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Panic disorder and the heart: a cardiology perspective
F M Jeejeebhoy1, P Dorian, D M Newman
1Division of Cardiology, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, #7-051 Queen, M5B 1W8, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Insights
Panic disorder often mimics heart problems, affecting many cardiovascular disease patients. Early identification by cardiologists can lead to effective treatment and reduce healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Panic disorder symptoms can mimic primary cardiovascular disorders.
- Patients with cardiovascular disease frequently have co-occurring panic disorder.
- The underlying pathophysiology of panic disorder remains unclear, with multiple hypotheses proposed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the overlap between panic disorder and cardiovascular conditions.
- To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and healthcare costs associated with undiagnosed panic disorder.
- To advocate for cardiologists' role in identifying and managing panic disorder.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on panic disorder and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of patient presentations to cardiology clinics.
- Discussion of diagnostic and treatment implications.
Main Results:
- Patients with Syndrome X, coronary artery disease, or palpitations often present with panic disorder.
- Many cases of panic disorder in cardiac patients remain undiagnosed.
- Undiagnosed panic disorder contributes significantly to healthcare system costs.
Conclusions:
- Panic disorder is a treatable condition.
- Cardiologists are well-positioned to identify patients with panic disorder.
- Timely diagnosis and referral/treatment by cardiologists can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditure.
Abstract:
Panic disorder is a common condition that includes symptoms that may masquerade as a primary cardiovascular disorder. In addition, many patients with cardiovascular disease may also have panic disorder. To date, no definitive pathophysiological mechanism for panic disorder has been found; however, there are several hypotheses in the literature. Patients with syndrome X, coronary artery disease and/or palpitations, in addition to panic disorder all present to cardiologists. However, many patients go undiagnosed and ultimately place large costs on the health care system as a result. Panic disorder is a treatable condition, and cardiologists could easily identify patients with panic disorder and initiate appropriate therapy and/or referral.