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Does Anxiety Disorder Indicate Onset Of Heart Or Brain Problem?
Hi Dr. Rynne,
I have been having problems. My muscles tighten up and I become short of breath, shaking, weakness in my muscles, dizzy, tingly in my hands and feet, racing heart, and just an overall feeling that I am dying. Its very scary. I was told that it was anxiety disorder but it tends to happen to me even when I am relaxed and not stressed. The first time it happened, the doctor put me on Ativan. The Ativan makes the symptoms go away but I am afraid that it might be masking something more serious. Ativan improves circulation. Couild it be possible that I have a heart problem or blockage going to my brain, and that the Ativan is improving my circulation enough for me to temporarily recover? Thanks
I have been having problems. My muscles tighten up and I become short of breath, shaking, weakness in my muscles, dizzy, tingly in my hands and feet, racing heart, and just an overall feeling that I am dying. Its very scary. I was told that it was anxiety disorder but it tends to happen to me even when I am relaxed and not stressed. The first time it happened, the doctor put me on Ativan. The Ativan makes the symptoms go away but I am afraid that it might be masking something more serious. Ativan improves circulation. Couild it be possible that I have a heart problem or blockage going to my brain, and that the Ativan is improving my circulation enough for me to temporarily recover? Thanks
posted on
Sat, 30 May 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 4 Jun 2015
Answered on
Thu, 4 Jun 2015
Last reviewed on
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
I can understand your concern. Sudden onset episodic tightness of muscles, shortness of breath, shakiness, weakness of muscles, dizziness, tingling, palpitations and feelings that you are going to die etc are occurring due to severe anxiety only. Anxiety is a non specific fear with autonomic, physical and behavioural symptoms. Ativan is Lorazepam and the drug is a benzodiazepine drug and the drug helps to control the symptoms of anxiety and results in symptomatic relief of anxiety. Anxiety symptoms mimic heart illnesses so a lot of individuals have fear that they might develop heart illness. If you have some doubts regarding that then visit a doctor and get yourself evaluated to rule out these problems. If symptoms persist then take proper treatment of anxiety.
Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
I can understand your concern. Sudden onset episodic tightness of muscles, shortness of breath, shakiness, weakness of muscles, dizziness, tingling, palpitations and feelings that you are going to die etc are occurring due to severe anxiety only. Anxiety is a non specific fear with autonomic, physical and behavioural symptoms. Ativan is Lorazepam and the drug is a benzodiazepine drug and the drug helps to control the symptoms of anxiety and results in symptomatic relief of anxiety. Anxiety symptoms mimic heart illnesses so a lot of individuals have fear that they might develop heart illness. If you have some doubts regarding that then visit a doctor and get yourself evaluated to rule out these problems. If symptoms persist then take proper treatment of anxiety.
Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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