How anxiety affects the heart? How to cope with stress?
Anxiety and heart health are connected | Photo Credit: iStock Images  Key Highlights Anxiety disorders come with a high degree of fear and uncertainty. Panic attacks and heart attacks can share similar if not identical symptoms. A cardiologist may refer the patient for treatment for panic disorder or any other type of anxiety. Anxiety and stress were woven into our genes as a mode of survival, by nature. Behavioural scientist James Clear writes, "Thousands of years ago when humans lived in an Immediate Return Environment, stress and anxiety were useful emotions because they helped us take action in the face of immediate problems. For example, A lion appears across the plain > you feel stressed > you run away > your stress is relieved... But the human brain did not evolve for life in a delayed return. environment." Book author Clear points out that the mismatch between our old brain and our new environment has a significant impact on the amount of chronic stress and anxiety we experience today. And medical experts say that chronic anxiety hurts the heart, brain and overall health. He discusses this topic in more depth in his book "Atomic Habits". Compared to the age of the brain, modern society is incredibly new. It is only recentlyduring the last 500 years or sothat our society has shifted to a predominantly Delayed Return Environment. The pace of change has increased exponentially compared to prehistoric times. And clearly - our brain has not acclimatised to these times. And it shows on our overall health. Effect of Anxiety on the Heart:  Dr Una D McCann, MD, director of the Anxiety Disorders Program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, believes the connection between anxiety and the development of heart disease is strong. Its my view and my personal clinical experience that anxiety disorders can play a major role in heart disease, says McCann. I believe that a really careful look at anxiety would reveal the ways it can severely impact heart disease, both as a contributing factor and as an obstacle in recovery.  According to a report on the Johns Hopkins website, when someone is anxious, their body reacts in ways that can put an extra strain on their heart. The physical symptoms of anxiety can be especially damaging among individuals with existing cardiac disease. It cites the following effects of anxiety on heart health:  Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)  Messes with normal heart function and increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Increased blood pressure  Weakens the heart muscle, and can trigger heart failure. Decreased heart rate variability  May result in a higher incidence of death after an acute heart attack  Women are about twice as likely as men to experience panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (PTSD), social phobia, and anxiety disorders when taken as a whole. The heart doctor will treat the cardiac symptoms. But the anxiety disorder needs specialised treatment as well. Treatment of anxiety:  Depending on the duration, severity, and type of anxiety, treatment can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) involves three main components: Anxiety management, Cognitive restructuring, and Exposure therapy, and is known to help the patient ultimately effectively manage the anxiety. Yoga and meditation also help in building a strong response to anxiety. Anxiety can be managed well when one first accepts that there is an anxiety health issue and approaches a counsellor. That first step can take one on the path to resolution, recovery, and good health. For the sake of your heart, you must not take anxiety lightly or brush it under the carpet. Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.