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Heart Disease  (Expert Forum)
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Do panic attacks increase cardiac risk?
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic -
Cleveland - OH
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MedHelp Member's Question

Do panic attacks increase cardiac risk?

by Triana2, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
Hello,

I am a woman of 26 years old, from Spain.I started having panic attacks when  I was 18,i dont get them very often but what scares me the most is my heart racing.What helped me to overcome this was the fact that I knew they were not life threatening, but I found a research showing that there are some relation between panic disorders and sudden death, due to the activation ot the simpathetic nerves of the heart that can predispose to ventricular arrhythmias....The doctor who checked my heart(my ECGs are fine)told me that it is OK ,that i dont have to worry about.I dont smoke,eat very healthy, my BP is normally 110-70 and my heart rate about 60 but, I am scared to death now, and I cant stop thinking about this,what can happen if i get a panic attack and I can't control it?Could I die from the tachycardia produced in a panic attack?Are there any cases of people killed by a panic attack?.Thanks for your help.
Doctor's Answer

by Cleveland Clinic, Jan 06, 2006 12:00AM
Triana,



While Ive never had a panic attack, Ive witnessed quite a few and have close friends that suffer from the disorder. The primary problem is the feelings induced by the attack which increase the anxiety level resulting in a high adreniline state causing the resultant tachycardia and feelings.  



At your age you have little to worry about with your heart during these episodes.  Your focus should be more on triggers for your anxiety and dealing with them. Unfortunately, people often focus their worry on the symptoms of the panic attack which can often lead to more anxiety.  What you are going through is natural but you should really continue counseling and therapy with your anxiety issues.



good luck
Member Comments (22)

by tickertock, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
This is a great question, it will be very interesting to see the doctor's reply, though I think occasional panic attacks will make you feel like you're dying they are not life threatening unless you probably have an undiagnosed cardiac condition. I think frequent panic attacks and generalized anxiety states for a long time can adversely affect ones overall health such as rising blood pressure, weight gain from fear of exercise and bad health habits in general that make you more prone to developing significant health problems, other than that I personally don't think panic attacks can cause sudden death unless there is an undiagnosed cardiac problem present, just my personal opinion only.

by heartygirl, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
To: Triana2
I am so glad you asked this question, this is something that bothers me a lot - I know everyone SAYS that panic attacks can't harm you, but when you have a heart rate that goes up to 180 during an attack it is hard to believe that "it can't hurt you".  I eagerly await the Dr's reply to this one.

by Texiss, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
I'll be keeping an eye on this thread also!  It is impossible to "relax" enough to stop an attack of tachycardia...and once the adrenaline from the panic attack kicks in it can be very scary. I don't think people, even those closest to us, can understand why we can't just follow their advice to "calm down" when it happens. Even the reassurance from doctors that it is not a life-threatening condition doesn't help much in the midst of an attack.  



Tex

by Konopka1955, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
To: Triana2
Hi,  Might I suggest you do some 'searches' on this through this web.  There are so many questions regarding this same exact problem and I think the doctors have answered it a hundred times over.  Of course one more time won't hurt.   But if all the doctors in the world told you that you were fine.   Would you believe them?  Would you believe what the doctor here tells you?  What is it you really want?  Ask yourself - what is it I really want.  Assurance that I will never die ?   No doctor can do that.  I think your asking that they have a crystal ball and tell you that your fine.  Do you want to be treated for possible sudden cardiac arrest and get an ICD for something that 'might' occur?  I just don't understand - so many ask the same question for these doctors.  Every time they answer the same way.  You can't provide accurate 'personal' medical diagnosis and treatment over the internet its just not possible and no doubt they'll tell you to see your doctor or make an appt with CCF.  I'm sorry.   But read the previous posts.  I think the doctors on this web have answered this question a million tmes.  Its whether you choose to believe them..  Obviously you don't....  



Best Wishes

Konopka

by netrox, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
Well, I think *some* people who have "panic attacks" may not be panicking at all, they are experiencing abnormal heartbeat which causes them to panic. They should be checked for that. If they are determined to be healthy with no cardiac problems, they're probably panicky.



Almost everyone experienced palpitations without ill effects and moved on while people who have panic attacks tend to be constantly worried that it may cause the heart to be overworked for nothing. Their intense fear causes more panic attacks.



If you're constantly afraid, your blood pressure will go up, your stress hormones will be constantly flooded, and your heart rate goes up... you can be sure that it will double the risk of heart disease. The heart doesn't need that stress from excessive irrational fear.



When I take Xanax, I don't have tachycardia. I feel calm. I am not so fearful. When I am not taking it, I get all panicky and it's not pleasant.



Exercise helps control panic attacks. Studies show that vigorous exercise (the exercies that make your heart beat fast and make you sweat) for 20 minutes helped reduce their panic attacks signficantly.  



http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14975776



-jeff

by upbeat63, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
To: Triana2, everyone
Just wanted to let you know that I've had panic disorder AND extremely high frequency PVCs for 22 years, starting around age 18 years old. Only wanted to let you know that, because I'm still here and don't expect to leave this beautiful earth any time soon. BUT in the begining, it sure felt like every day could be my last. Best of luck to you, it took a very compassionate doctor who "listened" to me and didn't just pat me on the head, before I felt comfortable. Maybe you just haven't found that one yet.

by fearfactor, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
To: Konopka1955
You asked, what do we want to be treated for possible SCD and have an ICD implanted?  Yes, I would do that in a "heartbeat" so to speak.  I have suffered with panic attacks since I was 12.  I have something called somatization disorder which is basically psychological issues that manifest themselves as physical ones - mine manifest as tachycardia and palpitations.  I am extremely terrified of SCD and can't live life normally anymore.  Would I get an ICD?  Absolutely, it would at least give me the reassurance that if something did happen, I could be saved.

by heartygirl, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
To: Konopka
I personally have never seen the question posed just like this  and I, for one, am GLAD that this person asked it.  You obviously have never had a panic attack.  I think it is a very valid question.  Furthermore, people need reassurance and support on this forum.  They don't need to be attacked, so if you have nothing nice or helpful to say, why don't you just not say anything?

by smc9975, Jan 05, 2006 12:00AM
I to suffer from anxiety attacks which are made worse when I belive I am going to have a heart attack, the palpitations, sweating,increase in heart rate lead to more anxiety it is a very vivcious cycle, I have tried xanax and it didn't help so my cardiologist put me on ativan, 1 a day seems to keep me some what relaxed. people who never suffered from anxiety attacks don't understand what those who do go through and comments are taken very hard because you come off as mean spirited and insensitive, so yes I too am awaiting the reply from the dr.

just my 2 cents worth!

by netrox