The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice / American Board of Family Practice
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J Am Board Fam Pract · Mar 2004
ReviewPanic plaques: panic disorder & coronary artery disease in patients with chest pain.
The purpose of this systematic review was to identify characteristics of the chest pain associated with the presence of panic disorder, to determine the strength of the association between panic disorder and coronary artery disease (CAD), and to determine the association between panic disorder and known cardiovascular risk factors. ⋯ Panic disorder and CAD are correlated in noncardiology settings, and recurrent panic attacks may actually cause CAD. Recognition of either condition should lead the family physician to consider the other, resulting in increased vigilance and possible screening.