Do I have cardiac neurosis? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Cardiac Neurosis

Cardiac neurosis is a psychosomatic disorder in which sufferers experience intense fears and physical complaints around the heart, without any organic cause being present. In 60 percent of affected people, anxiety dominates, while in 40 percent the experience of pain is in the foreground.

Typical symptoms of cardiac neurosis can include:

  • complaints and pain in the left chest or behind the breastbone,
  • pain radiating into the left arm,
  • racing heart, palpitations and tightness in the chest,
  • strong conviction of an organic problem despite unremarkable medical findings.

With this test you can assess whether your heart complaints may have psychological causes. Sufferers are often convinced of an organic origin for their symptoms and frequently consult various doctors.

Originally written in German — read the original here: Herzneurose-Test.

Cardiac Neurosis Test: 8 Questions

All questions refer to the last 14 days. The answer options are scaled like a grading system — the first option counts as one point, the last as five. Choose one answer per question and click Evaluate Now at the end.

1. Are you often afraid of having a heart attack or becoming seriously ill?

2. Do you frequently monitor your heart and watch for possible irregularities?

3. Do you regularly measure your pulse or blood pressure out of worry about your heart?

4. Do you avoid physical exertion because you fear something could happen to your heart?

5. In the past, have you repeatedly sought medical help for heart-related complaints, even though there were no findings?

6. Do you often feel tense and at the same time notice symptoms like a racing heart or chest pain?

7. Have you ever experienced sudden intense fear with a racing heart, shortness of breath or dizziness?

8. Do you plan your activities so that medical help could always be nearby?

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional — such as a doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist — can advise you on the next steps.

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"Most arguments aren't the argument you think you're having."
"Trust doesn't grow through words. It grows through repetition."
"A strong relationship isn't one without conflict — it's one where you find your way back."
Psychologist Patric Pförtner is a registered full member of the BDP

Quality seal for psychological counselling awarded by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Registered full member of the BDP

Registered full member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Online psychological counselling quality seal

For my work, the BDP has awarded me the "Counselling by Psychologists" quality mark.