Hi all,

In 2014, after a crazy few days of partying, I had a shower and collapsed with some of the most intense chest pains. Passing in and out of consciousness, I called an ambulance and ended up in hospital. This was my first panic attack and for the next 7 years, whenever I get overly stressed, drink alcohol or even just randomly, I get horrific bursts of cardiac anxiety.

My symptoms are:

- left chest pain, often radiating to the middle of the chest
- left arm pain, often squeezing or just numbness
- left side of my jaw pain
- left cheek pain
- left shoulder pain
- dizziness 
- nausea 

In those last 7 years I had manage to get it somewhat under control until covid 19 got the better of me and I in one act of stupidity, decided to have a huge blow out and ended up in hospital with a coronary vasospasm. Imagine 7 years of chest pain, being told constantly it’s anxiety, for this time you being told you were on the verge of a heart attack. This has uprooted some of the worst anxiety I’ve ever had and I have been in a constant stage of panic which the symptoms described being something I now live with, often on a daily basis.

I am scared, sad and full blown depressed - I don’t find the same enjoyment in things I used to and I miss who I was. I never knew how real your brain could make these sensations without anything really being wrong. As much as you try to rationalise, knowing that the chance is never 0% means I cannot get away from the fear of maybe the next bout of chest pain being that heart attack. I’m 32 and this isn’t a way to live a life where I still feel so young, and am generally very sporty and active.

I’m writing this post to let others know you’re not alone and perhaps for some people to let me know I’m not either. I am also reaching out to cardiologists to attempt to try and connect the dots between cardiac health and cardiac anxiety so that people who suffer from similar symptoms can get the right help and direction as I am really struggling to find it myself.

You’re not alone, and I know first hand it can get so much worse before it can get better. I know I have so much to live for.

Please reach out if you are struggling.

Adam