Will increased heart rate lead to heart attack?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 29-year-old and married. For two months every minute, I am feeling that I am going to get a heart attack. My mind is always running that the next minute I am getting a heart attack like that. I contacted two cardiologists, both examined the ECG and told me that my heart rate is more (112 bpm) and nothing to worry about. But still, I am not getting sleep and am unable to take food. Every second in my mind, I am getting bad thoughts like I am going to die, I am going to get a heart attack. Please suggest to me what to do to get out of this.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Feelings and symptoms like palpitations, getting a heart attack, difficulty in breathing, digestive concerns, and sleep problems can be a part of heart-related issues or anxiety. Since you have consulted with a physician and done all tests, it is much clearer that it is the latter one, that is anxiety or stress-related symptoms. Besides worrying consistently and preoccupations are also a part of it. At first, you need to get a proper assessment identifying the cause of this anxiousness whether it is work related or some personal issue. It can be done by analyzing thought processes when you are having such symptoms. After analyzing thoughts, cognitive behavior therapy thought channelization, and restructuring are quite helpful. Also, to make yourself relax you can do the following,

1. Deep breathing exercises.

2. Walk for at least 30 minutes per day.

3. Work out if possible to release toxins out of your body.

4. Reduce smoking (if you do).

5. Avoid junk and spicy food and soft drinks.

6. Increase water intake.

7. Thought diary or journaling would be also helpful for analyzing and restructuring thoughts (underlying cause) of the problem.

You can also have an appointment with the counselor to help you in assessing and provide you with individualized therapy as per requirement.

Thank you.