Heart palpitations?
in Health ·
Thomas Barnes2 said:I am in the same boat, my friends. It seems to be a common thread among many of us. These heart palpitations started appearing for me about four or five years ago. I have undergone numerous cardiac evaluations, and everything comes back perfectly normal. My heart is healthy, yet this sensation of skipping beats simply refuses to subside. For a period, my physician prescribed Lexapro; while I was taking it for about a year, I didn't experience a single episode. I eventually stopped the medication, under the impression that I was cured, only for it to return a couple of months later. At this stage, I am reluctant to resume the medication due to its other side effects. I recognize that lifestyle factors play a role, but altering one's fundamental habits is not an easy feat. Perhaps it is simply a matter of nature over nurture. Three different cardiologists have told me the same thing—that there is nothing to fear and my heart is structurally sound—but the anxiety remains whenever it happens. Does anyone know of a solution, or perhaps a way to help me overcome this fear?
There is no need to be afraid... I am a commercial pilot, and during a routine medical exam in March 2008, they discovered this too. They assured me it wasn't serious and cleared me to continue flying. It happened again this February, though less frequently, so they decided to send me for an expedited Holter monitor and a specialist consultation just to rule out any structural issues. If all is clear, I will be back in the cockpit. However, I had a child at the end of 2007, and the strain is significant; my wife and baby are settled in Chicago, but my work takes me to Dallas. I suspect the stress is the primary culprit. Believe me, dealing with various personalities in this profession creates constant tension. It has reached a point where I am considering resigning, despite the competitive salary, especially since I am still tied down by a mortgage. I have a follow-up with the cardiologist next week, so I should have more clarity then.