Anyone out there (Dr's mostly) know if there is a link with anxiety disorders and heart disease?
340839
Well nice question really.\n\nThere are two type of links.\n\n1.   One heart disease casuing anxiety.\n\n2.   Anxiety causing heart disease\n\nFor first, heart diseases or any diseases for that matter would make you feel anxious for your health status - it is natural and goes away when disease goes away. However, in case of long-standing , hard-to-treat disorders, it would be wise to consult a psychiatrist for emotional rehabilitation.\n\nFor second, the only time when anxiety causes heart disease are when they are both part of the same spectrum. This happens in people known to suffer from "Type A personalities" : worrisome, stressful personalities. Although no hard evidence exists but stress/anxiety can cause heart disease by following THEORIES:\n\na.  increasing blood pressure. Increased blood pressure over long time can cause heart changes such as hypertrophy, and resultant ischemic chnages.\n\nb.  Causing atherosclerosis - a degenrative disease of blood vessels which can affect any blood vessels in cardio-vascular system including coronary circulaion. This can lead to different conditions for example aortic valve insufficiency etc.\n\nBut both these theories are not 100 %. These are just theories that have been put forward and not validated to date.
175660
Hi.I would strongly recommend a visit to her GP.Most palpitations (exaggerated perception of one's heartbeat) are benign and caused by stress, anxiety, coffee, smoking, etc.Some of them require immediate attention, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness , nausea or other worrisome signs. Please get her to visit her GP and I would also recommend check-ups in a cardiologist's office once every 2-3 years for everybody. Good luck! Bogdan Vulcan
762294
Yes.  I see patients who come into the ER all the time with symptoms acting just like cardiac chest pain and it turns out to be anxiety.  Unfortunately, it is hard to tell the difference.  I always tell my patients not to try to diagnose themselves and come to the ER for chest pain symptoms.
226044
An anxiety disorder manifesting with recurrent anxiety. It can be so serious that the anxiety and fear take over the life of the affected person.\n\nThere is no known single cause.
1161515
Heart disease\nHigh blood pressure
307478
Sounds more like a panic attack than a physical ailment, and at 18, you're highly unlikely to have heart problems regardless of your family's history.\n\nNevertheless, a trip to the doctor wouldn't be a bad idea at all.  Electrocardiograms are quick and painless, and not all that expensive either.\n\nBut since you're also having stomach pains and migranes, I would bet money that it's stress or anxiety.
245570
My heart problems were caused by my unhealthy lifestyle, family history, and my 'type A' personality.\n\nor\n\nThere are three major factors in heart trouble, being a type A personality, family history, and an unhealthy lifestyle.
824556
I used to have some really bad ones! 2 or 3 times a day! I really thought I was having a heart attack, it is really frightening!!! I had to take anxiety medication and now I only have them once in a while! You look like you might be having a depression, too much stress and maybe not enough sleep! Don't stay like that, you are not alone, seek help from your doctor!!
968011
Actually someone may have suggested to you that you may have heart problems,  You have gone through the tests and nothing has showed up.  If there was a problem believe me you would have been notified or admitted to the hospital from the emergency room.\n   Now you are dealing with a little anxiety, better address this problem before it starts ballooning into full scale panic attacks. \n   Trust in the doctors diagnosis, If you still are not convinced get a second opinion, make sure you also submit all your lab work and tests  so the new doctor has something to work with.\n   Just kick back smile and say to yourself It wasn't a heart attack or I wouldn't be sitting here right now.
377118
everyone experiences anxiety, many times to different degrees, and are triggered by different sources.  \n\nSOunds like GAD or a mild panic attack, i would talk with a doctor
567652
yes it is highly probable...  people who have strokes and heart attacks have them for a reason.  their bodies have undergone physical changes in order to function at a normal level under stress.  at a certain point, this stress becomes too great and arteries or heart valves reach a breaking point.  once someone experiences a cardiovascular incident, the likelihood of future incidents multiplies.  of course there are exceptions to any rule.
6026
Anxiety and stress can cause physical symtoms. If you are ill and do have a disease- look at the word dis ease it can manifest itself as physical. I am not saying your crazy. I am saying that if you are under a lot of stress you can make yourself very sick and then it gets worse like a vicious circle cuz your more stressed. If you feel that isn't it you will just have to find a better doctor. Go to webmd. maybe it's something that is misdiagnosed alot. Like fibromylasia or something. Go to google and type in the symtom that is most worrysome for you. Keep at finding what is wrong. Demand more testing.
824534
Hypochondria with a terminal case of can't spellitus\n\nI just read your other question concerning your heart problem. Hyperventilation, palpitations, numbness in the are & I would bet your hands go numb & cold. They also probably curl up & cramp. You are most likly having a severe anxiety attack. The hyperventilation causes the numbness & anxiety atacks often mimick heart atacks.\n\nLet me know if I guess right about the symptoms you did not list...just curious.\n\nOK...read some more of your posts & decided that I was right to start with. You are an ID**T.
1016363
No.  If you worry and are nervous excessively, it could cause you stomach irritations.  Check out Digestive Tract diseases.  Also, if you still have your gallbladder, it's worth checking into seeing if it's diseased (with stones), or if the bile ducts are malfunctioning.  It could be that is what's causing the acid reflux.  You should talk to your doctor(s) about seeing a Gastroenterologist regarding the GERD, IBS, gall stones, kidney stones, and also gastroparesis (paralyzation of the stomach).  I have diabetic gastroparesis.  Many variations of diets and meds are available for treatment.  They're all connected in the processes of digestion.  I have these diseases, and also have the excessive worrying...mine is due to having Adult ADD, bipolar II, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety/panic disorder with severe depression...if that's not enough in itself to worry about!\n\nI hope this information helps.  I would suggest doing some research on these topics on the web, and writing down questions you have to take with you to your doctor(s).
395191
It could easily be an anxiety disorder, but it culd just as easily be something else.  Don't be scared to go to your regular doctor and tell him/her what it feels like AND about the stressors in your life.  He might recommend tests, or confirm it is stress.  Also, don't forget many very real physical illnesses are caused by stress (ulcers, crohns disease, etc..) so try to calm down.  Everything will be alright...and she won't leave you ;)
723566
This is a ridiculous question that makes me think you have not even tried.  The problem is not being able to find anything rather how to fit so much information on one page.  Check out this link from the Mayo Clinic.  It is very good at even defining what you mean by "heart disease."  Good luck.\n\nhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cardiovascular-disease/HB00032
101283
I think it is heart disease .