Anxiety can cause heart attacks! The direct connection between these two will surprise you.

News Topical, Digital Desk : These days, cases of heart-related diseases are rapidly increasing. There are many reasons behind the increasing incidence of heart disease, one of which is ignoring its symptoms. These symptoms are often common, and people ignore them, thinking them to be normal.

Additionally, some people ignore its symptoms because they seem similar to other problems, often leading to misdiagnosis. Anxiety is one such condition, with symptoms that closely resemble those of a heart attack. This is why the inability to distinguish between the two often leads to serious complications. In this article, we will explore how to differentiate between anxiety and heart attack and how anxiety can trigger a heart attack.

Why is anxiety dangerous?

Experts say the physical symptoms of both conditions often overlap, leading to dangerous delays in proper diagnosis and seeking help. A review published in Current Psychiatry Reports shed light on this problem, revealing how anxiety not only mimics heart problems but may also increase the risk of heart disease.

The connection between anxiety and heart disease

This study revealed a dangerous link between anxiety and  heart disease  . According to the study, up to 30% of patients experience severe anxiety after a heart attack, while approximately one-third of heart failure patients experience persistent anxiety. Persistent anxiety not only impairs mental health but can also increase blood pressure. It can also increase inflammation, which can put pressure on the heart.

Anxiety is harmful for the heart

Chest pain, dizziness,  sweating,  and nausea are all symptoms of heart disease that are also common in anxiety attacks. This is why it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose a heart attack. Sometimes, a person believes they are suffering from anxiety, but in reality, they are suffering from heart disease. A review has shown that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD) are more common in people who experience chest pain than in those without heart disease.

In such situations, people often end up making repeated hospital visits and undergoing expensive tests. This constant fear of heart disease causes persistent stress, which further deteriorates heart health.

How to spot the difference

To distinguish between the two, it's important to pay attention to key points. Constant worry, repetitive thoughts, and inability to manage stress in various areas of life are signs of anxiety. Meanwhile, heart attack symptoms often begin with physical exertion and worsen over time. Anyone experiencing unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat should immediately consult a doctor.

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