Is it possible to perish due to a panic attack? Insight into the matter and suggested actions.
In a world where stress and anxiety are becoming increasingly common, it's essential to understand the potential impact they can have on our physical health, particularly our heart health. A study conducted in 2008 sheds light on a concerning correlation between repeated panic attacks and panic disorder (PD) and long-term cardiovascular health.
Panic attacks, characterized by sudden and intense fear or discomfort, can trigger the body's "fight-or-flight" response, releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. While these hormones are necessary for short-term survival, their persistent activation due to frequent or ongoing panic attacks can have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system.
One such effect is chronic hypertension, or high blood pressure, caused by repeated spikes in blood pressure during attacks and ongoing stress. This can lead to narrowing of blood vessels, increasing the workload on the heart and reducing blood flow. Additionally, stress hormones can raise cholesterol levels and blood clotting tendencies, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Moreover, the persistent activation of the "fight-or-flight" response can lead to arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms, due to stress-related changes in heart electrical activity. This can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
The 2008 study found an increased incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) among people of all ages with panic attacks or PD. However, it's important to note that the study did not establish a causal link between panic attacks and heart attacks or heart disease. Instead, it highlighted a correlation between these factors.
Individuals with PD may also engage in unhealthy behaviors triggered or worsened by chronic anxiety, such as poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise, which independently increase cardiovascular risk.
There is also a psychological feedback loop in anxiety-related chest pain, known as "cardiac anxiety," where fear of heart problems triggers more anxiety and bodily stress responses, potentially worsening heart symptoms and stress on the cardiovascular system.
The good news is that PD is a treatable condition. The goal of treatment is helping people live fuller lives rather than removing negative feelings and sensations. With the right combination of therapy and medication, individuals can start living their lives toward their goals and values, rather than spending their time avoiding panic symptoms.
Over time, individuals should be able to learn that panic attacks are not dangerous and that they can handle panic symptoms when they occur. In fact, the less people begin to fear panic attacks, the fewer attacks individuals are likely to encounter.
It's crucial for individuals experiencing new or worsening panic attacks, more frequent panic attacks, panic attacks that do not get better after several weeks of treatment, any side effects from medications for treating panic attacks, or signs of heart health issues to seek medical attention.
Treating anxiety disorders is not only important for mental health but also to reduce cardiovascular risk. By managing anxiety, we can help protect our hearts and lead healthier, happier lives.
- Panic attacks, resulting from sudden and intense fear or discomfort, can release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol which, when persistently activated, can negatively impact cardiovascular health, possibly increasing the risk of chronic hypertension, arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease.
- The 2008 study revealed an increased incidence of coronary heart disease among individuals with panic attacks or panic disorder, although it did not establish a direct causal link between panic attacks and heart issues.
- Unhealthy behaviors, such as poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise, triggered or worsened by chronic anxiety in people with panic disorder, can independently increase cardiovascular risk.
- There exists a psychological feedback loop in anxiety-related chest pain, known as "cardiac anxiety," where fear of heart problems triggers more anxiety and stress responses, potentially exacerbating heart symptoms and stress on the cardiovascular system.
- Treating anxiety disorders is important not only for mental health but also for reducing cardiovascular risk, as managing anxiety can help protect hearts and lead to healthier, happier lives.
