I've been really anxious since hearing about a friend's sudden heart attack while they were sleeping. That same night, I felt my heart racing, and I couldn't sleep because I was so worried it might happen to me too. The day after, I went to the doctor, got an ECG and a blood test, and was told everything looked fine. But ever since, I haven't been able to get good sleep, and I'm really scared. My heart has been feeling weird, like a poking pain, and my shoulder hurts on and off too. I'm freaked outdo you think I should be worried about something serious?

Dr Ranjith Darla

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 3+ Yrs

Consult Now

It is understandable to feel anxious after hearing about someone's sudden death from a heart attack. However, based on your description and the tests done by your doctor, it seems that there is no immediate concern regarding your heart health. The ECG and blood tests did not show any problems, which is a good sign. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as rapid heartbeats, fear, difficulty sleeping, heart pain, and shoulder pain that comes and goes, could be related to anxiety and stress. It is common for anxiety to manifest physically, including chest discomfort and shoulder pain. To help alleviate your symptoms, you can try relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications such as **anxiolytics** to help manage your anxiety symptoms. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can also contribute to your overall well-being. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation and management.

Answered 5 days ago