It was found that people under 50 with panic disorders have a higher risk of subsequent heart attacks. Researchers from the University College London said panic disorders might trigger nervous system changes which could help clog arteries. Lead researcher Kate Walters said, “The symptoms of panic attacks can closely mimic those of a heart attack or acute cardiac disease, and it seems that there may be a complex relationship between them.”

The study was based on more than 400,000 British people of all ages, in which 57,615 people were diagnosed with panic disorders and other were without any disorder. It was found that 38% of people under 50s with panic disorder were more likely to have a heart attack and 44% more likely to develop heart disease compared with those without the condition. It was also found that although people with panic disorder were more likely to have heart attacks/ disease, they were less likely to die from the condition.

A spokesman said: “There may be many reasons why this association was found. For example people who suffer from panic disorders may be more likely to smoke, or drink too much alcohol to help them relax. Having an unhealthy lifestyle is one of the biggest risks to developing heart disease, whether you have panic attacks or not.”