Can anxiety damage the heart?

[Platinum2k9]

Hi,

I've been suffering from untreated anxiety for a few months now, and I'm concerned that my anxiety might have very badly affected my health. I was just wondering whether anxiety can really badly affect the heart, and how intense the anxiety would have to be -- and how long it would have to go on for -- to harm it?

[MoodyBlue]

As far as I am aware, anxiety can not affect the heart at all, it's how you manage your anxiety that has the impact on your health, i.e. drinking/smoking/eating too much, not taking any exercise when you normally do etc.

[nomorepanic]

Anxiety does not directly effect the heart - in fact some specialists say we have stronger hearts because of the anxiety!

[Platinum2k9]

Okay, thanks.

It's tragic, though... I actually had a scan today which confirmed that my heart was fine, which has relaxed me about it. But I've been worrying about this issue for so long, and it's really stressed my family out. I don't know how I'm supposed to make it up to them... :(

[looking4answers]

Hi , just wanted to say. NO pretty sure it can't. No one has ever had a heart attack from anxiety ...Also once I was in the hospital and I had a heart specialist actually say ..that the anxiety along with faster heart rate probably made my heart stronger most of my life. For what its worth. ,,,,

[tiredOfOcd]

But I've been worrying about this issue for so long, and it's really stressed my family out. I don't know how I'm supposed to make it up to them... :(

Get help and learn how to control your anxiety. That's the best thing you can do for yourself and everyone who cares about you.