Managing dual health concerns: Guiding safe medication for anxiety and heart problems
Anxiety is a significant health concern that can have far-reaching effects, particularly when it comes to heart disease. Research indicates a strong link between anxiety disorders and cardiovascular disease (CVD), with anxiety leading to increased inflammation, elevated stress hormones, and potential damage to blood vessel linings [1][4][5].
In the quest for safe and effective treatments for anxiety in individuals with heart disease, several medications are considered suitable options.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram (Lexapro), are commonly prescribed due to their relatively safe cardiovascular profile. They do not significantly increase heart rate or blood pressure [2].
Buspirone, an anti-anxiety medication, typically has minimal cardiac side effects.
Certain benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and alprazolam (Xanax), can be used short-term for severe anxiety but should be monitored carefully due to potential risks and interactions [2].
However, it's crucial to note that some anti-anxiety drugs may elevate blood pressure or have arrhythmogenic potential. As such, patients with heart disease should be managed by physicians who consider both conditions simultaneously to optimize therapy and monitor for adverse effects.
When it comes to benzodiazepines, possible side effects include depression, confusion, impaired thinking and memory loss, mood changes, headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, changes to speech, changes to vision, impaired coordination, dizziness, tremors, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation [2].
In managing anxiety and heart disease together, non-pharmacological approaches such as stress reduction techniques and lifestyle modifications are also important, as anxiety symptoms themselves can exacerbate cardiac symptoms like palpitations [3].
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends learning the signs of anxiety and heart disease, talking with a healthcare professional about possible risks, understanding family history or genetics, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding or quitting smoking, learning coping strategies to manage stress, and more for managing anxiety or other mental health conditions alongside heart disease [6].
References:
[1] Anxiety and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of the Evidence. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6108351/
[2] Anxiety and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4639287/
[3] Anxiety and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of the Evidence. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5617668/
[4] Anxiety and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5196075/
[5] Anxiety and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4207152/
[6] Anxiety and Depression Among Adults With Heart Disease or Stroke — United States, 2013–2016. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6707a2.htm
In the context of individuals dealing with both anxiety and heart disease, science has recognized the significant link between anxiety disorders and coronary artery disease, leading to an increased focus on mental-health-and-wellness as a facet of overall health-and-wellness [1][4][5]. Considering the cardiovascular implications of various medications, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Buspirone are often proposed as suitably less risky options for managing anxiety in patients with heart disease [2].
