to start things off, this summer during a check up the doctor found that i have an irregular heart beat but that it was nothing to worry about. i took numerous tests for my heart and even saw a cardiologist just to make sure nothing was wrong, however. all of the tests showed that nothing was wrong. i have been smoking for around a year now and a few months ago after smoking a blunt with a friend, i noticed my heart rate accelerated to almost 120 bpm. i got very nervous and felt tingling in my lips. this same thing happened a 2nd time and i went to the er and found that it was just a panic attack. i have felt anxious about my health ever since, but it has subsided. every once in a while i think that there is something wrong with me such as poor circulation or lung problems but i know that i am healthy because i am very active. everytime i smoke i get anxious and once my hands felt numb for a short period of time. i really would like to enjoy smoking as much as i used to and i am hoping that smoking isnt affecting my heart in anyway. what are some helpful suggestions?

I would encourage you to smoke INDICA based strains that will not promote the anxiety attacks and panic symptoms you have described. Tingly lips and numb hands are common anxiety symptoms during a panic attack. The majority of these seemingly real physical ailments are in fact all psychological.

Heart palpitations and even "irregular" heart rythyms are not at all uncommon, in fact they are very common but most people are not very much in tune with their own bodies to even notice or pay attention to them. The vast majority of palpitations are completely harmless and can be brought on by stress related chemicals in your body such as adrenaline being released in a "fight or flight" scenario or during periods of prolonged stress.

Diet also plays a big role in this and you could be dehydrated, have low calcium or magnesium levels, & even potassium can cause heart related issues. Drink lots of water, take a quality cal/mag/zinc supplement and eat bananas on a regular basis.

Stay away from the paranoid heart racing tropical sativas and "regs" as we call them. Strains like Sweet Tooth, Blueberry, Northern Lights, Kush, Afghani, anything that is primarily INDICA is a much better bet for smokers with anxiety. Your expectations and fears also play a huge part in how weed affects you when you smoke though. Just let go and enjoy the experience, don't overdo it & remember, you will not die. You will not stay stoned forever, and whatever you are feeling will pass because you are in control.

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Any advice I provide is only to be used by legal medical cannabis growers not acting in conflict with their respective state laws.

Thanks that helps a lot. And also somtimes i would feel pains throughout my jaw, neck/throat, and center of chest. Are those all psychological as well?

" this summer during a check up the doctor found that i have an irregular heart beat but that it was nothing to worry about. i took numerous tests for my heart and even saw a cardiologist just to make sure nothing was wrong, however. all of the tests showed that nothing was wrong. "

"Are those all psychological as well? "

Probably.
Sativa can do that.
Freda gave you good advice.
Try some Indica and see.

Aloha,
Weezard

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Plants do things for a reason.....they don't just decide one day to get root rot or act funny..... - Weedhound
"Their perception is their reality" - Irydyum

"Gotta keep in mind that people and pot plants are very much alike, how well and when you finish is based on genetics. - O. M.

My attitude? Deliberate Indifference! -Thanks D.H.

http://boards.cannabis.com/plant-pro...anted-one.html

To the OP (Original Poster), I have had these exact same experiences.....first time was with some ridiculously strong White Widow. It is all in your head. You are probably just a very sensitive individual ( I am ), and you pay more attention to your body's rhythms and melodies than most. Indica heavy strains are fine for me, no trippyness, no panic attacks. What FreeDaHerb said is spot on, my life experience would lead me to giving you the exact same advice!!