[Crazyratlady]

I constantly count my heartbeats either by checking my pulse on my wrist or by listening to the swish in my head. I know it is probably just anxiety but I always panic when I am doing it because I think I hear or feel my heart stop. I start feeling dizzy and like I am beginning to have a panic attack or die.
Does anyone else ever feel like their heart is going to stop?

[theotterone]

Originally Posted by Crazyratlady

I constantly count my heartbeats either by checking my pulse on my wrist or by listening to the swish in my head. I know it is probably just anxiety but I always panic when I am doing it because I think I hear or feel my heart stop. I start feeling dizzy and like I am beginning to have a panic attack or die.
Does anyone else ever feel like their heart is going to stop?

Believe it or not, our hearts aren't as steady as we are led to believe.
They can skip or pause, but for the most part they keep on going. My husband hates listening to my heart, he hears it do that skip, double pump and pause thing and it freaks him out. I, however, am fine.

You need to remember your heart beat is an automatic thing. It would be a rare thing for you to suddenly realize it's stopped. Have you had it checked out? A regular physical may help ease your mind.

Many of us count just to get our mind on something other than the anxiety. It's an issue when you obess on it though. Get checked out by a primary care doctor, then maybe look at seeing a mental health professional. They can teach you behavioral tricks to help ease the anxiety. I should know, I have dealt with it over half my life! You have people here who understand, but we do not take the place of professionals.

[Crazyratlady]

Originally Posted by theotterone

Believe it or not, our hearts aren't as steady as we are led to believe.
They can skip or pause, but for the most part they keep on going. My husband hates listening to my heart, he hears it do that skip, double pump and pause thing and it freaks him out. I, however, am fine.

You need to remember your heart beat is an automatic thing. It would be a rare thing for you to suddenly realize it's stopped. Have you had it checked out? A regular physical may help ease your mind.

Many of us count just to get our mind on something other than the anxiety. It's an issue when you obess on it though. Get checked out by a primary care doctor, then maybe look at seeing a mental health professional. They can teach you behavioral tricks to help ease the anxiety. I should know, I have dealt with it over half my life! You have people here who understand, but we do not take the place of professionals.

Thanks for the advice. I have had irregular heartbeats before. Specifically PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) which I can very easily feel. I have told my doctor. I have even worn a monitor set to detect irregularities. I really understand that it's okay and even normal to have occasional skipped beats.
The thing that causes me anxiety is thinking my heart is stopping, not skipping. Obviously it isn't because I would pass out rather quickly if my heart actually stopped. I guess I realize this is caused by anxiety and I was just wondering if anyone else has that same irrational fear.

I appreciate your previous comment. Thanks for the support.