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Is It Safe To Exercise With Anxiety Symptoms?
Hello,
I am a 39 year old male, 5'10, 220lbs. Currently I am taking 10mg of Lexapro for anxiety/depression. I do not smoke or drink and try to run 10-20 miles per week. I have run some half-marathons and one full last Oct. In my family there is no history of heart disease but a history of anxiety/depression.
About this time last year I thought I was having a heart attack and was taken to the ER. Tests done included the nuclear dye test, stress test, blood work, etc. everything came back as normal except I had a high CK level. The day prior to this episode I ran 10 miles and was dehydrated after the run. This episode was a severe panic attack and went to a therapist to try to work things out.
Fast forward to about four months ago and my anxiety levels began to increase. I went to see my GP and was put on Lexapro. I also made an appt with a cardiologist and he reviewed my charts from the hospital visit and also did an echocardiogram. Everything checked out to be fine. The medication helped and was feeling better up until 2-3 weeks ago. Anxiety levels are back along with symptoms that include: chest tightness (pectoral muscles feel like they are always contracted), arm numbness that has been coming and going (feels like I hit my funny bone), minor insomnia, clenching my jaw.
My anxiety cycle comes from the aches/pain that I am having. I am fearful that there is something still wrong.
Here is my question, is it still safe to exercise while having these anxiety symptoms? I have a big run coming up and I realize this all might be due that.
Any help is appreciated.
I am a 39 year old male, 5'10, 220lbs. Currently I am taking 10mg of Lexapro for anxiety/depression. I do not smoke or drink and try to run 10-20 miles per week. I have run some half-marathons and one full last Oct. In my family there is no history of heart disease but a history of anxiety/depression.
About this time last year I thought I was having a heart attack and was taken to the ER. Tests done included the nuclear dye test, stress test, blood work, etc. everything came back as normal except I had a high CK level. The day prior to this episode I ran 10 miles and was dehydrated after the run. This episode was a severe panic attack and went to a therapist to try to work things out.
Fast forward to about four months ago and my anxiety levels began to increase. I went to see my GP and was put on Lexapro. I also made an appt with a cardiologist and he reviewed my charts from the hospital visit and also did an echocardiogram. Everything checked out to be fine. The medication helped and was feeling better up until 2-3 weeks ago. Anxiety levels are back along with symptoms that include: chest tightness (pectoral muscles feel like they are always contracted), arm numbness that has been coming and going (feels like I hit my funny bone), minor insomnia, clenching my jaw.
My anxiety cycle comes from the aches/pain that I am having. I am fearful that there is something still wrong.
Here is my question, is it still safe to exercise while having these anxiety symptoms? I have a big run coming up and I realize this all might be due that.
Any help is appreciated.
Mon, 11 Aug 2014
Dear
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns
I went through your details. I suggest you not to worry much. You are already aware that you do not have any physical problems to be anxious. Understanding your condition and trusting your doctors are counted as first steps towards healthy living. Unnecessary health worries bring out anxiety and that anxiety brings all those unwanted symptoms you mention here. Regarding exercise, it is a must for any anxiety troubled people. Because, body inhales more and more oxygen and oxygen is considered as anxiety soother. But you need to keep the apprehension away.
If you require more of my help in this aspect, Please post a direct question to me in this website. Make sure that you include every minute details possible. I shall prescribe the needed psychotherapy techniques which should help you cure your condition further.
Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications.
Good luck.
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns
I went through your details. I suggest you not to worry much. You are already aware that you do not have any physical problems to be anxious. Understanding your condition and trusting your doctors are counted as first steps towards healthy living. Unnecessary health worries bring out anxiety and that anxiety brings all those unwanted symptoms you mention here. Regarding exercise, it is a must for any anxiety troubled people. Because, body inhales more and more oxygen and oxygen is considered as anxiety soother. But you need to keep the apprehension away.
If you require more of my help in this aspect, Please post a direct question to me in this website. Make sure that you include every minute details possible. I shall prescribe the needed psychotherapy techniques which should help you cure your condition further.
Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications.
Good luck.
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