Is Hypertension a Factor in Panic Attacks?
Hypertension has long been recognized as a "silent killer" but its presence in a panic attack can also have fatal consequences. If you experience panic attacks, it's vital that you understand the connection between them and hypertension, which is a sharp increase in blood pressure.
Physical Symptoms of a Panic Attack
Panic attacks come on suddenly, bringing a list of very real physical symptoms. Chest pains and shortness of breath are common and many people report feeling like they are actually having a heart attack. Medical research is now saying that the heart-related symptoms experienced during a panic attack can lead to cardiovascular conditions or point to their presence. Either way, the stress of the panic attack is known to be associated with hypertension, because of the body's response to the fear mechanism initiated by the attack. During a panic attack, the blood supply to the heart is greatly diminished. It is this decrease of blood to the heart muscle that causes the chest pains. The medical term for this condition is "myocardial ischaemia" and if a person already has heart problems, it can even trigger a heart attack.
However, for people with no known heart issues, a panic attack is still able to cause hypertension. If the blood pressure is raised repeatedly with frequent panic attacks, the resulting hypertension will continue to put a strain on the heart muscle. It should be noted that not all doctors agree that panic attacks cause heart-related problems. Some physicians believe that the heart disorders may already have been present, but not detected.
Other Risk Factors
Older, postmenopausal women are at a higher risk for developing heart-related problems associated with panic attacks. Anyone who has been diagnosed with anxiety or depression is also more prone to panic disorders and the related cardiovascular issues. People with diabetes are in this high-risk group as well as heavy caffeine drinkers. When physicians look over a list like this and note the types of people who are more likely to experience panic attacks, their research about the connection to hypertension becomes more controversial. Many of the people who are likely to develop a panic disorder are already in a list of higher risk for heart disease. Therefore, if you suffer from panic attacks, and are concerned about their relation to hypertension, talk to your doctor. It may also be a wise investment to purchase a blood pressure kit to use in your home. When you regularly monitor your blood pressure, hypertension will no longer be "silent".
