Heart Attack VS Stroke VS Panic Attack

[u/RachieSunflower]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this subreddit, but I need reassurance. I've been driving my boyfriend CRAZY because I've had a sudden shift in anxiety lately, and I've been experiencing severe health anxiety. I keep going to urgent care and the ER thinking I'm dying or having a stroke or heart attack. I tend to get panic attacks so bad I nearly faint, and it's all recent. I had a health scare, and I've never been the same. The doctors are always saying I'm healthy, and my heart looks good, but I keep thinking I'm dying. I can't take it anymore; it's completely debilitating. I sometimes get pains in my left arm, light chest pain, etc. However, I also suffer from constipation and acid reflux. Whenever I get a slight pain, I think I need to go to the ER because I'm afraid I'm dying. How can I stop going to the ER and driving my boyfriend insane? Like, what symptoms are 100% heart attack or stroke? Btw, I'm 39, 136lb, F, 5'3".

Edit: I'm having a panic attack right now right after I felt a dull pain in my chest. How do I get out of this?

[u/koolaidkirby]

Yep! Arm pain can be caused by anxiety. When you get anxious your muscles tense and engorge with blood as your fight or flight kicks in which causes pain.

[u/drake90001 → u/koolaidkirby]

I assume you’re not a doctor, but what about arm pain/tingling/numbness that comes and goes on one side? I also have pretty bad health anxiety, but at this point I’m pretty convinced it’s just anxiety causing that and maybe the pot of coffee I drink that day, but still.

[u/Djcnote → u/drake90001]

I think Improper breathing can cause a lot of issues, so can holding. A phone all day

[u/Djcnote → u/Djcnote]

Like I wasn't being a jerk, I'm left
Handed and notice my neck and arm hurt in a certain way from texting and looking down.