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Fear of sudden cardiac arrest what should I do?

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bethan53900
bethan53900

I'm 18, female and live in the UK. I'm terrified of sudden cardiac arrests and although ik its rare at my age I know you can have asymptomatic heart conditions that increase the risk (eg hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and I'm worried about having it and not knowing. I wish I could get my heart checked just to ease my anxiety but there's no way of doing that unless you have symptoms. I'm also more worried because back in October 2021 I woke up shaking, sick and with a racing heart (it was literally pounding in my chest) two nights in a row and I wish I had gone to the doctor then to get it checked out but stupidly I didn't. I'm scared that what happened to me then means I have some kind of undiagnosed condition. I'm also worried because I get purple feet really easily and my legs are often mottled and purple/red. Does anyone know what I should do?

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  • jan34534
    jan34534 bethan53900

    Edited

    this is kind of long but I’ve had similar experiences with Health Anxiety. remember that fear related worries are not based on fact or reality they are only based on that emotion of fear. anxiety has a way of putting negative scary thoughts into our mind. most of what we worry about does not happen.

    One of the most common symptoms of health anxiety is a racing heart which is not harmful.

    when you are able to, go to your doctors office and get a complete physical check up. Everybody should have one at least once a year. you can ask questions.

    I used to think that I had MS when I was in my 20s because I was getting all kinds of physical sensations such as numbness, tingling, blurry vision, etc. all of my physical sensations ended up being due to severe health anxiety. those type of symptoms are harmless. So don’t believe everything that you think.

    anybody could worry about getting any disease. I could worry about getting cancer, brain tumor, Parkinson’s, a horrible car accident, and on and on and on. But what’s the point in that? That’s why I finally decided to just enjoy my life to the fullest and find joy. It feels so much better! that’s why I hope you get a handle on this because if it’s not sudden cardiac arrest, then you will continue to worry about getting something else.

    it really sounds like you could be suffering from something called illness anxiety disorder. You can look it up online but it’s very common. I know that I had it and one thing that these people have in common is that they want constant reassurance that they are healthy. They think the doctors missed some thing., Many times they will Dr. hop for reassurance and testing. they are constantly saying or thinking " what if?" It’s a miserable way to be.

    you are young and most likely very healthy. The vast majority of sudden cardiac arrest patients are male and older than yourself.

    I would advise that you ........

    1. Focus on things that make you happy not miserable.
    2. remember negative thoughts are not based on facts or reality
    3. stay away from googling medical conditions! They do not pertain to your individual situation!
    4. get your yearly physical check up.
    5. read about illness anxiety disorder
    6. listen regularly to some great anxiety meditations on YouTube.
    7. keep yourself busy so you don’t focus on the thoughts in your head

      feel free to private message me anytime. You’re going to be OK!❤

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