Can constant heavy anxiety attacks cause heart damage/heart attacks?

[jwhitleyjr]

I am working on my triggers, which feel like sudden fear and my chest becomes tight. It is just something that scares me.

[Hidden]

Try not to be afraid, jwhitleyjr, tall order, I understand.

Panic attacks may feel terrifying at the time, but they are not in any way dangerous. They are just a release of built-up energy and adrenalin surging through your body and it is this release of energy and adrenalin that is the cause of all the symptoms you experience.

[jwhitleyjr in reply to Hidden]

I understand and not to conflict you. I am not having an intrusive thought.

Not to sound offensive it's a real life situation where at work, I recently started to work in the pharmacy area and the area of being around people who might be positive with COVID is just seriously scaring me.

[Hidden in reply to jwhitleyjr]

Absolutely no offense, taken, at all. I now understand where you are coming from, sorry for my misinterpretation of your post.

Of course you are scared, this is a given. 💗

[jwhitleyjr in reply to Hidden]

So fear and anxiety are two different things? So feeling spooked often will hurt me?

[Hidden]

Well, I think they are different, yet I believe that fear can cause anxiety if it is prolonged.

Anxiety is a generalized response to an unknown threat or internal conflict, whereas fear is focused on known external danger. You know that you are in a position to be exposed to Covid, so this causes fear. Your job requires you to be there, so it can set you up for anxiety. I hope this makes some sense, in my mind it does. However, it is your own perspective that matters. Have you discussed this with your employer?

[jwhitleyjr in reply to Hidden]

Yes and they believe that everyone is going through the same thing and it's not easy. We have to adapt to it.

I am just worried about my blood pressure constantly going up on a daily basis.

[b1b1b1 in reply to jwhitleyjr]

I can understand your fear. Wear a very good quality mask that fits tightly. They are unfortunately not the most comfortable, but are protective. If your anxiety does not subside it may be worth looking for a job with less customer contact.

[jwhitleyjr in reply to b1b1b1]

I hear you.