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Can An Anxiety Attack Cause Stroke Or Heart Attack?

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Posted on Mon, 13 Jun 2016
Question: Can an anxiety attack or panic attack cause a stroke or heart attack?
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Panic attacks can not cause heart attacks or strokes

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacing HCM with your health care concerns

Your question is whether having a panic attack will cause a stroke or heart attack and the answer is no. Frequently people with anxiety adn panic disorder feel like their going to have a heart attack or stroke but they can't. The feeling is coming from high levels of Adrenalin during the panic that causes racing heart, shortness of breath, tingling and lightheadedness. These are common and nothing to be concerned about. I usually recommend people with panic disorder to read a book called "The Anxiety and Phobia Handbook" by Dr. Bourne. This can give you tools to help cope with anxiety and panic disorder.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Can An Anxiety Attack Cause Stroke Or Heart Attack?

Brief Answer: Panic attacks can not cause heart attacks or strokes Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacing HCM with your health care concerns Your question is whether having a panic attack will cause a stroke or heart attack and the answer is no. Frequently people with anxiety adn panic disorder feel like their going to have a heart attack or stroke but they can't. The feeling is coming from high levels of Adrenalin during the panic that causes racing heart, shortness of breath, tingling and lightheadedness. These are common and nothing to be concerned about. I usually recommend people with panic disorder to read a book called "The Anxiety and Phobia Handbook" by Dr. Bourne. This can give you tools to help cope with anxiety and panic disorder. I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions