Need some help!

So, I am certain there have been hundreds of threads and questions regarding this exact thing already, but I feel compelled to reach out to you all...
For years now, I’ve lived under this constant shadow, convinced that my heart is simply going to give out on me one day because it skips beats—maybe ten times a month—and occasionally, I get this intense sensation of my heart pounding against my ribs...
The truth is, my life is incredibly high-stress, and I find myself obsessing over my heart constantly; I can practically feel it pulsing, which has actually started to make me withdraw from daily life out of sheer fear. I haven't even summoned the courage to go to the doctor for an EKG or an ultrasound, mostly because I’m terrified they’ll just dismiss everything as health anxiety, yet if there actually is something physically wrong, the sheer stress of the diagnosis might just trigger a heart attack right then and there. I can't keep living like this, paralyzed by fear—doesn't that make me sound like a total idiot? Even though I know deep down that most of this is likely trapped inside my own head, I feel completely helpless. I tire easily, too, though since I’ve never really been active, I suppose I can attribute that to a lack of fitness. Genetically speaking, everything is perfect; my family is incredibly healthy, with everyone living well into their nineties without a single cardiac issue. Could someone please tell me what might help me move forward and live a normal life again? And please, don't just tell me to see a doctor; I’m really just wondering if anyone else experiences these kinds of heart symptoms alongside severe health anxiety... thanks in advance (and I'm only 22 years old)

I personally dealt with those cardiac issues—things like arrhythmias and sinus tachycardia—though I wouldn't say I struggled with hypochondria. Generally speaking, you might find some relief taking L-carnitine; it certainly made a difference for me. And even if you do lean toward health anxiety, I suppose there's always the possibility of a placebo effect at play...

p.s. we happen to be the same age

I’ve definitely dealt with my fair share of health anxiety myself—been dealing with it for almost as long as you have.
Mind you, I only spent a few months convinced I was having a massive heart attack, right up until the moment I realized you don't usually spend two whole months dying of one—it tends to be a bit more immediate than that.
If something were actually wrong with your heart for years, you probably wouldn't be here to post about it.
I went in for an EKG once, and honestly, just seeing that everything looked normal was such a huge relief.

Maybe it’s worth getting your thyroid levels checked out? A little hormonal imbalance there could totally be what's causing all this.

GO SEE A DOCTOR

there isn't really any other way
all you can do here is sit around and worry about your fate, alas
if you're actually dealing with a health issue, this forum isn't going to cure you

you really need someone to get you to a clinic
otherwise, you'll probably just panic and freeze up, and then you'll likely forget to tell the doctor half the things you're feeling—and if you don't give them the full picture, they won't be able to help you much at all!

I’ve heard some talk suggesting that magnesium might play a role in helping with heart palpitations or irregular rhythms
does anyone here actually know anything about the science behind that?

Honestly, I’d suggest getting your heart checked out. Not because I think you’re actually sick, but just so you can look at some clean test results and finally shut those intrusive thoughts down. You're only 22 🙂and if you keep letting this anxiety run your life, you're eventually going to make yourself physically ill.
Plus, you'll totally fry your nerves. Then you'll be a wreck even if your heart is perfectly fine.
The real issue is all in your head 😕, so it’d be a good idea to talk about it—not just here on the forum, but with a real friend in person. If it feels too awkward to open up to someone you know, maybe hit up a therapist. I don't think you're crazy; they can just help you work through it.
As for feeling wiped out, try taking daily walks out in nature. It'll build up your stamina slowly. Just listen to the birds, soak in the surroundings, and stop obsessing over your heartbeat.
It kind of feels like you don't have enough going on, so you've made worrying about your health your full-time job. Find a hobby to get your mind off this nonsense. Lighten up, let your heart do its thing, and start actually living while you're young and ALIVE.