Do Anxiety And Panic Attacks Damage The Arteries Causing Heart Disease?

Posted on Mon, 9 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Nov 2015 Answered on

Tue, 1 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : At the age of 32 slim build, diet poor, but always baturally fit & athletic. Suffered from anxiety & panic attacks for over 10 years now but hopefully getting there now in terms of reversing my anxiety.

My question is could i habe caused my arteries/heart damage over the 10 years putting me at higher risk from heart disease?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Anxiety can't damage your arteries

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Anxiety and stress can't directly damage your arteries and you shouldn't worry about that.

However, anxiety and stress if not controlled properly may speed up atherosclerosis process. Atherosclerotic plaques are the most common causes arteries blockage. Please keep in mind that atherosclerotic plaques need many years to form inside your arteries (4-5 decades).

Moreover, diet and healthy lifestyle oppose the negative effect of anxiety. This is why anxiety can't damage your arteries for the moment. You should continue with healthy lifestyle and diet. Moreover you should try to control anxiety and stress.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar