Kim,
are you actually measuring it or does it just feel faster?
If it feels like it is beating faster and/or harder, but it isnt physically
faster (ie if you take your pulse) it is likely to be heart palpitations,
which is a fairly normal symptom of anxiety.
Some people get it more than others. People with anxiety and panic
tend to be more sensitive to changes in the heart. My understanding is
that palpitations are generally normal valve movements within the
heart, they often feel or seem louder when you are very anxious.
Some SSRI anti-depressant medications can give you heart palpitations
also.
Essentially they arent a problem at all, we only notice them and worry
about them because we are anxious.
However, if it is bothering you and you havent had it checked out, I
strongly recommend you see a GP about it, get your pulse and blood
pressure taken, and explain how you are feeling. Its most likely you
will get the all clear, in which case you need to focus on not worrying
about it, but you should always check first.
FYI when I was at the peak of my panic, my blood pressure was
extremely high. Im talking 160/90 - for a 28 year old thats heart
attack stuff. I have no history of high blood pressure either.
3 months, on, with some lifestyle changes, medication and therapy, my
blood pressure is now very normal, 130/78.
One last point, high plood presssure and anxiety tend to feed off each
other. Very anxious people tend to have higher blood pressure, and
higher blood pressure tends to make you more anxious.
