Anxiety’s Hidden Threats to Health and Longevity

Anxiety is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. While we often talk about how it affects our mental health, it can also have a big impact on our physical health and how long we live. Recent research has shown that anxiety can affect our “healthspan” – the length of time we live in good health – as well as our lifespan.

We will explore the link between anxiety, healthspan, and longevity, and gives some tips on how to manage anxiety and improve overall health.

Anxiety is a natural human emotion characterized by feelings of unease, worry, or fear, which can vary in intensity. While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, such as facing challenges at work or making important decisions, chronic anxiety can have detrimental consequences on our overall well-being.¹ Kessler RC, Berglund P, Demler O, Jin R, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;62(6):593-602. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593. Erratum in: Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Jul;62(7):768. Merikangas, Kathleen R [added]. PMID: 15939837.PubMed Source

Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable anxiety and worry.²Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;62(6):617-27. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.617. Erratum in: Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Jul;62(7):709. Merikangas, Kathleen R [added]. PMID: 15939839; PMCID: PMC2847357. PubMed Source Anxiety disorders can interfere with daily activities, negatively impacting relationships, work, and other aspects of life. Understanding the nature of anxiety and its potential consequences is crucial for managing its impact on our health and life expectancy.

• Genetic factors. A family history of anxiety disorders or other mental health conditions may increase the likelihood of developing anxiety.³ Hettema JM, Neale MC, Kendler KS. A review and meta-analysis of the genetic epidemiology of anxiety disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 2001 Oct;158(10):1568-78. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.158.10.1568. PMID: 11578982. PubMed Source
• Gender. Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders, possibly due to hormonal fluctuations and differences in brain chemistry.⁴ McLean CP, Asnaani A, Litz BT, Hofmann SG. Gender differences in anxiety disorders: prevalence, course of illness, comorbidity and burden of illness. J Psychiatr Res. 2011 Aug;45(8):1027-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.03.006. Epub 2011 Mar 25. PMID: 21439576; PMCID: PMC3135672. PubMed Source
• Traumatic experiences. Experiencing traumatic events, such as accidents, violence, or abuse, can trigger anxiety disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).⁵ Brewin CR, Andrews B, Valentine JD. Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in trauma-exposed adults. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2000 Oct;68(5):748-66. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.68.5.748. PMID: 11068961. PubMed Source
• Substance abuse. The use of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can contribute to the onset of anxiety disorders or exacerbate existing anxiety symptoms.⁶ Conway KP, Compton W, Stinson FS, Grant BF. Lifetime comorbidity of DSM-IV mood and anxiety disorders and specific drug use disorders: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. J Clin Psychiatry. 2006 Feb;67(2):247-57. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v67n0211. PMID: 16566620. PubMed Source
• Personal traits. Some temperament traits, such as being shy, introverted, or sensitive to stress, can predispose individuals to anxiety.⁷ Kagan J, Reznick JS, Snidman N. Biological bases of childhood shyness. Science. 1988 Apr 8;240(4849):167-71. doi: 10.1126/science.3353713. PMID: 3353713.PubMed Source
• Chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic pain).⁸ Scott KM, Bruffaerts R, Tsang A, Ormel J, Alonso J, Angermeyer MC, Benjet C, Bromet E, de Girolamo G, de Graaf R, Gasquet I, Gureje O, Haro JM, He Y, Kessler RC, Levinson D, Mneimneh ZN, Oakley Browne MA, Posada-Villa J, Stein DJ, Takeshima T, Von Korff M. Depression-anxiety relationships with chronic physical conditions: results from the World Mental Health Surveys. J Affect Disord. 2007 Nov;103(1-3):113-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2007.01.015. Epub 2007 Feb 9. PMID: 17292480. PubMed Source

The main symptoms of anxiety include emotional and physical components:

• Persistent, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations, often disproportionate to the actual event or circumstance.
• Fear or apprehension. A sense of impending doom or danger, even when there is no clear threat present.
• Irritability. Feeling easily annoyed or agitated, which may lead to conflicts with others.
• Restlessness. A constant state of tension or an inability to relax, is often accompanied by a feeling of being “on edge.”
• Difficulty concentrating. Struggling to focus on tasks, or experiencing racing thoughts that make it difficult to stay on track.
• Sleep disturbances. Insomnia, nightmares, or waking up frequently during the night.

• Fatigue. Persistent tiredness, even after adequate rest or sleep.
• Muscle tension. Chronic stiffness or discomfort in muscles, often in the neck, shoulders, or back.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat. Feeling like your heart is pounding, racing, or skipping beats.
• Sweating. Excessive perspiration, even in cool environments or without physical exertion.
• Trembling or shaking. The involuntary quivering of the body or limbs, typically due to nervousness.
• Shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing or catching breath.
• Gastrointestinal problems. Anxiety may contribute to stomachaches, nausea, or other gastrointestinal issues.
• Panic attacks. In some cases, people with anxiety disorders may experience sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort, known as panic attacks.

