Heart rate beating very fast when nervous... anxiety?

[Anonymous]

I am sitting at my computer doing work and had to check a website for results relating to something mildly nerve-wracking (reviews/criticism of my work, not like scary medical test results or anything). My heart just started beating SO fast in that moment. Like probably 100-120 bpm. I don't know what my heart rate was right before that moment but I would guess probably around 60 or so since I was not moving. I have an Apple Watch and I know that my resting heart rate can get quite low -- around 50 bpm and around 60 during the day when I am sitting/laying down. My heart rate did go back down pretty quickly after the nerve-wracking moment of anticipation.

Does this happen to anyone else? It is simply a manifestation of stress/anxiety? I know a mild heart rate increase is normal, but this seemed extreme for a non life-threatening situation. I would describe myself as distressed right now. The past month or so has been very hard in terms of loneliness due to the winter/pandemic combo. I am really sad about some good friends moving away and just feel so disconnected from my other friends and even the neighbors we were seeing outside until it got really cold. Virtual happy hours are better than nothing but such a poor substitute for real life interactions. I've been telling myself this is situational and that my mindset will improve this spring when it gets warm again, more people get vaccinated, etc. But in the meantime am I hurting my body by not seeking help in the form of therapy and/or an antidepressant? I have dealt with physical manifestations of stress at different times in my life (e.g. teeth grinding, migraines, digestion issues, hair thinning... not all at once) but I'm worried about what it might now be doing to my cardiovascular system. I actually have an appointment with a cardiologist in March because I've been getting some PVCs (yeah, probably another manifestation of stress).

I don't think I meet the diagnostic criteria for anxiety/depression based on psychological symptoms (I'm very familiar with how they're diagnosed) but it seems like my body is telling me something. Has anyone with mostly physical symptoms of stress gotten relief from an antidepressant or therapy? I was really hoping to avoid having to go the pharmacological route. Would therapy even help with physical symptoms?

[Anonymous]

To answer your literal question, yes this happens to me. Sweat too. But my goodness, I am sorry you are feeling the way you described. I'm shutting down for the night but an internet stranger wants you to know that yes, this happens to others and hopefully better days ahead.

[Anonymous]

Yes, nerves and stress can elevate your heart rate. It's normal. As long as your heart rate goes back down, then it's not concerning.

I'm sorry that you're having a hard time right now. A lot of us are. But I'm very hopeful that the spring will be better. A return to almost-normal, as the pandemic eases and the vaccinations become widespread. It's going to be so much better, soon.

[Anonymous]

My anxiety manifests like yours - in my heart. Then it compounds because I become convinced I'm having a heart attack. Then that fear triggers panic attacks! However, I have been doing MUCH better lately by trying to "treat" my anxiety aggressively at home. Multivitamins and especially Magnesium (Calm brand) seem to really help my heart rate. So, maybe try those? Yoga and deep breathing normalize it as well. Try one of the Yoga with Adrienne videos on youtube - google "Yoga with Adrienne" and "Anxiety." Go for walks or, even better, short runs as much as you can. Whenever it is sunny, stick your face in the sun for at least 10 minutes. I'm sure there's lots of other stuff - but that is what's helping me right now!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My anxiety manifests like yours - in my heart. Then it compounds because I become convinced I'm having a heart attack. Then that fear triggers panic attacks! However, I have been doing MUCH better lately by trying to "treat" my anxiety aggressively at home. Multivitamins and especially Magnesium (Calm brand) seem to really help my heart rate. So, maybe try those? Yoga and deep breathing normalize it as well. Try one of the Yoga with Adrienne videos on youtube - google "Yoga with Adrienne" and "Anxiety." Go for walks or, even better, short runs as much as you can. Whenever it is sunny, stick your face in the sun for at least 10 minutes. I'm sure there's lots of other stuff - but that is what's helping me right now!

I think it's a good idea to try these things first before going to meds which have side effects.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My anxiety manifests like yours - in my heart. Then it compounds because I become convinced I'm having a heart attack. Then that fear triggers panic attacks! However, I have been doing MUCH better lately by trying to "treat" my anxiety aggressively at home. Multivitamins and especially Magnesium (Calm brand) seem to really help my heart rate. So, maybe try those? Yoga and deep breathing normalize it as well. Try one of the Yoga with Adrienne videos on youtube - google "Yoga with Adrienne" and "Anxiety." Go for walks or, even better, short runs as much as you can. Whenever it is sunny, stick your face in the sun for at least 10 minutes. I'm sure there's lots of other stuff - but that is what's helping me right now!

All of this! I totally relate to thinking I’m having a heart attack. The first time it happened I told a stranger to call 911. She quickly recognized what was happening and helped me do some breathing and get grounded. I was so thankful for her! I’m sorry you’re going through this. I recommend the Calm app. There’s some anxiety related exercises that are very helpful.