Chinese Medicine

Heart-focused anxiety (cardiac neurosis)

A racing or pounding heart, or a tight, uncomfortable chest, but the heart tests come back normal. The symptoms are real. Dr. Pan checks the heart first, then makes a plan. Alongside regular care, acupuncture and herbs ease the palpitations and worry.

Book a first visit(484) 744-0857(267) 348-4139

See what a first visit involves

Please bring any heart test results you have (ECG, heart monitor, echo, stress test, blood tests) and a list of the medicines, supplements and herbs you take now. It helps to note when it happens, how long it lasts, what you were doing, and how much coffee or tea you drink.

First, check the heart

This is only called anxiety after the heart has been checked: an exam, an ECG, blood tests, and sometimes a heart monitor or other tests.

How it is treated

A clear talk about what your tests show: what is, and is not, wrong with your heart.
Slow breathing, regular exercise, enough sleep, and less caffeine and alcohol.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is one of the treatments that helps most.
Medicine for anxiety, when needed. Do not stop any medicine on your own.
Acupuncture: very thin needles. It calms the heart and mind, eases palpitations and anxiety, and improves sleep.
Chinese herbs, prescribed for your pattern, to settle the heart and calm the mind. They are checked against the medicines you already take.

How many visits

Usually once a week at first. Six to eight visits make a course; then you and Dr. Pan look at how much better you are: fewer episodes, less fear when they come, better sleep.

Common questions

My tests were normal. Is it all in my head?

No. The symptoms are real. Stress and worry change how the heart beats and how the chest feels. Normal tests mean no sign of heart disease was found, which is good news.

What should I do the next time it happens?

Sit down and breathe slowly for a few minutes. It often settles.

Do I need to see a cardiologist?

Only if the exam or tests suggest a heart problem, or more tests are needed. Then Dr. Pan will refer you.