Recognizing panic in cardiac patients.
Patients presenting with apparent myocardial infarctions may in fact be suffering from panic attacks; many symptoms of the latter mimic those of the former. Cardiovascular nurses who know what to listen for in patients' descriptions can recognize indications that panic may be occurring. This article describes panic attacks, panic disorder, and the long-term consequences that often accrue when this highly treatable problem is not recognized. Particularly when no evidence of myocardial damage is found, a cardiovascular nurse's recognition of panic can lead to a referral for appropriate psychological treatment, preventing years of needless suffering and unnecessary health care costs.
Davis
T
T
Sharpe
S
S
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology