Stress, which may be caused by any thought or event that makes you feel anxious, angry, or upset, is something that almost everyone has experienced at some point. But did you know that stress may have an impact on your health, particularly your heart? Acute stress, also known as short-term stress, is a physiological and psychological response to a particular event that happens quickly. These instances can include giving a speech (if you are a public speaker), abruptly applying the brakes to avoid collision with an oncoming vehicle, or conflict with your partner.
However, chronic stress is a persistent sense of strain and overwhelm that lasts for a long time. It can be caused by certain circumstances like a toxic workplace, caregiving, or not being able to pay your expenses.
In fact, some experts suggest that stress is a key risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death, alongside unhealthy eating patterns, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and obesity.
Let's thoroughly explore the relationship between stress and heart health, as well as techniques for maintaining heart health.
How Anxiety can Mimic Heart Attack?
According to experts, anxiety disorders can play a major role in the development of heart disease. If anxiety is closely monitored, it will reveal how it may have a significant influence on heart disease, both as a contributing element and as a barrier to recovery. A normal reaction to a sudden heart attack may be comparable to post-traumatic stress disorder:- Your near-death experience is likely to have left you shocked and nervous to return to your previous activities.
- You may continually recall the life-threatening event and avoid the activity or location linked with your frightening experience.
- Recurring worrisome thoughts may make it difficult to sleep on a regular basis.
- Your views regarding what is ahead may be exceedingly negative, resulting in a severely reduced viewpoint on the future.
What is the Association of Anxiety and the Development of Heart Disease?
Anxiety and heart disease have a close connection because anxiety causes the body's "fight or flight" response. Here's the long-term impact of anxiety on the heart:- Increased Heart Rate & Blood Pressure: Anxiety causes the body to generate stress hormones (such as adrenaline and cortisol), which raises blood pressure and causes the heart to beat quicker. Over time, this puts additional strain on the heart.
- Narrowing of Blood Vessels: Stress hormones cause blood arteries to constrict, resulting in reduced blood flow. This raises the possibility of blockages, which can lead to high blood pressure and even heart attacks.
- Inflammation & Plaque Build-Up: Prolonged stress causes inflammation, which harms blood vessels and promotes the formation of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arteries, resulting in diseases like atherosclerosis.
- Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias): Palpitations or irregular heartbeats can be brought on by anxiety, and this can raise the risk of developing severe cardiac rhythm problems.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices: Anxiety-related behaviours might include smoking, overeating, and skipping exercise, all of which can raise the risk of heart disease.
What is The Effect of Anxiety on the Heart?
Anxiety causes the body to react in ways that might increase the pressure on the heart. Anxiety's bodily manifestations can be particularly harmful to people who already have heart problems.Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released when anxiety sets off the "fight or flight" reaction. The heart is strained as a result of elevated blood pressure, constricted blood vessels, and an elevated heart rate. Prolonged anxiety raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes by causing inflammation and atherosclerosis, or plaque accumulation. Additionally, it might weaken the heart over time and cause arrhythmias, or abnormal heart beats. Anxiety also increases the likelihood of unacceptable behaviours like smoking and eating poorly, which worsens heart health. Stress management techniques including exercise, relaxation, and medical attention can help shield the heart from these negative consequences.
What is the Impact of Anxiety and Heart Attack Recovery?
Anxiety disorders are associated with a high level of fear and unpredictability. Recovery may be significantly impacted if the patient's anxiety and certainty prevent them from adhering to their cardiologist's recommendations and treatment plan. Anxiety may cause problems with:- Following recommended workout routines
- Taking advised medications on time
- Maintaining a nutritious diet
- Getting enough good sleep
- Getting back in touch with loved ones
- Resuming work, career, and family obligations with confidence
What are Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?
Following are the different types of anxiety disorders:- Panic disorder: This condition may be confused with a heart attack or linked to cardiac illness. Dizziness, chest aches, stomach discomfort, shortness of breath, and a fast heartbeat are frequently experienced in conjunction with feelings of intense excitement and fear.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A violent crime, serious accident, or heart attack are examples of unexpected, life-threatening events that might cause this state. A person with PTSD often feels jittery and detached and finds it difficult to cope with anything related to the event that led to their illness.
- Obsessive-Compulsive disorder: OCD patients will repeatedly engage in the same behaviours to cope with their irrational thoughts and anxieties. For instance, someone who struggles with perceived cardiovascular problems that have been examined and verified by a doctor may spend hours upon hours researching them or discovering new ones, and getting more and more anxious.
Conclusion
The symptoms of heart attacks and panic attacks can be similar, if not the same. Regardless of whether they are receiving treatment for an anxiety illness or not, anybody experiencing sudden, intense chest discomfort should get the emergency medical attention. The patient's blood will be tested by the doctor for certain cardiac muscle enzymes. It's typically not a heart attack if none are detected.A cardiologist who is informed of the problems of depression and anxiety will be able to distinguish between the signs of a heart attack and panic attacks, and will be able to recommend therapy for panic disorder or any other kind of anxiety.
Discover the link between stress, anxiety, and heart health. Learn the ways to manage stress for a healthier life from our expert cardiologist Asian Heart Institute. Book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: Can anxiety lead to a heart attack?A: While anxiety itself doesn’t directly cause heart attacks, it can increase stress on the cardiovascular system, promote artery blockages (atherosclerosis), and trigger events that may lead to a heart attack, especially in individuals with existing heart conditions.
Q2: What are the long-term effects of anxiety on heart health?
A: Chronic anxiety can lead to hypertension, inflammation, artery damage, and an increased risk of heart disease. It may also contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking, overeating, or avoiding exercise, further impacting heart health.
Q3: How can I manage stress and protect my heart?
A: Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can help manage stress. Seeking professional help for anxiety disorders can also reduce heart-related risks.
