What causes frequent palpitations and severe health anxiety?

Question

Hi Doctor,

I recently had a Holter monitor test showing one instance of Wenkebach heart block. I went to an electrophysiologist who looked over my results and told me I was fine, did not need any treatment, and did not need to worry. He also ordered a stress test and an echocardiogram, which all came back normal.

So, I guess my question is, should I be worried? The only symptom I have that bothers me is pretty frequent palpitations. I have severe health anxiety, and this is driving me insane. I am only 29 years old and have a three-year-old son. Currently, I am taking Klonopin.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your symptoms are palpitations. The Holter monitor test was suggestive of Wenkebach's heart block with no evidence of tachycardia like atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia. As the Holter monitor test is not showing any evidence of tachycardia and other reports like echocardiography, stress test, and blood tests are normal, you need not be worried.

Take the suggested medicines. Another thing you can do is to do an ECG (echocardiography) when you have ongoing symptoms, as this may show heart rhythm changes that may be responsible for symptoms.

I hope you find it helpful.

Kind regards.