it's not but they are usually short lived.

OP posts:
quarrelmerchant · 31/12/2023 20:03

I've convinced myself.i won't see morning or at the very least my heart is about to give up very soon

You said you've calmed yourself down then said this. Telling yourself you're going to die isn't calming yourself down.

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