Panic disorder and cardiovascular diseases: an overview
Sergio Machado1,2,3, Federica Sancassiani4, Flavia Paes2
1a Physical Activity Neuroscience Laboratory , Salgado de Oliveira University (UNIVERSO) , Niterói , RJ , Brazil.
International Review of Psychiatry (Abingdon, England)
|September 13, 2017
Summary
Panic disorder (PD) may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but a causal link is unproven. PD patients with heart symptoms require careful medical evaluation and attention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The link between panic disorder (PD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasingly studied.
- While some research suggests anxiety disorders increase heart disease risk, causality remains unestablished.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review studies on the PD-CVD association.
- To synthesize evidence on potential mediating mechanisms.
- To explore clinical and pathophysiological implications.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of epidemiological and biological studies.
- Narrative synthesis of existing research on PD and CVD.
- Discussion of theoretical causal pathways.
Main Results:
- Epidemiological studies suggest PD may be a risk factor for CVD, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Potential biological mechanisms include pleiotropy, heart rate variability, unhealthy lifestyle, atherosclerosis, mental stress, and myocardial perfusion defects.
- No definitive evidence supports a causal relationship between PD and CVD.
Conclusions:
- While an association exists, PD is not proven to cause CVD.
- PD patients with suspected cardiovascular symptoms warrant heightened clinical vigilance.
- Further research may clarify the complex interplay between PD and CVD.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Panic Disorder
879
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...
879
01:18Anxiety: Overview
1.2K
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
1.2K
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
597
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...
597
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
1.7K
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...
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
1.7K
01:14Decreased pulse rate
952
Bradycardia is a medical condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal. It occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinus node, generates slower electrical impulses than the standard rhythm. In adults, bradycardia is diagnosed when the pulse rate falls below 60 beats per minute, indicating a deviation from the normal heart rate range.
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with...
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with...
952
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
452
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...
452