So I was wondering this the other day: on a regular day without any anxiety triggers, my heart rate is normal. around 60 bpm resting heart rate, fairly good recovery heart rate and no issues during a 160 bpm cardio workout either. 

But when I’m doing things that can set off my anxiety, for example...
• go out in public 
• go to a uni lecture
• take an exam 
• socialize 
...and so on, my heart rate can go pretty high. the worst I’ve had is 150bpm before and during an exam. that’s nearly my target heart rate during a cardio workout! 

As I said I don’t experience this daily, but once my anxiety is triggered, I find that my heart rate is the first thing I notice and it’s usually also what makes me spiral into further anxiety. And as I said it can go pretty high, which really scares me. I’ll be sitting in my lecture hall and look at my HR monitor and my heart rate reads 150!!! It really worries me. 

So my question is, is it possible that this is damaging to my heart in the long run? Or is it possible my heart is ALREADY damaged, considering how high my heart rate can go when I’m in a stressful situation? 

Would love some advice! :)