HomeAnswersCardiologyheart rateI get anxious when my heart rate becomes fast. Kindly help.

What must a patient do if he feels anxious or gets a panic attack due to irregular heart rate?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Isaac Gana

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At June 14, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 5, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 37-year-old female and have been experiencing episodes of fast heart rate for the past four weeks. It happens suddenly, and my heart rate goes up to 165 beats per minute. I have consulted my doctor twice, but he thinks it is anxiety and gave me the tablet Propranolol 80 mg and asked me to take it daily. When I take the tablet, my heart rate becomes alright, and I feel calm. I am scared that it is something serious. I had undergone an echocardiogram twice the last year, which was normal. The cardiologist told me not to worry as my reports had no problem. I am a very anxious person and remain worried all the time. Would the echocardiogram report show any change if something goes wrong with my heart rate? I am going out of my mind and afraid to live my life. I was taking my daughter to school today, and my heart started racing. So, I took the tablet Propranolol 40 mg, but my heart rate was becoming irregular. I am honestly terrified about my heart problem. I experience shakiness, dizziness, and dryness of the mouth. I have had a complete blood count test done, but my blood reports and blood pressure are normal. Please help me. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please stay positive as everything will be alright. An electrocardiogram (ECG) and a Holter monitor test are better than an echocardiogram to diagnose dangerous heart arrhythmias. I suggest you undergo a 24 hour Holter monitor test to know about your arrhythmias. You might have anxiety issues which can often present with palpitations. Did you suffer from panic attacks in the past?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I had panic attacks and unpleasant feelings in my stomach all the time. I have just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and my son has been diagnosed with autism. My eldest daughter is suffering from severe mental health problems. I honestly have a nervous wreck, and I cannot control it. I get terrified when my heart rate goes up to 165 beats per minute because I feel I will suffer from a heart attack or stroke. My doctor told me my pulse rate is fast but regular. Today I took the tablet Propranolol 40 mg in the morning. Please suggest when to take modified slow-release Propranolol 80 mg capsules?

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear about your struggles, and you are going through a lot. I suggest you get a Holter monitor test done, but most importantly, you must book an appointment with a psychologist. I suggest you take the tablet Propranolol 40 mg now and modified slow-release Propranolol 80 mg capsules in the morning. You will be fine, and try to remain calm. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Isaac Gana
Dr. Isaac Gana

Cardiology

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