Anxiety or Heart Problems? Why Seniors Shouldn't Ignore the Overlap
.jpg)
Anxiety or heart problems have overlapping symptoms, especially for people in their senior years, such as a racing heart or chest pains. It can make it harder to distinguish between the two and diagnose the underlying cause.
That's why it's vital never to self-diagnose. There are also studies that highlight a link between the two, and anxiety symptoms could indicate the onset of heart problems, as this study indicates.
In this guide, we'll help you unravel the truth around your heart health and anxiety, when to take action, and how to take sensible preventative steps to help you live a long, healthy, and happy retirement in Dallas, TX.
Anxiety or Heart Problems: The Problem With Shared Symptoms
If you have ever tried to self-diagnose, you'll notice that there is often an overlap between symptoms in different diseases. That can sometimes make health worries more profound and harder to diagnose and treat.
That's the case with anxiety and heart problems, which share these symptoms:
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Racing heart or palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat
The reason for this overlap is that, when the mind feels anxious, it can trigger a stress response in the body that's physical, often concentrated on the heart and a faster heartbeat.
This overlap means you should always be cautious about health issues and avoid jumping to conclusions or ignoring symptoms. It's vital to seek heart health checks and a formal diagnosis from a medical professional.
Aging and Anxiety in Older Adults
As you age, mental health challenges like anxiety are more likely to manifest as physical symptoms in the body. That's because senior bodies tend to be more sensitive to hormone changes.
For example, if you have a rush of adrenaline, you're more likely to notice a pounding heart as you age.
These physical sensations, if you haven't experienced them before, can feel intense and alarming at first.The other factor to consider with seniors is that this stage of life can often bring about significant life changes that can be a trigger for anxiety, even if it's not an issue you have suffered with in your younger years.
Losing a spouse, moving home, or facing a new long-term health diagnosis are common triggers for anxiety.
Emotional Well-Being in Aging Adults
Sometimes, it isn't anxiety that triggers heart-related symptoms.
It is possible, especially in your senior years, to find that a heart condition is triggering an emotional response, including anxiety.For example, if you have chest pain because of a heart condition, experiencing that discomfort could leave you worried or even scared that you face a medical emergency, and that can trigger an emotional response and a rush of adrenaline that ends up worsening the symptoms.
It's important to seek some emotional support if you have been diagnosed with a heart condition. Having someone to talk to will help to reassure you. Meditation and breathing techniques can also help you manage symptoms like a racing heart and anxious thoughts.
Risk Factors in Seniors for Heart Conditions and Anxiety
There are certain risk factors that make you more prone to a heart condition, anxiety, or both. Being aware of these can help you take preventive steps to lower those risks.
Age is a major risk factor for chronic heart conditions, which is why routine medical checks are vital in your senior years. Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise also play a part. Incorporating a regular, low-impact exercise routine and eating a balanced diet that's low in processed food can reduce your risk of symptoms.
Some medications can have side effects that mimic heart problems, like palpitations and dizziness. When starting any new medication, it's crucial that you check the small print for all possible side effects.
FAQ
How Do I Know if I Have Heart Problems or Anxiety?
Don't rely on a symptom check before determining if what you are experiencing is a heart condition or anxiety. The only way to know for sure is to get a formal check from a medical professional. They can ask you questions to help narrow down the cause, such as the timing of these episodes.
Anxiety symptoms tend to happen after a period of stress and become more manageable with rest or relaxation, whereas heart conditions don't follow the same pattern.
A doctor can also carry out a range of physical assessments and scans to check for underlying heart issues to help determine the cause.
Can Heart Problems Be Misdiagnosed as Anxiety?
Yes, sometimes heart problems can be misdiagnosed, especially if you have a medical history of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, or if the symptoms are mild.
If you have a diagnosis of anxiety but fear you could have an underlying heart condition, keep a note of your symptoms and present that information to your doctor. Note times when these episodes happen, and whether or not techniques like meditation help relieve the symptoms.
It's also worth considering investing in a health watch that helps you track your heart rate.
Does Anxiety Make Heart Symptoms Worse?
If you already have a diagnosis of a heart condition, you might feel concerned that anxious episodes could worsen your symptoms. The truth is that anxiety can strengthen symptoms like a racing heart, and it can even impact your blood pressure.
If you have a heart condition, consider a low-impact exercise that helps improve mindfulness, such as meditation or yoga. If you are in a senior living community, speak to the team about mindfulness workshops or exercise classes on-site.
Senior Mental Health and Cardiovascular Wellness: Getting the Right Support in Dallas, TX
Anxiety or heart problems may or may not be linked, but to know for sure, it's vital to get a medical diagnosis. Never ignore symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or chest pain, especially in your senior years.
Feeling well in your older years means having the right support around you. Come and tour our senior living community, The Forum at Park Lane, to see if it's the right choice for you. With a wealth of on-site amenities like a fitness suite, salon, and landscaped gardens, you'll have everything you need for an enjoyable retirement where wellness comes first.