Can't shake pulse worries

[BrokenArrow]

It started on Christmas day last year. I was at work and my back and shoulders were super tight. I had overdone the coffee and they gave us coffee at work. I took my pulse and it was 120 which ofcourse incited a panic attack and at its peak my pulse reached close to 150. Atleast thats what the app on my phone said. Not entirely sure how accurate that is.

Ever since then I have struggled on and off with pulse fears that my heart is beating too fast and overworking. I cant really get an accurate reading because everytime I go to take it I tense up and I can actually feel it go up. I'm decently active. I do 5 miles on the bike in the morning, and 5 miles on the bike at night. I also love to go hiking and just a few days ago I went on a 7 mile mostly uphill hike in 90+ degree weather. I was able to handle all that fine. I don't have any chest pains or anything like that. I just have this fear of over active pulse. And everything I do tends to bring me back to it. I'm afraid to even look at my wrist because I am afraid I am going to see my pulse in my wrist.

I don't even know how I would get an accurate reading because I have a full blown attack and start sweating and freaking out every time I even think about taking it. I know most people would say just don't take it and let it roll. Thats basically what I have been doing for almost 8 months now. But part of me wants closure. Part of me wants to be able to take it and have it be a decent number so I can just put it past me. Obviously I don't have anything major wrong with me if I can do 10 miles a day on a stationary bike and go hiking 3-4 times a week. But I just can't seem to fully knock that into my head.

Anyone else dealing with something like this?

 

[bin_tenn]

I think avoiding that self checking behavior is important. However, I also think it's important to overcome the fear - if at all possible - created by the mere thought of checking it. Sometimes that's not entirely possible. I still occasionally feel a subtle uptick in anxiety when checking BP or pulse.

Checking it manually is best in terms of accuracy. Count the number of beats in 10 seconds, then multiply by 6 to figure the number of beats per minute. If you feel it go up, keep your finger on your wrist or neck, but stop counting. Wait a minute or so and try again. That's usually what works for me. Same with BP - I'll leave the cuff on after the first (very anxious) reading then check again a minute or two later, and it's always much better.

 

[Vandelsrock21]

Interesting i am having pulse issues as well. I don't know if unconscious panic attacks or what. But it will be in the 70s and 80s than 110 for no reason. Than I panic and check my BP and the cycle of fear and anxiety go through the roof