Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
Hi all,
I seem to write on this forum about once a year when I am having problems. I was working out in the yard yesterday, picking up leaves, sweeping, etc. and I was wearing a bandana around my face to filter the dust. I got up from a kneeling position and I had the sensation of mild chest pain and shortness of breath. I have never had this happen before, but it scared me quite a bit! I recently had a visit with my cardiologist as a semi annual checkup. Everything was normal, but then he asked me what my age was. I told him I was 45 and he said that he generally starts seeing problems in people my age and older. It definitely freaked me out hearing that. I've been worrying about what he said ever since my visit with him and then when I had the episode of chest pain and I really freaked out. I checked my blood pressure right after the episode and it was 107/77. Maybe my blood pressure dropped too low which caused the chest pain and shortness of breath. I guess I am just stressed out because I am back to having palpitations almost every day and I am concerned that I am getting worse. Has anyone had any similar experiences?
I seem to write on this forum about once a year when I am having problems. I was working out in the yard yesterday, picking up leaves, sweeping, etc. and I was wearing a bandana around my face to filter the dust. I got up from a kneeling position and I had the sensation of mild chest pain and shortness of breath. I have never had this happen before, but it scared me quite a bit! I recently had a visit with my cardiologist as a semi annual checkup. Everything was normal, but then he asked me what my age was. I told him I was 45 and he said that he generally starts seeing problems in people my age and older. It definitely freaked me out hearing that. I've been worrying about what he said ever since my visit with him and then when I had the episode of chest pain and I really freaked out. I checked my blood pressure right after the episode and it was 107/77. Maybe my blood pressure dropped too low which caused the chest pain and shortness of breath. I guess I am just stressed out because I am back to having palpitations almost every day and I am concerned that I am getting worse. Has anyone had any similar experiences?
Wishing you all the best, keep us in the loop
From acrossthepond
Thanks for your reply and your support. It really helps. I haven't had anymore instances of pain with shortness of breath, but I have had some major panic attacks. I've noticed that I have what I would call social anxiety when I am having episodes of palpitations on a daily basis. When I get palpitations on a daily basis for a couple of weeks straight, then my anxiety builds and during that time if I am having a meeting at work and I continue with having palpitations, then my symptoms build and I get tightness in the chest, accelerated heart rate, coughing and I feel the need to run out of the room. I feel trapped. This happened to me yesterday and I felt like I was going to throw up. I've been dealing with Sinusitis over the last week and the doctor put me on Augmentin and that antibiotic doesn't seem to agree with me. I've noticed that when I get palpitations, then I have fatigue along with it and I'm not able to think straight. I seem to hyper focus on whether I am getting palpitations. I end up checking for them every day. I guess I think about what my future holds as far as getting worse and having a lower quality of life. I should be focusing on the positive things and letting myself know that at least there are doctors and medications that can help.
Your right about getting an expert opinion so I can put my mind at ease. I feel better today. I hope I continue to feel better this week. Thank you so much for your support.
I have palpitations every so often that last for a week or so. Had them last week when I went for an MRI for rotator cuff impingement or tear. I thought I was breathing normally and I could feel my heart in NSR, but thumping. Well, the Tech. told me he couldn't get a clear image. So, he said to come back with a Valium in me.
Glad you are feeling Better!