HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Do Anxiety And Panic Attacks Cause Heart Disease?

default
Posted on Mon, 21 Dec 2015
Question: Hi doctor,

I had a series of panic attacks since aug this year.. i was rushed to emergency where my ecg was done echo 2d was done.. all were normal.. my blood pressure went up to 160/90 but it came down to normal level after some time. I.also did TMT.and doctor said that i hv done great.. and things are normal.. in last few days my bp is fluctuating between 150/90 to 130/90.. i get worried with these figures and start panicking. I feel palpitation .. anxiety.. fear of death.. head heaviness and bp is fluctuating.. please advice.. i never had any bp issue.. my age is 30 and i am 64 kgs of weight with 168 cm height.. please advice
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Mostly it is anxiety related panic attacks.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.

I have read your query and understand the problem.

From the facts you have posted here,you have most probably anxiety related panic attacks as your all cardiac investigations have come within normal limits.

So,there is less chance of having any underlying pathology for your head heaviness and any heart problem but it would be better to rule out anemia and thyroid issue if not done earlier.

Clinically, it is very difficult to say why or how this excess anxiety or panic attacks comes but we can only manage them accordingly.

Also,blood pressure fluctuation is quite common when there is episode of anxiety or panic attacks.So,there is no need to start any anti-hypertensive medication for it.We would expect it to be subsided with anti-anxiety drugs.

My possible diagnosis would be anxiety related panic attacks for which I would have advised you anti-anxiety drugs like recita forte 10 mg,opiprol 50 mg and lorazepam 0.5 mg since they are good drugs in the treatment of anxiety related panic attacks.

You can consult some local physician who will know about it and may prescribe you.

Hope this will help you and if you have any more doubt then feel free to ask me.I will be happy to answer that.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Sandip Kabra (48 minutes later)
my thyroid was also checked and it was normal as well
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Anxiety related panic attacks.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the immediate reply.

If your thyroid is normal and if you are not anaemic then, you should take anti-anxiety medicines (as we disussed) with psychological counseling which will help to de-stress you and to alleviate the anxiety related symptoms.

In addition, here are some of the other precautionary measures which you should also follow to gain some benefit.

1) When you have such symptoms, breathe slowly and deeply through the nose and talk to your family and friends.

2) Do not take caffeine or alcohol (if you take) at night just before going to bed.

3) Do yoga and mind relaxing exercises like meditation to calm your mind in your daily routine.

4) You can also practice progressive muscle relaxation which is useful in anxiety by alternately tensing and relaxing the muscles.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dr.Sandipkabra
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Sandip Kabra (46 minutes later)
hi doctor.. thanks for your suggestions.. i have started with yoga.. pranayam.. i donot take coffee or alchohol.. no smoking habbits.. i am worried abt my elavated bp.. since two three days.. this caused due to anger and quarrels .. i just want to get rid of head heaviness.. diziness.. bp and anxiety.. i will practice whatever u have suggested.. i am also tjinking to take alternate medicines like homeopathy which has no.side effects..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Anxiety related panic attacks.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome again.

I have read your follow-up query in details.

If your elevated blood pressure is temporary due to anxiety or anger and if it comes down to normal after a certain time at rest then I do not think there is anything to be worried.

For heaviness in head or dizziness,you may take symptomatic antihistamine treatment like Tab STUGERON Forte 25 mg (CINNARIZINE) or Tab VERTIN 16 mg (BETAHISTINE) on as and when required basis which is available over the counter.

And as we discussed,you should take anti-anxiety drugs with help of some local physician which will certainly give you improvement in your anxiety-panic attacks.

Also,there is no issue to take homeopathy medicines if they could some benefits.

Hope this will help you.

Regards,

Dr XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sandip Kabra

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3078 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Do Anxiety And Panic Attacks Cause Heart Disease?

Brief Answer: Mostly it is anxiety related panic attacks. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to HCM. I have read your query and understand the problem. From the facts you have posted here,you have most probably anxiety related panic attacks as your all cardiac investigations have come within normal limits. So,there is less chance of having any underlying pathology for your head heaviness and any heart problem but it would be better to rule out anemia and thyroid issue if not done earlier. Clinically, it is very difficult to say why or how this excess anxiety or panic attacks comes but we can only manage them accordingly. Also,blood pressure fluctuation is quite common when there is episode of anxiety or panic attacks.So,there is no need to start any anti-hypertensive medication for it.We would expect it to be subsided with anti-anxiety drugs. My possible diagnosis would be anxiety related panic attacks for which I would have advised you anti-anxiety drugs like recita forte 10 mg,opiprol 50 mg and lorazepam 0.5 mg since they are good drugs in the treatment of anxiety related panic attacks. You can consult some local physician who will know about it and may prescribe you. Hope this will help you and if you have any more doubt then feel free to ask me.I will be happy to answer that. Regards, Dr.Sandip Kabra