When a person is frightened or perceived to be in danger, the brain triggers a surge of adrenaline, which makes the heart beat faster and pushes the body instantly into "fight-or-flight" mode. It also affects the liver and pancreas, triggers perspiration and pushes blood toward major muscle groups.
Though it's rare, fear can harm your health, says Dr. Aditya Sharma, a WellSpan cardiologist. Intense emotions in general can trigger a heart attack in people who are at risk and even among those without risk factors, though this is not a common cause of heart attacks.
When you're anxious, your brain sends a surge of adrenaline and cortisol through your body. These hormones immediately trigger a rapid rise in your heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, many people experience chest pain and sweating, or have a hard time breathing.
The reason is because a fight-or-flight response unleashes powerful hormones that affect the entire body. When frightened, your body floods with the hormone adrenaline. This skyrockets your heart rate and blood pressure, according to Scientific American.
The Effect of Anxiety on the Heart
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) – In serious cases, can interfere with normal heart function and increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Increased blood pressure – If chronic, can lead to coronary disease, weakening of the heart muscle, and heart failure.
Some people think they're having a heart attack because it feels like their heart is beating fast or irregularly, or even that they are going to die. Panic attacks usually last somewhere from 5 to 20 minutes. Although it may feel like something is seriously wrong, they aren't dangerous and shouldn't harm you.
Heart Palpitations and Anxiety. Heart palpitations due to anxiety feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, pounding or skipping a beat. Your heartbeat can increase in response to specific stressful situations. You may also have palpitations due to an anxiety disorder (excessive or persistent worry).
Fear Is Physical
Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released. Your blood pressure and heart rate increase. You start breathing faster. Even your blood flow changes — blood actually flows away from your heart and into your limbs, making it easier for you to start throwing punches, or run for your life.
The James-Lange theory of emotion suggests that physical changes in the body happen first, which then leads to the experience of emotion. Essentially, emotions stem from your interpretation of your physical sensations. For example, your heart beating wildly would lead you to realize that you are afraid.
Your heart rhythm can change because of your emotional state or activity level. It can even change because of what you've recently put into your body. Some reasons you may experience heart palpitations that don't signify a medical problem with your heart include: Certain emotions, such as anxiety, stress, panic or fear.
Panic is the most severe form of anxiety. You may start to avoid certain situations because you fear they'll trigger another attack. This can create a cycle of living "in fear of fear". It can add to your sense of panic and may cause you to have more attacks.
Chest pain due to anxiety or panic attacks can usually feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation that starts suddenly, even if a person is inactive. However, they may be feeling stressed or anxious already before the chest pain begins. Common accompanying symptoms of an anxiety or panic attack include: dizziness.
Panic attacks arise when stress hormones trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, often resulting in racing heart, chest pain and shortness of breath. In the case of a heart attack, a blockage in a coronary artery may result in the same symptoms.
The reasons why death is scary are often related to the fears of the unknown, of non-existence, of eternal punishment, of the loss of control, and fear of what will happen to the people we love.
Studies suggest that the high levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure. These are common risk factors for heart disease. This stress can also cause changes that promote the buildup of plaque deposits in the arteries.
Abstract. Cardiophobia is defined as an anxiety disorder of persons characterized by repeated complaints of chest pain, heart palpitations, and other somatic sensations accompanied by fears of having a heart attack and of dying.
Call 911 if you have palpitations or an irregular heartbeat that persists or if you also have any chest pain or pressure, dizziness, or shortness of breath. "In most cases, it's caused by something that's easy to fix, like too much caffeine or not enough sleep," Bufalino says.
Anxiety is typically known for a rapid heart rate. Anxiety has also been loosely linked to a lower heart rate. Some of the causes of slow heart rate are biological, or relate to adrenaline loss. Lower heart rate may also be a misdiagnosis, with fear that links back to anxiety.
Our stomachs and intestines store our feelings of fear. The adage, 'I am sick to my stomach' justifies this. Fear is another negative emotion that has far-reaching repercussions on our health. It can cause digestion problems, pain in the gut, bloating, constipation and even Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Distract yourself
Whenever you are experiencing anxious thoughts, doing something that 'fills your mind' and needs complete focus can be a good distraction. Small things like leaving the room or going outside can be effective. One other technique that some people use when calming their anxiety is counting backwards.
Wearable ECGs, such as those found in smartwatches and mobile apps, have recently become popular among patients. These ECGs can be applied to manage patients with anxiety, as they have been used to detect, monitor, and reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Start by asking yourself “where in my body this feeling is coming from?” When you find it, acknowledge that the part that is causing the sensation is a part of you; and as such it has a good intention. Then move it outside of you and ask it what is its good intention. You may even ask the part if it has a name.