As the title suggests, I've been dealing with cardiophobia that (I guess) causes my palpitations and episodes of severe anxiety. All of this started about a year ago when I quit my job (too stressful), started looking for a new job (also stressful and anxiety-inducing), started a temp job (was only 2 months long but I was very anxious during that time as well), and we started renovating our family home (super stressful, obviously). 

Now, after two visits to my primary care doctor, three visits to urgent care, two ER visits, and one cardiologist appointment (5 EKGs, one echocardiogram, an event monitor, three blood tests, etc.), I haven't been diagnosed with anything as everything has come back normal (so far - thank God). But I'm fairly certain that I have an irregular heartbeat from time to time, especially when my anxiety is triggered. The palpitations usually feel like skipped beats, but the ones that REALLY scare me are the ones that cause that "flip-flopping" sensation in your chest - almost like your heart is shaking? It's hard to describe. I had one today a few hours ago and it was very unsettling. Unfortunately, there are times when I have dizziness and fatigue, which freaks me out even more but I'm REALLY hoping these are just panic attack symptoms and not heart-related because all the heart tests have been normal so far. 

The last cardiologist I saw said that my heart symptoms were caused by my stomach issues (I was diagnosed with gastritis earlier this year and it has since subsided thank God) but I'm still suffering from palpitations so I'm just lost at this point and need to see another doctor. 

Of course, all of this triggers my anxiety and I go to Dr. Google to reassure myself that I'm OK and not dying, but this is ultimately futile as it's well-known that reassurance doesn't really reassure but rather reinforces your anxious thoughts. I also get SUPER triggered when instead of reassuring myself, I end up making my anxiety worse when I come across information that suggests I have a serious health problem - which is precisely what I'm trying to avoid in the first place. 

I'm afraid to go to sleep. I've stopped going to the gym completely and I've lost like 20 lbs. as a result. I'm fixated on my heartbeat everyday and it's consuming me. I'm going to see yet another cardiologist tomorrow and this time ask for a Holter monitor, which will HOPEFULLY put my mind at ease once and for all. 

Cardiophobia is a monster and absolutely dreadful. I could really use some form of insight or encouragement right now, especially if you've dealt with this type of anxiety in the past and were able to conquer it. I'm open to hearing your stories and any advice you may have. Thanks!