Can you get a heart attack from anxiety?

As a healthcare professional with a background in cardiology, I can provide some insight into the relationship between anxiety and heart health. Anxiety disorders can manifest in various forms, and while they do not directly cause a heart attack, they can contribute to the risk factors that may lead to one. Anxiety can lead to a rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure, which are both stress responses. In some cases, these symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack. A panic disorder, for instance, can cause chest pains and other symptoms that may be mistaken for a cardiac event. However, it's important to differentiate between the two: a heart attack is a medical emergency caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, while anxiety is a psychological condition. Anxiety can also exacerbate existing heart conditions and increase the risk of developing cardiac issues over time. The chronic stress associated with anxiety can lead to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease. In summary, while anxiety itself does not cause a heart attack, it can lead to symptoms that resemble one and can contribute to the development of conditions that increase the risk of a heart attack.

Anxiety disorders fall into several categories. Here are a few of them: Panic disorder �C can be associated with cardiac disease or mistaken for heart attack. Feelings of extreme agitation and terror are often accompanied by dizziness, chest pains, stomach discomfort, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate.