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Pounding heart - WHY???


20 years ago 0 14 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi! I have this problem too and it drives me crazy sometimes...I had a little more than just that though, I would have these "attacks" where my heart will beat uncontrollably fast and every now and then would have an extra hard thump and after seeing a Cardiologist found out that it was Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia which is not serious but very uncomfortable. There's alot of times though where I just feel my heart beat and sort of hear it too, One thing that helps me is i take my hand and rub my tummy right below my belly button and just do this until I stop thinking about it and just breathe and try to relax. If your symptoms get worse thought I would see a doctor, it will give you some peace of mind. I think alot of my problem is panic/anxiety and hopefully I will learn to control it better. Good luck!!
20 years ago 0 799 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Wanda, Please be sure to ask this question of your doctor for a more detailed explanation. I think an easy way to describe the sensation you are referring to is if you were to consider how the body responds to a stressor. Think of the term stress here in general terms, for example as a demanding situation on the body the same way that standing puts stress our muscles and bones. The internal state that our body feels can range from tension, anxiety or strain. I am not sure if this is the type of information you are looking for, but try to think of fight or flight response to "stress" as descibed above. The heart rate increases as does blood pressure. Our breathing may become affected. Hormones are released in the blood. The liver releases sugar, our pupils dilate to allow more light in, our muscles tense, blood flow to the digestive system decreases while blood flow to the brain increases. These are some of the physiologic changes that our bodies go through to ensure that blood )pumped by the heart)is carried to the more important areas of the body when faced with a "stressor". Hope this helps, Casey _____________________________ The Panic Center Support Team
20 years ago 0 17 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I think I understand that anxiety causes your heart to pound because of a over stimulated nervous system but can anyone give any further information on this? Scientifically speaking, just how does this cause your heart to pound exactly? It drives me crazy - like right now I am just trying to relax and my heart is thumping away in my chest. I feel it in my stomach, in my back, in my ears. Especially at night when I try and get comfortable I just can't find a spot where I can't hear my stupid heart beating. And it disturbs me - it really keeps me awake and unable to relax. It makes me think that something is wrong with it - I tell myself over and over that it is stress but I think if I had a better understanding as to what is physically happening maybe it wouldn't freak me out so much.

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