[inkblot]

I've had occasional chest pains, palps, etc., for a while, but only with physical stress. The only time it will happen with emotional stress is when there is physical stress, also--like when I don't eat. My T asked at the appointment a couple days ago if I had any chest pains (since the last appointment). I had--after I gave blood a a couple weeks ago. He asked about a few other symptoms like being tired after, and yes, I had that too. He got this really serious look and said, "I think you need to start taking care of your health." All the same stuff happened the previous time I gave blood, but then it was much worse. Back then, I also was not eating, I was taking several pills and probably way too many diuretics and caffeines. I would have been very dehydrated. This last time I donated, I had been eating, was not taking pills, and I should have been hydrated, but the heart problems still happened. At least my T seems to believe me now that I don't have anxiety-related chest pain, and it really does seem to be heart stuff.

[Leslie]

Dear Inkblot,

I have spent many years trying to get my doctors to understand why I have a very high resting heart rate. When doctors don't understand a problem like high heart rates , they seem to blame it on anxiety. After 24 hour heart monitoring they new HR was too high all day. Heart rate was 150bpm most of the day with several times in the 200bpm range with activity. Medications haven't done a whole lot to help me. My heart surgeon said I have a over firing sinus node in my heart that is causing the problems. I have had a few surgeries without sucess. My adice to you , is make sure your heart is healthy and keep complaining until you get a straight answer from your doctor.

Take care,
Leslie