Question 1

I'm really struggling with this Cardiophobia anxiety disorder I've been dealing with since last year after the whole COVID situation. I got all the tests done back then ECG, TMT, and echo and they were normal according to my cardiologist. But I can't shake off the constant anxiety about my heart, and it's affecting my daily life. I need to know if having Cardiophobia can actually lead to a heart attack or any heart problems, or is it really just my fear playing tricks on me?

Accepted Answer

Cardiophobia, also known as anxiety about having heart problems, is a psychological condition where a person has an excessive fear of heart-related issues despite medical reassurance. This fear and anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It is important to understand that Cardiophobia itself does not cause heart attacks or any heart issues. The symptoms experienced are usually due to anxiety and not an underlying heart problem. To help manage your Cardiophobia, it is recommended to seek therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or relaxation techniques. In some cases, medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help with anxiety symptoms. Additionally, practicing stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can also be beneficial in managing anxiety related to Cardiophobia. If you are experiencing severe anxiety symptoms or if your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life, I recommend consulting with a mental health professional for a personalized treatment plan.

Question 2

I'm scheduled for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery next month but I'm currently taking Luramax 40, Apizole, and Sizopin for my mental health. Could these meds cause any complications during the surgery? Do I need to stop taking them beforehand and if so, how long before the surgery should I stop?

Accepted Answer

As such there is no direct impact of medicine on surgery or vice versa. But couple of things to bear in mind are.... any surgery can be stressful as it involves being in hospital, off your regular routine / work, pain etc. And stress can result in deterioration in mental health condition. Just make sure you have good support network and you are in touch with your psychiatrist before and after surgery to monitor your mental state and to review medicines as necessary. Secondly, as long as you have no other medical conditions, medicine is stopped only on the day of surgery. Once you start on oral feeds medicine can be resumed. Please inform the anaesthetist about your medicines and have your psychiatrist's contact number handy for your orthopedist to contact if necessary. Best wishes

Question 3

I've been feeling short of breath sometimes, and my doctor said it's due to anxiety. He put me on Doxolin tablets, which I take twice a day. I'm curious if taking Doxolin is really necessary or beneficial since the breathlessness is because of anxiety, and not an actual respiratory issue. Is it common to use Doxolin in cases like this? Could it have any side effects I should be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Doxolin, likely a variant of Doxepin, is an antidepressant and anxiolytic, which can help alleviate anxiety-related shortness of breath; taking Doxolin tablets as prescribed by your doctor should help manage your anxiety symptoms, including shortness of breath, without significant side effects, but monitor your breathing, mood, and overall well-being

avoid evening dose

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