Persistent Rapid Heartbeat and Anxiety
I’m a 28-year-old female, weighing 110 pounds and standing at 5 feet 1 inch, and I follow a vegetarian diet. Recently, I have been grappling with severe panic attacks right after I wake up. These episodes have caused excessive sweating and nausea, often leading me to vomit, and then I typically drift back to sleep. When I eventually wake up again, even if it's only after a short nap of about 20 minutes, I generally feel significantly improved. Initially, I suspected that my frequent use of marijuana was the underlying cause of these disturbances. As a result, I ceased all marijuana usage a few weeks ago, only indulging in an edible during the Super Bowl. Since I stopped using it, the panic attacks have subsided. Though I still experience acute anxiety attacks, they do not include a rapid heartbeat; rather, the symptoms are characterized by overwhelming anxiety, nausea, profuse sweating, and episodes of shivering. Last Thursday night around 10 PM, I began to feel anxious, and by midnight, as I was preparing for bed, my heart began racing uncontrollably. It took nearly two hours for my heart to stop pounding so forcefully that it felt as though it might leap from my chest, allowing me to finally get some sleep. This morning, I awoke around 8 AM with a surge of anxiety and a racing heart. Although the anxiety subsided within two hours, my heart rate showed no signs of returning to normal. Typically, my resting rate is around 65 beats per minute, but today it has fluctuated between 80 and 105 beats per minute. It is now approaching 3 PM, and despite continuing with my daily activities, I am increasingly anxious about my heart rate's inability to stabilize. Is there anything I can do to help regulate it? At what point should I seek medical advice?
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 9:50:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your heart rate and anxiety symptoms. You’ve described a complex situation involving anxiety episodes and rapid heartbeat, which can be distressing. Let’s address your concerns and provide some guidance on how to manage your symptoms and when to seek further help.
Key Points:
- Your Symptoms: Panic attacks, anxiety, and fluctuations in heart rate are often interconnected. It’s good to notice improvements since stopping marijuana use, but ongoing symptoms warrant attention.
- Understanding Heart Rate Fluctuations: A resting heart rate around 80 to 105 beats per minute can be influenced by anxiety, stress, and even hydration levels.
Explanation:
When you're anxious, your body can go into a 'fight or flight' response, which raises your heart rate. The nausea and sweating you've experienced can be physical manifestations of this anxiety. Since you've noticed some improvement after stopping marijuana, it may have played a role in heightening your symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Practice Deep Breathing: Engage in deep breathing exercises to help calm your nervous system. Inhale slowly for a count of 4, hold for 4, and exhale for a count of 4. Repeat several times, especially during a panic episode.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're drinking enough water and eating balanced meals. Low blood sugar or dehydration can also contribute to anxiety and heart rate fluctuations.
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Routine Physical Activity: Incorporate low to moderate exercise, such as walking or yoga, into your daily routine. Exercise helps lower anxiety levels and can improve heart rate over time.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your anxiety episodes, noting their timing, duration, triggers, and your heart rate before and after. This may help identify patterns and discuss them if needed.
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Seek Help When Needed: If your heart rate remains elevated (over 100 bpm at rest) for an extended time, or if you experience worsening symptoms like chest pain, extreme fatigue, severe dizziness, or fainting, seek medical advice promptly. Additionally, consider consulting a healthcare provider if anxiety persists or interferes with daily life significantly.
Conclusion:
Your experience is important, and taking these steps can help you feel more in control. Remember, self-care is vital, and being mindful of your symptoms is an excellent first step toward managing anxiety and heart rate issues. If you have further questions or need more specific guidance based on your experiences, feel free to reach out.
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