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Can Anxiety Cause Heart Problems?
Posted on
Thu, 5 Nov 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 5 Nov 2015
Answered on
Mon, 23 Nov 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Over 10 years i have suffered from cardiophobia and had say 5 ECG's, 2 stress test ecgs, bloods & ultra sound of the heart, how can i be reassured i have a fit heart, arteries, cardio system & mean i do not need to worry at 32 years old about having heart, artery problems?
As i suffer from anxiety a lot i worry i am putting strain on my heart & arteries, can you tell me if this is the case?
Wkat is the best things i can do to avoid being at high risk for heart, artery problems?
I also worry i can change my electrical system of the heart by thinkinv about it too much?
Your help and expertise would be greatly welcomed Sir!
As i suffer from anxiety a lot i worry i am putting strain on my heart & arteries, can you tell me if this is the case?
Wkat is the best things i can do to avoid being at high risk for heart, artery problems?
I also worry i can change my electrical system of the heart by thinkinv about it too much?
Your help and expertise would be greatly welcomed Sir!
Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
First of all as long as all cardiac examinations were normal you shouldn't worry about cardiac (including heart arteries) problems.
Secondly you have suffered from anxiety in the past and this is most probably the cause of your symptoms.
Thirdly the best thing to do in order to prevent atherosclerosis (high risk for coronary arteries blockage) are as follows:
- eat a healthy diet reach in fresh fruits and vegetables, poor in fats and diiary products
- quit smoking
- reduce alcohol intake
- increase physical activity
- increase recreational activities (sport, dancing, yoga etc.)
- avoid unnecessary stress
- take omega 3 fish oil supplements
- use chamomile tea
At last you shouldn't worry about changing the electrical system of your heart, because thinking and stress has no effects on it.
Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
p.s: If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.
Following answer to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
First of all as long as all cardiac examinations were normal you shouldn't worry about cardiac (including heart arteries) problems.
Secondly you have suffered from anxiety in the past and this is most probably the cause of your symptoms.
Thirdly the best thing to do in order to prevent atherosclerosis (high risk for coronary arteries blockage) are as follows:
- eat a healthy diet reach in fresh fruits and vegetables, poor in fats and diiary products
- quit smoking
- reduce alcohol intake
- increase physical activity
- increase recreational activities (sport, dancing, yoga etc.)
- avoid unnecessary stress
- take omega 3 fish oil supplements
- use chamomile tea
At last you shouldn't worry about changing the electrical system of your heart, because thinking and stress has no effects on it.
Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
p.s: If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thats great to hear and thank you for the advice! I felt anxietycoming in today since then i have had strong pulse/heart beat in both legs with the odd shooting pain lasts a second in legs. Feet where very cold while lying in bed, should i be concerned? I worry i have problems with bp or arteries in my legs? The pulse can be felt when pressure is applied from sitting, crossing legs or lying still.
Again your expertise is appreciated!!!
Again your expertise is appreciated!!!
Brief Answer:
Following advice...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
What you are feeling in both your legs may be related to anxiety, which is manifested with leg pains and cold feet. You shouldn't worry about this symptoms.
However in order to ease your concerns and anxiety you should schedule to do a Doppler ultrasound examinations of both legs.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Following advice...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
What you are feeling in both your legs may be related to anxiety, which is manifested with leg pains and cold feet. You shouldn't worry about this symptoms.
However in order to ease your concerns and anxiety you should schedule to do a Doppler ultrasound examinations of both legs.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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