Prolonged anxiety has been linked to an increased risk of developing heart-related issues, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks.⁹ Kubzansky LD, Kawachi I. Going to the heart of the matter: do negative emotions cause coronary heart disease? J Psychosom Res. 2000 Apr-May;48(4-5):323-37. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3999(99)00091-4. PMID: 10880655. PubMed Source The stress hormones released during periods of anxiety can cause strain on the heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to long-term damage.

Anxiety can weaken our body’s ability to defend against illnesses by suppressing the immune system.¹⁰ Segerstrom SC, Miller GE. Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychol Bull. 2004 Jul;130(4):601-30. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601. PMID: 15250815; PMCID: PMC1361287. PubMed Source This makes people with anxiety more susceptible to infections, autoimmune disorders, and other health problems, ultimately reducing their healthspan.

Anxiety can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and stomachaches.¹¹ Mayer EA, Naliboff BD, Chang L. Basic pathophysiologic mechanisms in irritable bowel syndrome. Dig Dis. 2001;19(3):212-8. doi: 10.1159/000050682. PMID: 11752839. PubMed Source These digestive problems can negatively impact overall health and well-being.

Anxiety can shorten a person’s lifespan indirectly through the mechanisms explained above. And there is a more direct link as well. Studies have demonstrated that chronic anxiety can reduce life expectancy.¹³ Meier SM, Mattheisen M, Mors O, Mortensen PB, Laursen TM, Penninx BW. Increased mortality among people with anxiety disorders: total population study. Br J Psychiatry. 2016 Sep;209(3):216-21. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.115.171975. Epub 2016 Jul 7. PMID: 27388572; PMCID: PMC5082973. PubMed Source In fact, people with anxiety disorder have a significantly higher risk of dying prematurely compared to their peers without underlying mental illness. This is because constant stress and worry can take a toll on physical and mental health, ultimately affecting longevity.

Moreover, according to preliminary studies,¹⁴Anxiety and depression linked to accelerated ageing of the body Source people with mental health disorders exhibit blood markers that indicate they are approximately two years older than their true age.

1. Exercise. Regular physical activity helps relieve stress and improve mood.¹⁵ Aylett E, Small N, Bower P. Exercise in the treatment of clinical anxiety in general practice – a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Health Serv Res. 2018 Jul 16;18(1):559. doi: 10.1186/s12913-018-3313-5. PMID: 30012142; PMCID: PMC6048763.PubMed Source
2. Deep breathing exercises. Practicing slow, controlled breathing can help regulate anxiety.¹⁶ Hopper SI, Murray SL, Ferrara LR, Singleton JK. Effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing for reducing physiological and psychological stress in adults: a quantitative systematic review. JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep. 2019 Sep;17(9):1855-1876. doi: 10.11124/JBISRIR-2017-003848. PMID: 31436595. PubMed Source
3. Mindfulness and yoga. Yoga and mindfulness can be highly effective in managing anxiety by promoting relaxation, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering emotional resilience. Here’s how these practices can help.¹⁷ La Torre G, Raffone A, Peruzzo M, Calabrese L, Cocchiara RA, D’Egidio V, Leggieri PF, Dorelli B, Zaffina S, Mannocci A, Yomin Collaborative Group. Yoga and Mindfulness as a Tool for Influencing Affectivity, Anxiety, Mental Health, and Stress among Healthcare Workers: Results of a Single-Arm Clinical Trial. J Clin Med. 2020 Apr 7;9(4):1037. doi: 10.3390/jcm9041037. PMID: 32272758; PMCID: PMC7230658. PubMed Source
4. Social support. Engaging with friends, family, or a therapist can alleviate feelings of anxiety.¹⁸ Ozbay F, Johnson DC, Dimoulas E, Morgan CA, Charney D, Southwick S. Social support and resilience to stress: from neurobiology to clinical practice. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2007 May;4(5):35-40. PMID: 20806028; PMCID: PMC2921311.PubMed Source In fact, having strong and meaningful connections with other matter a lot for life expectancy.
5. Medications. Medications, called anxiolytics, can be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and are frequently prescribed alongside other treatments. Some of them can be addictive and are typically prescribed for short-term use.

Anxiety has a significant impact on both our healthspan and longevity affecting cardiovascular, immune, digestive, and cognitive functions. By recognizing anxiety and applying strategies for managing it, we can improve our health, boost the overall quality of life and enhance longevity.