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Anxiety and Heart Attacks
December 4, 2008 |
It’s estimated that more than 19 million American adults are affected by anxiety
disorders. Research shows that many of those people are also more prone to developing
heart disease.
“The presence of anxiety or psychological stress has been associated with, in several
studies, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We think this is the case
because anxiety actually increases heart rate, blood pressure some of these physiologic
factors that cause stress on the heart,” says cardiologist Dr. Lynne Einbinder.
In general, anxiety disorders can coincide with things like eating disorders, substance
abuse, and depression. All of those conditions can also hinder your heart health.
“Several studies have shown that this very anxious type of personality may also
be more prone to depression and there is also a link between depression and heart
disease as well,” says Dr. Einbinder.
She adds that it’s important for people being treated for anxiety and depression
to talk with their doctor about the physical affects those conditions can have on
their body. “I think it’s useful for patients with a history or anxiety and depression,
particularly those who also have risk factors for heart disease to talk to their
doctor about whether they need either behavioral treatment and counseling or medication
or a combination of the two for management of their condition particularly given
that it increases their heart risk.”
If anxiety or depression goes untreated there is a greater chance that a person
will develop heart arrhythmias or suffer blood vessel damage. Chronic anxiety can
cause persistent elevation in heart rate and blood pressure. |
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