Panic Attacks

Hi

I'm getting panic attacks and I'm wondering if anyone else is too? I think it might be vitamin related. Here is my story, so far.

I had one panic attack when I was heavy in 2005 or so. I had surgery in 2007, I was a model patient and got below my goal weight. I went through a divorce and by 2010 I was alone. I started going out with friends and not eating right, not taking vitamins, drinking alcohol, etc. I had my second panic attach in 2012. I felt my heart racing and was convinced I was having a heart attack and that just spiraled into a full blown panic attack. I went to the ER, nothing was the matter with my heart, in fact it wasn't racing at all, it was normal. They diagnosed panic attack and recommended psychologist.

Since then I have had panic attacks on a regular basis with one big one sending me to the ER annually. It all starts with a vibration in my chest, a flutter I feel in my heart, tightness in my chest, restlessness and the feeling I'm going to have a heart attack. When I go to the ER they always calm me down and show me my heart is just fine.

Last night I had a panic attack that should have sent me to the ER, but I took my pulse and it was 53. Earlier at the doctor office it was 58. So I did some breathing and after an hour and a half was able to go back to sleep. My doctor referred me to a cardiologist and a full lab panel.

I've been slacking on my vitamins since September and eating wrong food, so that's why I'm thinking its a vitamin deficiency.

Anyone else have this happen? Thanks for any kind of insight.

I had panic attacks last winter. Turned out to be related to work stress combined with being over medicated with thyroid medication.

Once my synthroid levels improved, I felt much better. I also had to make some changes like drinking decaf coffee etc.

Talking with others helped a lot too :)

I get similar reaction when my B's drops really really low...(below 40) ... Either due to not eating enough and experiencing hypoglycemia  or eating too many carbs (too many for me) and getting a severe RH.  

Another reason to feel like my heart is "beating out of my chest" us for me to eat (by accident) food that I am allergic to.  

(Sometimes I may have a few bites if food not knowing that it contains some items I am allergic to. ) 

Google reactivate hypoglycemia. ...

I am responding as a fellow RNY patient and a therapist.  There could be various reasons that could cause panic attacks.  It is always best to check and rule out any medical issues first. 

If the doctor believes it is anxiety related, then it is important to consider all aspects of your life.  For example, are you getting enough sleep, are you under a great deal of stress, are you getting the proper nutrition, vitamins, water, any recent life changes, are you utilizing various healthy copings skills...etc.

So anxiety can be managed with a healthy life style.  Just like any other medical condition, sometimes we need medication with a healthy life style.  If you feel you have made the proper steps to lead a healthy lifestyle, then you may want to consider medication management.  So, maybe take a moment to examine your life and where you could be potentially intervene.  Anxiety comes from a place of not feeling you have control.  We can not control all aspects of life, but we can control is how we handle what life brings us.

Good Luck!

Have you talked with your PCP about this?  A psychiatrist?  A cardiologist?  The ER is no place to get a diagnosis of a non-emergent condition.