Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:51
Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
[Are panic attacks really harmless? The cardiovascular impact of panic disorder]
Aline Sardinha1, Antonio Egidio Nardi, Walter Araújo Zin
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. alinesardinhapsi@gmail.com
Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)
|June 10, 2009
Summary
Anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder, are linked to heart disease. Reduced heart rate variability may mediate this impact, highlighting a need for better diagnosis and treatment strategies for cardiac patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Autonomic Neuroscience
Background:
- Psychosocial stress and depression are known cardiovascular disease risk factors.
- Anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder, show a strong association with cardiac problems.
- Panic disorder in cardiac patients presents diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the association between anxiety disorders, specifically panic disorder, and cardiovascular diseases.
- To update readers on the status of this comorbidity in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of ISI and Medline databases from 1998 onwards.
- Keywords included: 'heart disease', 'coronary disease', 'anxiety', 'panic disorder', and 'autonomic function'.
Main Results:
- Patients with panic disorder exhibit a characteristic autonomic pattern, including reduced heart rate variability.
- This autonomic dysfunction is a potential mediator of the cardiovascular impact of panic disorder.
Conclusions:
- A significant knowledge gap exists in diagnosing and treating the comorbidity of panic disorder and cardiovascular diseases.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy and supervised exercise are suggested as adjunct treatments.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
01:27Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers
β-receptor blockers significantly impact the cardiovascular system by counteracting catecholamine-induced sympathetic responses. These medications decrease heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output, potentially leading to cardiac depression, life-threatening bradycardia, and death. Therapeutically, β-blockers function as mild antihypertensives and are utilized in treating angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias. However, nonselective β-blockers inhibit β2-receptors in bronchial smooth...