27 yr. old male smoker, slightly overweight, otherwise healthy...
1) Recent
cholesterolCholesterol
Cholesterol and diet
Cholesterol producers
Cholesterol test
Coronary risk profile
High blood cholesterol and triglycerides tests show acceptable overall levels, but low
HDLHdl test -- 31. What does this do to increase my risks of heart problems? Does it present an immediate threat? What can I do to improve this?
2) I am phobic of flying and experience severe anxiety/panic attacks while in flight. My work
travelTravel sickness has increased recently. While in flight, my heart rate races far above 100+ for the
duration of the journey. I also experience shortness of
breathBreath alcohol test
Breath holding spell
Breath odor,
palpitationsHeart palpitations, chest pain, etc. I know these episodes are due to the anxiety of flying, and not a cardiac condition. However, my question is can I damage my heart by repeatedly exposing it to this kind of stress for long periods of time (flight to London - 10hrs.)?
Thanks for your response...
Pardon the pun, but this seemed a bit of a "Clinton" answer. By "not causing permanent heart damage" did you mean to imply that it could cause temporary / immediate damage? Or am I reading too much into your response.
Also, I know this is not a psychological forum, however, the only time I experience this is during air travel...isn't it a pretty safe assumption that anxiety is causing the activity?
(In response to your "if it is anxiety" comment)
Thanks. Hats off to you for having to work on a Sunday...
- Jonathan in Austin, TX