How often have you thought you were having a heart attack while you actually were having a panic attack?
How often have you been told or read that panic attacks will not kill you?
Now there's new evidence that seems to prove otherwise.
A recent study conducted in the United States has revealed that the increase in stress hormones can cause problems with the heart over time.
Head of the study, Dr. Jordan Smoller of Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital says this new research now adds panic attacks to a list of mental health disorders that have already proven to be linked to heart problems. These include depression and hostility.
The new study involving 3,000 women aged 51 to 83 years showed that those who experienced just one full-blown panic attack in a 6-month period were three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke within the next five years than a woman who did not have a panic attack.
These final results take into consideration other health factors that could cause or contribute to heart attacks and strokes in women.
The conclusion is that a panic attack might indicate a potential risk of having a heart attack in the future. Menopausal women might be at an even higher risk than other women.
Previous research has already revealed that women are more likely to have panic attacks than men, and that almost everyone at some point in their lives will have at least one panic attack.
Researchers explain that harmful stress hormones are released during a panic attack. This flood of stress hormones can cause heart damage immediately or over time. Ultimately, the heart rhythm might be harmed. These changes can lead to heart problems later on.
The study's conclusion is that "panic attacks are relatively common among postmenopausal women and appear to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in older women." Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64:1153-1160.
This alarming news provides ample reason for women in particular to seek immediate help to alleviate their panic attacks.
Here's your 4-point check list:
1. Start with your medical practitioner where you can get a thorough physical checkup to see if there are any underlying conditions contributing to or causing your panic attacks.
2. Insist on being referred to a doctor or therapist who specializes in the treatment of panic attacks.
3. Do not be waved off. Let the practitioners know you won't be easily appeased. Don't settle for a simple answer to your panic attacks. In many cases, you might be given a prescription to ease your symptoms. Demand more. You need to get at the root of your panic attacks. It's proven that in the majority of cases, the best cure is an appropriate combination of talk therapy and drug therapy.
4. Find the right therapist for you. We have our own personalities and like other situations, we don't get along with everyone. The same holds true for therapists. If you feel you are not getting the results you expect, or you don't feel comfortable with your therapist, seek a second opinion.
Although the risk is relatively small, it's clear that this study indicates the urgency of seeking immediate help for your panic attacks, especially if you are a woman.
Find help on our relevant ebook website.
http://www.book-titles.ca Sylvia Dickens is an award-winning journalist who has struggled and overcome depression, panic and anxiety. Formerly with the Canadian Mental Health Association, she's written, "A Guide to Teenage Depression & Suicide" and "How To Build Confidence and Banish Anxiety Forever". Anxiety Bonus . Visit Sylvias http://www.book-titles.ca/blog/ Natural Anxiety Relief blog for more helpful articles.
» left by Sid Irwin from Memphis TN (1 year 97 days ago.)
Use fewer breaks in the text as it appears choppy. A small graph of the data presented in the first few paragraphs would draw the reader further into the article. Interesting topic. Respond to this comment
» left by Sylvia Dickens(6,417) Sylvia Dickens (1 year 97 days ago.)
Thank you for your suggestions.
» left by Lynaia from California (1 year 96 days ago.)
Excellant! Well written and informative. Thank You! I am a psychotherapist specializing in panic and anxiety disorders. I will be recommending your artical for my female clients. Is there a way for me to provide acsess to this artical from my website? Respond to this comment
» left by Sylvia Dickens(6,417) Sylvia Dickens (1 year 95 days ago.)
Hi,
I'm glad you like the article. The information shocked me, to be honest, because "they" have always told us that panic attacks won't hurt you or kill you. Having suffered numerous severe panic attacks over about 10 years and more, I now have a glitch in my heart rhythm and I can't help wondering now if this isn't the cause.
It was imperative I get this news out as soon as possible. If you want to direct people to this article, simply take the link in the URL address bar on your browser and put it on your site... Or you can print the actual article on your site if you like, as long as all the resources box info stays intact. Sorry I'm not on a page to see how to do this, but on the article page somewhere there must be a link where you can go to copy the article to use on your site.
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