Anxiety occurs when you become fearful or nervous about future events; it is typically our body’s normal reaction to stress. Whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder and deal with anxiety on a regular basis, or just experience the normal anxiety and stress of daily life, anxiety can have more of an effect on our bodies than we realize. Our hearts are the core of our bodies and are at risk for various heart disorders or illnesses that can be heightened with anxiety.
If you have concerns about your anxiety and how it can affect your heart, consider speaking with a holistic cardiologist on Long Island. A holistic cardiologist at the Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island can speak with you about how your anxiety affects your heart, and what can be done to work through any issues.
How Anxiety Affects the Heart
When someone becomes anxious, their body becomes affected and strain is put on their heart. If someone is experiencing anxiety, it is normal that their heart begins to beat quicker and more intensely. Palpitations and chest pain are also commonly associated with feelings of anxiety. Anxiety may be linked to several different heart disorders and cardiac event risk factors such as:
- Tachycardia – rapid heartbeat
- High Blood Pressure
- Lower Heart Rate Variability – variation in heartbeats over time
The effects of anxiety can have a much greater impact on an individual who already suffers from a heart disorder or illness and is more likely to lead to cardiac arrest. Also, certain studies have shown that anxiety can lead to a higher risk of developing heart disease: even for otherwise healthy individuals. Seek out the attention of a holistic cardiologist on Long Island if you believe you are taking on a great deal of anxiety.
Is it a Panic Attack or Heart Attack?
Panic attacks may be a regular occurrence for someone dealing with an anxiety disorder, but panic attacks can also occur for anyone feeling an immense amount of anxiety and worry. Panic attacks and heart attacks do have similar symptoms and determining between the two can be quite difficult if you have never experienced symptoms of either. Here are some ways of determining whether what you are experiencing is a panic attack or a heart attack –
- The Type of Chest Pain: For a panic attack, the pain is typically a more sharp pain more centered to the middle of the chest. For a heart attack, the pain is more likely to be a feeling of pressure or squeezing sensation that starts in the chest and can radiate to surrounding parts of the body such as an arm or the jaw.
- Onset: While both panic attacks and heart attacks can happen very suddenly and surprisingly, often what you are doing just beforehand can help you to determine what you are experiencing. If you were experiencing heavy stress and worry beforehand, it is probably more likely to be a panic attack. As well, heart attacks often are a result of physical exertion.
- How Long It Lasts: The length of a panic attack can vary greatly but are most often under 20 minutes. On the contrary, the symptoms of a heart attack tend to get worse as time progresses and will continue until medical attention is received.
Either way, it is best to be cautious and seek medical attention as the human body is complex and symptoms may vary.
How Can A Holistic Cardiologist on Long Island Help?
A holistic cardiologist on Long Island would be able to not only help educate you on the ways that anxiety can affect your heart but also on how to manage anxiety so that you can work to protect your heart and your health. At the Integrative Cardiology Center on Long Island, our team of certified and experienced doctors can help you get the care and attention you are looking for when it comes to managing your anxiety and protecting your heart health. If you are concerned about your health, recommend meeting with a holistic cardiologist on long island to get your questions answered. Contact us for more information on how we can help you.