Palpitations, shortness of breath...anxiety?

I am hoping that someone here can offer some insight into my problem. Last week my mother went into atrial fibrillation and I had to take her to the ER twice.
This was very, very stressful for me. I began doing research online about A-Fib and became even more stressed after finding out how potentially dangerous it is.

Since experiencing all this stress, my own heart has been beating harder, faster, and I feel a gurgling, turbulent feeling in the left side of my chest along with mild intermittent left chest pain. I am also short of breath and sometimes no matter how hard I inhale, it doesn't seem like enough air. I have not noticed any arrhythmia. I am 33 and exercise regularly.

Is this most likely something temporary caused by stress? Thank you for your time.

I asked to have an EKG, but she did not feel it was necessary. She was completely convinced it was anxiety.

Thanks again for your thoughts, I really appreciate the help.

I believe that this may be anxiety, but to be safe, you should be evaluated by a cardiologist asap or by the ER.

One more thing. Yes AFib increases the risk of stroke/clots, but I'm not sure I would use the word "dangerous" in describing it. There are many people who live with this condition every day of their lives. And there are treatments (anti-coagulation) that greatly reduce the likelihood of strokes/clots. As long as it's confirmed to be AFib and not some other more serious arrythmia, things aren't so bad.

There is also a Yahoo group dealing with AFib. You may want to drop in at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AFIBsupport/ , just to see how common it is and how many people live with it every day.

Here's an update: I saw my physician today. She listened to my heart and said that everything was normal. No murmurs, no arrhythmia. She said that anxiety was the cause and gave me some Zoloft to take. I guess I will try it....

The poster did not state their gender (unless i missed that detail).

Women, as i understand, can present cardiac symptoms differently than men.

I'd also be wary of _anyone_ being given a 'script for Zoloft when they report cardiac symptoms -- based on the findings of a quick listen with a stethoscope.