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Delayed increase in LDL cholesterol following pentagastrin-induced panic attacks.
Jorge Perez-Parada1, Gian S Jhangri, Nathalie Lara
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, 1E7.05 Mackenzie Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Psychopharmacology
|April 24, 2007
Summary
Panic attacks (PAs) significantly increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 10.4% in males 24 hours after the event. This finding may explain increased cardiovascular risk in men with panic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Panic disorder (PD) is linked to higher cardiovascular (CV) risks.
- Previous studies show inconsistent links between PD and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
- Cholesterol levels may correlate with panic attack (PA) frequency and intensity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if panic attacks (PAs) are associated with increased LDL-C.
- To investigate the physiological impact of PAs on cholesterol levels.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.
- 18 patients with PD and 33 healthy controls received placebo and pentagastrin injections.
- Randomized design to induce panic attacks.
Main Results:
- Pentagastrin-induced PAs caused a significant 10.4% increase in LDL-C in male subjects.
- This LDL-C increase was delayed, observed 24 hours post-PA.
- No significant effect on LDL-C was observed in female subjects.
Conclusions:
- Panic attacks directly impact LDL-C levels in males.
- Frequent PAs may contribute to elevated LDL-C and increased CV risk in male PD patients.
- Gender differences in PA response may explain inconsistent findings in prior research.
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