Question and Answer

Many patients begin their treatment journey with cardiologists, undergoing electrocardiograms and echocardiograms, only to eventually discover that the problem is psychological. Many believe that mental health issues do not cause pain, but in reality, during a panic attack, for example, the body activates its emergency response system. Although there is no real danger, the brain behaves as if life is at risk. During a panic attack, the nervous system stimulates the release of stress hormones, leading to a rapid heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. Patients experience these symptoms as if they were suffering from a serious organic disease, often accompanied by chest pain or tingling, or a racing heart.

Doctors point out a common mistake some people make when experiencing a panic attack accompanied by chest or heart pain: they try to convince themselves that the pain is merely imaginary. They emphasize that a panic attack is not a figment of the imagination; all symptoms are real, but the cause lies in the nervous system, not the heart.

Excessive fear of these attacks should be avoided, as it exacerbates symptoms and triggers new episodes. It is advisable to avoid crowded places, reduce stress, and stay away from anxiety-provoking situations. Doctors also note that panic attacks are successfully treatable, and the greatest danger is not the attack itself, but the years a person spends fearing its recurrence. Many individuals delay seeking help from a psychiatrist because they believe their symptoms stem from a heart condition.

Ultimately, when told that their heart is healthy, patients often feel confused rather than relieved, because they genuinely felt they were dying. A healthy heart does not mean the problem is imaginary; it means that help should be sought from a psychiatrist.

Source: mail.ru