13. Anxiety or Feeling of Impending Doom – The Emotional Marker of Angina
People suffering from angina might also experience anxiety or a feeling of impending doom. The body’s response to physical stress, such as the strain on the heart caused by angina, can trigger psychological stress responses.
Consequently, individuals might experience anxiety or a sense of dread that’s seemingly unrelated to their current situation. This symptom could be indicative of angina, especially if it coincides with other physical signs such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or sweating.
While anxiety is a complex condition with multiple triggers and manifestations, it’s critical not to overlook it as a potential symptom of angina. Anxiety tied to angina is often linked with physical symptoms, making it crucial to differentiate it from general anxiety. If you’re experiencing anxiety or a feeling of impending doom, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms indicative of angina, medical evaluation is warranted.
Furthermore, this heightened sense of anxiety or impending doom isn’t purely psychological; it can have physical ramifications too. Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and other bodily stress responses can exacerbate the strain on the heart, worsening angina symptoms. Thus, it’s crucial to manage such feelings effectively and seek medical advice to rule out any underlying cardiac conditions.
In summary, if you’re experiencing unexplained anxiety or a feeling of impending doom in combination with other symptoms on this list, don’t dismiss it. This could be your body’s way of signaling an issue with your heart health, potentially angina. By recognizing these signs and seeking medical attention, you can enable early diagnosis and timely treatment, significantly improving your prognosis. (13)
