Although the symptoms caused by a panic attack closely mimic having a heart attack, having panic attacks do not cause permanent damage to your heart. We do know that individuals who are stressed and prone to panic attacks and higher levels of anxiety may over time have complications from those higher levels of stress. Their immune system may become more compromised from stress and they tend to get sick more frequently. We also know that folks who do not manage their stress levels are more prone to high blood pressure (hypertension).
A study published in the Huffington Post, that those who are “under chronic stress exhibited shortened telomeres. Telomeres are the protective edges that bind the ends of DNA strands together. The damage of these telomeres leads to errors in how the DNA instructs cells to behave, so their length is directly tied to our longevity.” (www. Huffington Post)
Some people have a genetic predisposition to more stress-related health problems e.g., hypertension, & hyperlipidemia. Daily exercise and a healthy diet are a great place to start. You can also start to take control over your stress and panic attacks. Learn to de-stress by doing a simple mindfulness breath meditation. Start by sitting upright with your feet grounded on the floor and breathe through your nose and exhale through your mouth focusing on your breath. If your mind wanders bring it back to your breath. As you take in the next breath on the exhale let go of any stress you may feel in your body or in your mind. Imagine placing that stress on a cloud and letting it float away. Count to nine on the exhale of your second breath. With each breath continue to focus on letting go of your stress as you count down to zero. I ask my patients: “How low is your fun quotient?” “When was the last time you had a mental health day and played?”
One of my favorite books that I use with many of my patients who have panic attacks is Mastery of your Anxiety and Panic. David Barlow, Ph.D. & Michelle Craske, Ph.D. (Amazon). This workbook can be used alone or with the help of a cognitive-behavioral therapist.
Be Well!
Lawrence J. Schulte, Ph.D. C.Ht.
Ph.D. Clinical Health Psychology 1990-Present
Registered Hypnotherapist (2016-Present)
