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  • #1

    Panic Attack or Tach?

    Oops-meant to mention this with the last post. I have had 3 episodes where my heart rate took off(it FELT really out of control)and made me feel really uncomfortable-lightheaded etc. They have always resolved within 10-20mins. We have never been able to 'catch' these, but my GP suspects panic attacks. How do I know the difference between a panic attack and tach? Wouldn't a panic attack be dangerous for a HCM heart? OK I am done asking so many ????'s

    Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it.
    It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

    Dx in Feb/99. Obstructed. No ICD, no surgeries, no family history. 2 sons ages 14 and 6.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Panic Attack or Tach?

    The one thing I would suggest is that you wear an event monitor for a month . That way they can capture whatever you're having
    \"It is not length of life, but depth of life.\"

    Ralph Waldo Emerson

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    • #3
      Re: Panic Attack or Tach?

      It's often tough to tell the difference because physically there really isn't much of a difference... your heart races either way, and leads to the other symptoms of lightheadedness, etc. Many people with HCM have previously been diagnosed with anxiety disorders, or 'panic attacks' when in fact it was simply the HCM. You can of course have both. There's an interesting thread related to this called "HCM, Anxiety, and Panic... Is there a Correlation?" You can find it here:

      http://www.4hcm.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2158

      Jim
      "Some days you're the dog... some days you're the hydrant."

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      • #4
        Re: Panic Attack or Tach?

        Have you been diagnosed with HCM? Have you had an echo?

        Most gps (PCP)s are inclined to call any tachycardia in a young healthy female an anxiety attack b/c it is unlikely she is having a real heart problem.

        However, it is quite possible it is a heart problem. HCM can cause what you describe and if you have been diagnosed as such, then you need to treat the episodes as part of your HCM.

        If you don't have a diagnosis, then you need to see someone who is going to get at the root of your tachycardia and not just prescribe anti-anxiety medications.

        There are many causes of tachycardia and you need to know which yours is.

        You need to log when and where the episodes happen as well as what you ate and what you were feeling the few hours and just before they happened. This should give you a good idea of what is going on.

        take care,

        s

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        • #5
          Re: Panic Attack or Tach?

          For 5 yrs before my diagnosis I was told it was all anxiety. I had one great Dr who researched HCM and really went the extra mile for me.(After my diagnosis). Unfortunately he moved. Anyway, thanks for all the replies. I find it so hard and frustrating to tell which are HCM symptoms and which are something else. I have been having night sweats the past few months and my Dr quickly got me in for an echo and some blood work but nothing was found. I think I could deal with things alot better if I new for sure what the cause was. I have so many symptoms(of something) right now.
          Regarding the panic attacks, I've been on Paxil for quite awhile now, it doesn't seem to be working, the past few months I have felt so crappy, I am at a loss..ok I am rambling...
          Thanks for listening
          It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

          Dx in Feb/99. Obstructed. No ICD, no surgeries, no family history. 2 sons ages 14 and 6.

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          • #6
            Re: Panic Attack or Tach?

            It is highly likely that your sypmtoms are NOT panic attachs, although they may be. The most common misdiagnosis (prior to appropriate diagnosis) include, panic attach, mitral valve prolapse, depression and innocent murmur.

            Please where a holtor and think about seeking a specialist.

            Lisa
            Knowledge is power ... Stay informed!
            YOU can make a difference - all you have to do is try!

            Dx age 12 current age 46 and counting!
            lost: 5 family members to HCM (SCD, Stroke, CHF)
            Others diagnosed living with HCM (or gene +) include - daughter, niece, nephew, cousin, sister and many many friends!
            Therapy - ICD (implanted 97, 01, 04 and 11, medication
            Currently not obstructed
            Complications - unnecessary pacemaker and stroke (unrelated to each other)

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            • #7
              Re: Panic Attack or Tach?

              specialist as in cardiologist. ideally someone who knows HCM. you can call or email the office and let them know you need help finding a doctor.

              keep on demanding answers and don't take something if it isn't helping (but never stop medication without talking to your doctor first).

              good luck,

              Sarah

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