Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

tension

August 29, 2015 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Dear medical team,

I unfortunately have to reach out to you again, as I am really struggling with strong internal restlessness and noticeable palpitations. Over the past week, I have been experiencing a strange feeling above my chest at the sternum about half an hour after eating, which causes me to tense up internally. I begin to fidget with my legs and tense my chest muscles excessively, making me feel completely out of sorts. This happened twice last week and then again last night. I was very tired, and just as I was about to drift off to sleep, the feeling came back. I was startled and thought my heart would stop - it was terrible, and I was completely on edge.

Now I am sitting at the table studying and feeling this sensation again. I have the urge to move my legs so I don't feel it, and I am breathing restlessly and heftily. Whenever I try to relax, I feel my heart pounding and trembling, which makes me even more restless. Eventually, this feeling subsides and everything is fine again. What is this? By the way, I ate again about half an hour ago, which is strange.

Thank you.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good evening,

This sounds like panic attacks, which can occur during stressful times. It is helpful to consciously breathe slowly and focus on that. To prevent them, Lasea would be helpful to take every day. I don't know if you have ever had a 24-hour ECG, but that would be very informative.

All the best!

Warm regards, Dr. Höllering