Anxiety disorders can affect heart: Doctors

“With increased usage of internet to know about every symptom an individual faces and then coming to a conclusion that they have some disorder, is quite a concern in triggering illness anxiety. Prevalence of disorders like anxiety, depression is increasing since the last decade with the changing, demanding work/home environments coupled with perceived societal expectations,” says Dr Vivian Kapil, psychiatrist,.

If an anxiety disorder is left untreated and chronic, it can cause consistent elevation of cortisol hormone levels in our body which can be a risk factor for blood pressure, heart diseases and stroke. Anxiety, if prolonging, can lead to Tachycardia, which is primarily the increase of an individual’s heartbeat. An increase in blood pressure can be experienced, which if chronic, can result in the weakening of the heart’s muscle, which in turn would lead to heart failure.

The adrenalin increase the heart rate, blood pressure and rate of breathing, but decrease blood flow to organs like stomach and intestine.

“The need to be socially accepted, the need to put up with latest trends and social media ‘challenges’, self-esteem issues, are a few reasons why youngsters are apprehensive. It is an unhealthy distraction,” says Dr Ajeet Arulkumar, senior cardiologist.

“Exercising, giving your body ample time to rest and ensuring you eat healthy is some of the common ways to tackle anxiety,” adds Dr Ajeet. Abstaining from unhealthy diet can also help.