Last Updated:July 15, 2025, 15:52 IST
In recent years, this complex interplay between mental stress and cardiovascular health has become increasingly evident, particularly among people in their 30s and 40s.
While panic attacks don’t directly cause heart attacks, they can trigger them in individuals who already have underlying coronary artery disease
Panic attacks are a feature of human evolution, rooted in our primal “fight or flight” response. This survival mechanism is hardwired into us, designed to protect us from danger. But in today’s fast-paced world, it may be doing more harm than good especially when it comes to heart health.
While panic attacks don’t directly cause heart attacks, they can trigger them in individuals who already have underlying coronary artery disease, says Dr. Anand Agarwal, HOD of CTVS (Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery), Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research.
There are several known causes for coronary artery blockages – diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, family history, and chronic stress are the major culprits.
Dr. Agarwal emphasizes the need to examine why people are panicking more often in the first place. “This is a growing concern among today’s youth, who often struggle to cope with the increasing pressures of modern life. Many turn to self-harm or, tragically, succumb to coronary or cerebrovascular events,” he explains.
Panic attacks activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a surge of stress hormones like adrenaline, which in turn increase heart rate and blood pressure. In people with existing heart conditions, this added strain on the heart can become dangerous.
Moreover, panic can cause coronary artery spasms, arrhythmias, and other cardiac disturbances. These events don’t just have short-term implications—they also raise the long-term risk of heart attacks.
Individuals with chronic anxiety or recurrent panic attacks often live with the fear of the next episode, which adds another layer of psychological stress and further taxes the cardiovascular system.
In recent years, this complex interplay between mental stress and cardiovascular health has become increasingly evident, particularly among people in their 30s and 40s.
The good news? Managing panic attacks through timely medical intervention, therapy, and lifestyle modifications—such as regular exercise, mindfulness, adequate sleep, and healthy diet—can significantly reduce heart health risks.
In conclusion, while panic attacks aren’t inherently fatal, they can become a ticking time bomb for the heart if existing conditions go undiagnosed or unmanaged. A holistic approach to mental health, stress management, and preventive heart care is no longer optional, it’s essential.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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