Interesting info for you guys

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2005
Interesting info for you guys
2
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 2:44pm

I have been doing a lot of research as of late on a condition that I have been very suspicious of having. The condition is called neurocirculatory asthenia. Or Cardiac Neurosis, a benign psychosomatic condition.
Neurocirculatory Asthenia (N.A. as I'll call if for this post), for lack of better definition, is fear of the heart, its function, health, and effort. It generally begins after a major life event, a sort of PTSD if you will. N.A. is seen by psychiatrists as a form of an anxiety disorder,which can easily be seen.
The typical time of onset is childhood to early adulthood. The effects on the sexes seems to sway more towards men. However, N.A. was originally diagnosed as "Soldier's Heart"; so in turn, was more likely to be seen in men since they were usually in duty until recently. Since its recognition in the civilian life, the sex split seems to be 50/50. Although civilian cases are not as investigated or reported due to better life adaptation for the condition.
There is a very clear race correlation. The condition seems to affect Hebrews, and Russian Jews more often. But are closely followed by: Italians, Irish, the Americans,English, Scotch,German, and being last in amount of cases is the African American.
There is a slight showing of hereditary tendencies although these research findings are still sketchy.
The symptoms of this condition very closely mimic heart disease, but upon examination no disease is found. As stated this is an anxiety disorder, therefore its symptoms are purely psychosomatic (meaning: Of or relating to a disorder having physical symptoms but originating from mental or emotional causes).
The symptoms are listed as most common as follows:
*Palpitations
*Shortness of breath
*labored breathing
*Subjective complaints of effort and discomfort
All these symptoms follow even slight exertion.
The following is a list of other possible symptoms:
*Dizziness
*Tremulousness
*Sweating
*Insomnia
As stated this condition is an anxiety disorder and is in no way a means for alarm. However, testing and diagnosis is warranted.

I wanted to write my findings to the board so that everyone else can see it. I'm not trying to give anyone a diagnosis, or scare anyone; but, I wanted anyone who experiences the same things I do to have something to ask their doctor about. As most of you know I have a major fear for the condition of my heart and greatly fear exercise now because of my symptoms.
By the way, this is the beginnings of my Master's degree Thesis project...so don't steal it!! LOL, just joking, take it all you want :) If you want to see the case studies that I have referred to just message me and I'll be glad to give them to ya.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2005
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 9:25pm
just bumping in case anyone wants to see it
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2005
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 1:39am
WOW!!!!!! VERY interesting!! THANKS FOR SHARING! Judy