Terrified of having a heart attack

TheCandidSnake · 2024-07-04T19:50:05+00:00

I'm terrified I'm going to have a heart attack and die. I'm 32, quite overweight but no other diagnosed major health problems except my cholesterol was 6.2. since they told me it was high all I've done is worry about heart attacks. I get palpitations, chest pain on exertion, breathlessness. I had ECG and bloods, plus a 24hr heart monitor. They found only benign ectropics. I can't stop worrying I'm about to have a heart attack at any time or in my sleep. How can I stop worrying about it and is it even likely at my age that I will have one. I just need some reassurance really.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 04/07/2024 20:56

You could do something about it? I'm not being facetious, making changes will reassure your brain that you are reducing the risks.

Just don't go out trying to run a marathon in the first three days - gradually increase your activity levels (the GP may be able to refer you to a graduated exercise programme), make sure you've got well fitted, supportive footwear, comfortable clothing and the best sports bra you can afford.

It's actually normal when you are unfit for your chest to hurt a bit and for you to feel breathless on exertion; you're unfit, after all, of course it's going to be uncomfortable - they've confirmed there's nothing nasty going on underneath, so gently pushing yourself a tiny bit each time will increase your fitness and probably also help to make you feel less anxious about it.

Original poster

TheCandidSnake · 04/07/2024 21:00

NeverDropYourMooncup · 04/07/2024 20:56

You could do something about it? I'm not being facetious, making changes will reassure your brain that you are reducing the risks.

Just don't go out trying to run a marathon in the first three days - gradually increase your activity levels (the GP may be able to refer you to a graduated exercise programme), make sure you've got well fitted, supportive footwear, comfortable clothing and the best sports bra you can afford.

It's actually normal when you are unfit for your chest to hurt a bit and for you to feel breathless on exertion; you're unfit, after all, of course it's going to be uncomfortable - they've confirmed there's nothing nasty going on underneath, so gently pushing yourself a tiny bit each time will increase your fitness and probably also help to make you feel less anxious about it.

Thank you, however I know I said I was overweight but I walk 5 miles everyday pushing my baby in a stroller and I'm very active despite being overweight and have lost two stone this year already.

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NerdWhoEatsMedlar · 04/07/2024 21:02

As an incredibly fit but a wee bit over weight 32 year old, what makes you think you are going to have a heart attack?

The stats say you are probably just fine.

Original poster

TheCandidSnake · 04/07/2024 21:18

NerdWhoEatsMedlar · 04/07/2024 21:02

As an incredibly fit but a wee bit over weight 32 year old, what makes you think you are going to have a heart attack?

The stats say you are probably just fine.

I think it's just my symptoms and a touch of anxiety about me being older and a mum now and all sorts of things. I've become slightly obsessed with this anxiety around my heart. I think I hear ur read things about younger people like myself having these problems and it scares me.

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Firefly993 · 04/07/2024 22:01

Did gp advise you to go on medication for high cholesterol? If not then it can't be too much of a worry. Also cholesterol is made up of a few figures and the main one is only one part of it. It could be that your ldl is low which then doesn't make the 6.2 so worrying. I would talk to gp, tell them it's making you feel anxious and they will talk you through it and maybe reassure you.

Original poster

TheCandidSnake · 04/07/2024 22:10

Firefly993 · 04/07/2024 22:01

Did gp advise you to go on medication for high cholesterol? If not then it can't be too much of a worry. Also cholesterol is made up of a few figures and the main one is only one part of it. It could be that your ldl is low which then doesn't make the 6.2 so worrying. I would talk to gp, tell them it's making you feel anxious and they will talk you through it and maybe reassure you.

They just said to make lifestyle changes,eat better, lose some weight and retest in one year.

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DaisyCat33 · 04/07/2024 22:14

The chance of having a heart attack at 32 is tiny. The chance of having a heart attack at 32 with a clear ECG and 24 hour monitor is miniscule.

If it helps I looked up the incidence rates of heart attacks. For people aged 30 to 39 the incidence of heart attack is 16.9 per 100,000 people per year. That means your average chance of having a heart attack is 0.0169% per year.

You also have to remember those tiny percentage of people who are having heart attacks in their 30s may have underlying conditions or risk factors like taking recreational drugs or diabetes.

Might be worth considering counselling for the anxiety. Health anxiety is a thing and it's debilitating.

Original poster

TheCandidSnake · 04/07/2024 22:35

DaisyCat33 · 04/07/2024 22:14

The chance of having a heart attack at 32 is tiny. The chance of having a heart attack at 32 with a clear ECG and 24 hour monitor is miniscule.

If it helps I looked up the incidence rates of heart attacks. For people aged 30 to 39 the incidence of heart attack is 16.9 per 100,000 people per year. That means your average chance of having a heart attack is 0.0169% per year.

You also have to remember those tiny percentage of people who are having heart attacks in their 30s may have underlying conditions or risk factors like taking recreational drugs or diabetes.

Might be worth considering counselling for the anxiety. Health anxiety is a thing and it's debilitating.

Edited

Yes. I definitely have health anxiety

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