Panic Disorder and Non-Cardiac Chest Pain: A Brief Review

Factors associated with pain level in non-cardiac chest pain patients with comorbid panic disorder

BACKGROUND Panic disorder (PD) is highly prevalent in patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). This study aims to explore the role of psychological factors (PD intensity, anxiety sensitivity, heart-related fear, attention and avoidance) common to NCCP and PD in predicting chest pain levels in patients with both conditions. METHODS This association was investigated in emergency department ...

Panic disorder in the emergency department chest pain population

Unexplained (non-cardiac) chest pain.

Non-cardiac chest pain is considered to be central chest pain that resembles angina yet, after appropriate investigation, its cause appears unrelated to the heart. The problem is common: one in four of the population have at least one episode over the course of a year and patients with chest pain account for about 5% of all presentations to primary care physicians and emergency departments.1 Ev...

Non-Cardiac Chest Pain Comments

What is Non-Cardiac Chest Pain? Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a term used to describe chest pain that resembles heart pain (also called angina) in patients who do not have heart disease. The pain typically is felt behind the breast bone (sternum) and is described as oppressive, squeezing or pressure-like. It may radiate to the neck, left arm or the back (the spine). It may be precipitated by...

Chest pain and its importance in patients with panic disorder: an updated literature review.

CONTEXT Chest pain is a common symptom in primary care settings, associated with considerable morbidity and health care utilization. Failure to recognize panic disorder as the source of chest pain leads to increased health care costs and inappropriate management. OBJECTIVE To identify characteristics of the chest pain associated with the presence of panic disorder, review the consequences and...