...now it's nausea

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-21-2007
...now it's nausea
3
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 3:16pm
A couple of months ago I went to doctor for normal checkup and discovered my blood pressure was up a little. I'm normally a 135/83 kinda girl, but now I'm about 148/90. It probably has some to do with age and weight. I'm 36 5'6 and about 200lbs. My weight has never been an issue for me personally. I have 2 great kids and are very active with them. So I have never been worried about any health issues. I go to doctor once a year and always get clean bill of health. Until now.....This might not be considered a high blood pressure to everyone but I believe this is what has started me to having anxiety attacks. My father died at 44 of a heart attack.( I believe diabetes played a big roll in that though) Anyways, ever since I found out my bp was "high" I feel like I'm a walking heart attack. A month ago I woke up in middle of night heart beating like crazy and I was sweating. Told my hubby I think I'm having heart attack. He told me to relax! I went back to sleep (hours later) next day all morning felt funny. I went to hospital and they told me I was having panic attacks. I wanted ekg and everything. I didnt ask and they didnt offer! Now a few weeks later I'm feeling sore shoulders, pain in jaw and naseau. Everyone keeps telling me because I think of heart attacks I'm creating these symptons. Naseau only after I awake and only lasts short while. I couldn't take it anymore I was sure something was wrong. I just went to hospital on Sunday and they ran a CBC and ekg and they told me I was alright and my heart is fine. They gave me info on axiety. I have never had anxiety or anything like this feeling before. It is 3 days now after my 2nd and last visit to hospital, yet I still feel nauseas in mornings (and I know I'm not pregnant). I decided to go online and type in axiety and nausea, hoping they are related (because if not I would be thinking I have some whole other health issue going on here!) and they seem to be. I'm all new to this and if anyone can help me feel more at ease and tell me this is normal maybe I can gain control of it. I hate feeling like I'm going to die and something is wrong with me! I have so much to live for...Thank you for listening to me......Anne
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2006
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 3:41pm
Anne, hi there! I can tell you that most definately YES anxiety and nausea are TOTALLY related! I (and a ton of others here) have had the exact SAME symptoms as you. I have actually done what you did and went to the Dr and had ekgs and everything run to make sure my heart was ok and it was. I have had anxiety issues for 3 yrs now but just recently started having the "wake-ups" you are describing. I have found that they are very common with anxiety and panic. I had those for about 2wks before my meds kicked in and now I dont't have them anymore. At least I haven't had them for quite a while. Now, the nausea, that is what I get alot of. This time it was so bad that I could barely eat for almost 3wks since it was constant. I am over that now but I find that when I have the middle of the night panic attacks like you have, the next morning, I wake up all weak, shaky and nauseaus. I think it is just that your body has been put thru the ringer so to speak from the anxiety. I also had the jaw clenching, shoulder pain this time too. My chiropractor took care of that, I was so tense that it was sending my whole system out of whack. Its amazing what this can do to your body. I think you should read up on the literature you got from the Doc about anxiety. It is highly treatable. I would suggest the tips on the board and maybe going to see someone. You may not even have to take any meds if you can get to the root of the problem. You being triggered by your BP being up is a good start. Its all in re-training your thought process so you don't always think your symptoms are life-threatening all the time (my personal issue). Just remember, this IS treatable and it WILL get better. I wish you all the luck in the world to get better soon! Sounds like you have a wonderful family, just remember how blessed you are and try to focus on that!! Hugs, Erin
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 4:31pm

Hi Anne & welcome!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 02-21-2007 - 6:56pm

welcome30.gifHi, Anne! It's nice to see you;) Please bookmark us to your favorites & post often. We care & want to support you in your quest for wellness.


The mind & body cannot be separated. If you have anxious thoughts about your dad's early death from a heart attack, it's only natural to become concerned with your blood pressure. Then, when we're focused on the fear & anxious thoughts, it only stands to reason that we make ourselves physically ill. Alot of us can relate to nausea or various aches/pains/palpitations, etc. when we are stressed out. This association you now have needs to be broken. We learn the fear & the anxiety/panic reaction. You CAN unlearn it.


Research has shown that 80% of people with anxiety disorders will show improvement with a combination of meds & therapy. I think talking this over with your medical dr. is a good idea. From there, a treatment plan can be suggested & if you need a referral to a therapist, that's a great place to start.


Take a look @ our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. There are ways you can learn to de-stress & relax. I have had alot of heart fears & through belly breathing & meditation have gotten a handle on it. You CAN too! Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan

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