Over 2.4 million Americans are affected by panic disorder. New research suggests that panic attacks and heart attacks may be more closely linked than previously realized, especially in younger people.
A British study of over 400,000 people revealed that those suffering from panic attacks caused by extreme levels of anxiety had a “significantly greater chance” of developing heart disease than the rest of the population. The research further discovered that people under the age of 50 who experienced panic attacks had a higher risk of developing heart disease or other heart problems than the older participants in the study.
The study was conducted by University College, London and the findings were reported in the European Heart Journal.
Clinicians are quick to point out that the study does not definitively show that panic attacks actually cause heart problems. Rather, the study identifies an association between panic attacks and heart disease. Lifestyle factors could also be partly to blame for the association. Panic attack sufferers may be more likely to self-medicate with alcohol or tobacco for example. They may be more likely to avoid strenuous physical activity and exercise due to fear of heart palpitations.
Whether you have panic attacks or not, a sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle is among the biggest risk factors in the development of heart disease. Consult your physician if you experience any symptoms described in this article.
Typical physical symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Racing heart, chest discomfort
- Tightness of the throat/choking sensation, a feeling that you can’t get enough air
- Extreme fear; fear that you’re going to lose control and do something foolish, fear that you’re ‘losing your mind’, fear that death is imminent
- Dizziness, feelings of ‘unreality’
- Numbing or tingling in the extremities
- Hot flashes or chills
