Managing Anxiety and Cardiovascular Problems: A Guide to Safe Concurrent Medication Usage
Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder, have been found to significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults, particularly in those with coronary artery disease (CAD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CAD is the most common type of CVD in the United States and Canada.
Research suggests that the link between anxiety and CAD can be attributed to various factors, including increased inflammation, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, poor health behaviors, reduced likelihood of attending cardiac rehabilitation programs, and taking heart medications. These conditions can lead to plaque instability, thrombosis, and an increased incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart failure and heart attacks.
When it comes to treating anxiety in people with heart conditions, care must be taken to avoid medications that adversely affect heart function or interact with cardiovascular medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally preferred for anxiety in patients with heart disease due to their relatively safe cardiovascular profile when used appropriately. However, some anti-anxiety drugs can rarely cause elevated blood pressure, so monitoring is essential.
Benzodiazepines, while they may provide short-term relief for anxiety, have sedative effects and potential respiratory or cardiac depressive risks in vulnerable patients. As such, their use should be carefully considered and monitored.
It's important to note that medications such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants can have side effects, and people will need to discuss any medications and possible side effects with their doctor. For instance, benzodiazepines may increase the risk of rehospitalization in people with heart failure and insomnia compared to treatment with nonbenzodiazepines. Antidepressants may come with risks, including the possibility of suicidal thoughts or behavior, particularly in young people.
In people with stable CAD, anxiety may increase the risk of serious cardiac events, including heart attack, cardiac arrest, and cardiac death. However, there are safe and effective treatment options available. For example, Escitalopram (Lexapro), an SSRI, has been found to be safe and effective in reducing anxiety in people with anxiety and stable coronary heart disease.
In conclusion, the treatment of anxiety in heart patients requires collaboration between cardiologists and mental health providers to choose anxiolytics with minimal cardiovascular side effects and adjust doses carefully, alongside non-pharmacologic stress management strategies. If you are experiencing anxiety and have a heart condition, it's crucial to discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider to ensure your safety and well-being.
Science and health-and-wellness are intertwined, as research indicates that anxiety disorders can exacerbate coronary artery disease (CAD), a common type of cardiovascular disease (CVD). To manage anxiety in patients with heart conditions, mental health professionals and cardiologists must work together to choose anxiolytics with minimal cardiovascular side effects, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), like Escitalopram (Lexapro).
