Panic Attacks and Heart Attacks in Women

Robert W. Griffith, MD

Panic attacks are not uncommon; as many as 10% of postmenopausal women have reported them in one collective. The researchers making this observation decided to see if there was a risk of cardiovascular problems in these women. Their findings are published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Over 3300 women aged 51 to 83 were enrolled between 1997 and 2000. Ten percent of them reported full-blown panic attacks in the previous 6 months. After 5 years of follow-up it was found that a heart attack or a stroke was 3 times as common in those with panic attacks as in the other women. They also had nearly twice the risk of death from any cause than the other women. The researchers conclude that panic attacks are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death in older women.

An interesting, and important finding. I am reminded of the much rarer condition, Tako Tsubo syndrome, in which women under extreme stress may develop signs and symptoms of a heart attack, but coronary angiography is normal. I wrote about this condition - also known as 'broken-heart syndrome' - earlier this year. Maybe women who have extreme stress and/or feelings of panic should ask their doctor about taking a good minor tranquilizer, e.g. diazepam (Valium®) or oxazepam (Serax®).

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HealthandAge Blog

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