Anxiety

Individuals who have been diagnosed as having panic attacks or panic disorder are more likely to suffer from a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the study also presents some good news; individuals who have been diagnosed with panic attacks or panic disorder are less likely to die from coronary heart disease.

The researchers analyzed data from a large primary care population in the United Kingdom totaling 404,654 individuals of all ages. The researchers looked at the primary care records of 347,039 individuals who had not been diagnosed with panic attacks or panic disorder and 57,615 individuals who had received a diagnosis of panic attacks or panic disorder.

The researchers discovered that individuals who had been diagnosed with panic attacks or panic disorder under the age of 50 had a significantly higher risk of suffering from a heart attacks later in life. However, the same finding did not hold true for individuals who were diagnosed after the age of 50 years old.

Additionally, individuals who were diagnosed with panic conditions were also significantly more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease later in life than those who did not receive such diagnoses. This was true for individuals of all ages, but it was even more prevalent in younger individuals diagnosed with panic conditions.

More specifically, individuals who were diagnosed with panic disorder or panic attacks were 38% more likely to suffer from a heart attacks and 44% more likely to develop heart disease later in life than those who were not diagnosed with panic conditions.

Finally, researchers found that individuals’ risk of dying from coronary heart disease was decreased if they were diagnosed with panic disorder or panic attacks. Dr. Kate Walters, who is a senior lecturer in primary care at University College London asserted:

“This might be because the higher risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks occurred amongst younger people who have fewer heart-related deaths generally; or it might be because people with panic disorder go to their doctors earlier and more frequently, and therefore, are more likely to have their heart disease identified and treated early, thus reducing the likelihood of dying from it.”

Dr. Walters also asserts doctors should be aware of on-going panic symptoms and be aware of the fact that panic symptoms may in fact be heart symptoms. Patients should tell their doctors about all of their symptoms and alert their doctors if the symptoms continue or new symptoms develop during the course of treatment.

This study seems to indicate individuals with panic attacks or panic disorder may be at increased risk for developing heart conditions later in life. Yet they may also be more likely to survive coronary heart disease as well.

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Source:

Psych Central: Panic Attacks Linked to Heart Attacks

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