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What Is More Uncomfortable For You…shortness Of Breath Or Rapid Heart Rate?

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Sterling, CO

For me, they often go hand in hand. If I move too quickly or go up the stairs too fast, I feel shortness of breath. But my heart rate also increases rapidly. It almost feels like they aren’t in sync with each other. When one slows down, so does the other, but the rapid heart rate is a terrible feeling. Add anxiety into the mix when all that happens and—oh my! Therapy has really helped me control my breathing when all that hits, but it sure feels horrible when it happens.

September 17, 2024
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with the unsettling combination of shortness of breath and rapid heart rate, with many agreeing that the two... Read more

Members shared their experiences with the unsettling combination of shortness of breath and rapid heart rate, with many agreeing that the two symptoms often feel intertwined and trigger anxiety even when anxiety isn't the root cause. Several members described receiving diagnoses such as atrial fibrillation, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, and dysautonomia after persistent advocacy with their medical teams, emphasizing the importance of ruling out cardiac issues rather than dismissing symptoms as purely psychological. A recurring theme was the power of controlled breathing techniques learned through therapy or medical studies to manage these frightening episodes, along with the validation that comes from knowing others share the same confusing and exhausting cycle of symptoms.

A myPHteam Member

@A myPHteam Member you make a great point. When you feel like your heart is beating rapidly and you're short of breath it makes you feel anxious, but it isn't anxiety. I explained this to my cardiologist after he suggested what I was feeling might be anxiety. In no uncertain words I told him I know what anxiety feels like and what I was experiencing certainly wasn't anxiety. After additional testing I felt validated when the cardiologist arrived at a diagnosis of dysautonomia. It took a lot of persistence on my part and a couple of years, but I finally was diagnosed with a condition I knew I had for over 2 years.

September 23, 2024
A myPHteam Member

Hi Steve, I agree with the above but I found sustained pounding palpitations, including what felt like long pauses between beats the most disconcerting. I had it for months on end following my second Covid infection.
I had several investigations but was offered no explanation. I don't think the medics realized at that time that they could be caused by Covid.
I think it's probably worth consulting a medic and possibly having an ECG done as there are a number of types of arrhythmia ranging from inconsequential to best to treat it.

September 18, 2024
A myPHteam Member

Boy, SOB and Rapid heart rate are both horrible. Its mainly the anxiety along with the rapid heart rate that is the worst. I volunteered at Stanford for a study on Breadths effect on anxiety and they trained me on how to control my breadth to treat anxiety. It has been very useful in my life.

September 17, 2024
A myPHteam Member

I think SOB and heart paps go hand in hand . I feel like I can't breathe until my heart settles down. So slow deep breathes help me.

October 4, 2024
A myPHteam Member

Steven, all of the above. It seems the rapid heart rate, heart palpitations, and sob go together. It's more worrisome at night. It feels like an anxiety attack, but it isn't. Sometimes, it causes nightmares. Because of the shortness of breath, my mind thinks I'm in danger. Even with my cpap (which I wear faithfully), I wake up scared for no reason. I know it's the heart palpitations and sob. I take deep breaths, and it settles down. Not resting at night causes more sob and heart palpitations through the day. What a circle of events! But I'm learning what to do when this happens. I'm not sure the Dr's understand the difference between heart and breathing issues and anxiety. There are probably a lot of people walking around on antidepressants who just need a good cardiologist or pulmonogist! (Been there and done that!) Thanks for the question! I know others feel this too. ❤️

September 23, 2024

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