2 Questions

27 yr. old male smoker, slightly overweight, otherwise healthy...

1)  Recent cholesterol tests show acceptable overall levels, but low HDL -- 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 travel has increased recently.  While in flight, my heart rate races far above 100+ for the duration of the journey.  I also experience shortness of breath, 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...

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

There is no immediate threat whatsoever. It is a risk for heart disease in the future. Aerobic exercise is the best way to try and raise this level, though it does not always work.

No, this sort of prolonged rise in heart rate, if in fact due to anxiety, will not lead to any permanent damage to your heart.

[Jonathan]

Thanks for the info.  I am set on the HDL advice.  Have a follow up question to your second response re: prolonged heart rate & increased cardio activity while flying.

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