Severe Anxiety after heart attack
Just curious, am I crazy? Recently had a double stent procedure of LAD & CIRC arteries, and facing my own mortality has really messed with me. I am 49 years old and a former pro athlete who never knows his real parents due to adoption. I had 95% blockage in both arteries and never knew it. I am carrying so much anxiety that it’s sometimes hard to sleep or function. In my mind, every little pain I feel is something to do with my heart. It is completely freaking me out and I feel like my wife looks at me like I’m nuts. Just wondering if anyone out there experienced the same things? My procedure was three weeks ago. I appreciate any words of wisdom… Thank you so much
Hi.
Thank you for sharing your personal experience. And sorry you have to go through all of this. It is not uncommon to experience anxiety when you are diagnosed with something like this. And this is something you may want to discuss with your physician, as he/she may have ideas to help you. Also, have you talked to your doctor about possible treatments for your condition? Working towards, and finally getting, treatment is one means of easing anxiety you are experiencing. What do you think? John. heart-failure.net community moderator 
I don't think you are crazy at all. Our hearts are a vital part of us. I believe we take them for granted and really don't think of them until something goes wrong with them. Unlike most organs in our bodies, doing without them or artificially doing the job of them isn't possible. Replacing/transplanting them is very improbable and if they are, then it just isn't the same. So when something goes wrong, then the reality of the vitalness and the vitality of our heart HITS us hard. I know it has me!
This being said. Take it one day at a time. Deal with it in small chunks, just like the proverb, "How do you eat an elephant?... One bite at a time!" I think it will get easier once we get used to what our new real is. I know it did on the submarine I used to work on in the navy. I was not claustrophobic, but the knowing that there was no escape in an emergency and knowing you had to deal with any emergency to survive did increase anxiety, BUT after learning what I could do and doing it, the anxiety eased and not too long after it was just another day at the office, but much cooler.
Peace, friend!
Dear Mr. Gibson:
I had anxiety and depression before my heart attack, and my primary care physician put me on lexapro which took a month to work but now I don't twist and turn overnight anymore. I also met with a counselor once a week which helped me. I too thought I was physically in shape until I had my heart attack with a 100% blocked "widowmaker". Yes, in this era of covid, I think 90% of us have depression and/or anxiety. Totally normal, you just have to take care of #1 (you). Seek out help from professionals trained to deal with it, spend time doing things you enjoy and best wishes in the future!thank you for taking the time to share your experience and thoughts with another community member~ Lynne S.(Heart-failure team member)
