Anxiety Isn’t All in Your Head—How It Affects Your Heart, Too

Anxiety disorders can have significant physical health consequences. One of the most serious is an increased risk of heart disease. Studies show that people with anxiety disorders have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and other heart-related problems. Anxiety may also lead to inflammation in the arteries and changes in blood flow that can increase the risk of blockages.

It’s like anxiety decided to throw a party and invited all its unhealthy friends. Anxiety can also alter blood flow in the heart, which may lead to irregular heart rhythms and reduce oxygen flow. Some people cope with anxiety in unhealthy ways, like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, overeating, or not exercising. All of this can affect your heart health.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help you kick them out! Here are a few ways anxiety can affect your health.

If you're ready to take control of your health and find effective ways to manage your anxiety, read on to discover how anxiety impacts your heart and what you can do to protect yourself.

How Anxiety Impacts Your Heart Health

Increased Blood Pressure

When you experience anxiety, your body activates its fight or flight response. This causes a rush of adrenaline that makes your heart beat faster and raises your blood pressure. Over time, chronic anxiety can cause persistently elevated blood pressure, which puts strain on your heart and blood vessels. According to research, people with anxiety disorders have a 30-50% higher risk of developing hypertension.

Irregular Heart Rhythms

Anxiety can also trigger abnormal heart rhythms in some individuals. Your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. These irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias, can be frightening and, in rare cases, may lead to more serious complications. Studies show people with anxiety have an increased likelihood of experiencing arrhythmias, especially premature ventricular contractions.

Chest Pain

Feeling anxious often causes uncomfortable chest tightness or pain. Although this chest pain is not usually a sign of a heart attack, it can mimic the symptoms of coronary artery disease. This can understandably lead to more worry and distress. While less common, chronic anxiety may contribute to coronary artery disease over time, as constant stress takes a toll on your heart health.

Short-Term Effects

Anxiety often manifests physically as your body responds to stressful thoughts, causing short-term physical effects.

Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure 

When you feel anxious, your body activates its fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline that causes your heart rate and blood pressure to rise. For some, this can feel like heart palpitations or a pounding chest. While uncomfortable, these symptoms are usually not dangerous if you do not have an underlying heart condition. However, if they persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Sweating and Chills

Anxiety causes the release of stress hormones like cortisol that can make you perspire profusely or experience chills. These physiological responses are your body’s way of attempting to restore balance, but they often only add to the discomfort of an anxiety episode. Relaxation techniques help alleviate excessive sweating or chills by quieting the stress response.

Long-Term Effects

According to research, anxiety disorders may increase the risk of hypertension by up to 30% and the risk of heart disease by up to 50%. There are several long-term physical effects that anxiety can have on your body. 

High Blood Pressure

Repeated bouts of anxiety can raise your blood pressure, even when you are not feeling particularly anxious or stressed. Over months and years, this can lead to sustained high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure, in turn, makes you more prone to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Managing your anxiety is critical to controlling blood pressure and safeguarding heart health.

Heart Disease

The increased heart rate and blood flow accompanying anxiety require your heart to work harder. Over the long run, this extra exertion can weaken your heart muscle and damage your valves and arteries. Studies show that people with anxiety have a significantly higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and other heart conditions. They are also more likely to die from heart-related causes.

Premature Aging

Chronic stress and anxiety accelerate aging on a cellular level. Constant exposure to stress hormones like cortisol leads to faster shortening of telomeres, the caps on chromosomes that control aging. Shorter telomeres are associated with aging-related diseases and a shorter lifespan. 

We want you to not only discover how anxiety impacts your health but also explore and find effective strategies to alleviate its symptoms. Our team of practitioners, comprehensive articles, and in-depth podcast episodes offer valuable insights and solutions. Schedule a consultation today to achieve both mental and heart health. Keep in mind therapy can help you manage anxiety and its many symptoms. Book an appointment with us today if you need more help.