This study assessed cardiac rate and rhythm by ambulatory monitoring in
23 patients with panic disorder or agoraphobia with panic attacks. The
patients had a higher than normal mean daily density of ventricular
premature complexes (VPCs), but complex ventricular arrhythmias were
uncommon. Heart rate was greater during panic intervals than during
asymptomatic periods. The prevalence of arrhythmias within symptomatic
intervals was similar during panic, partial panic, and anxiety and was
significantly higher than during asymptomatic intervals. However, most
panic episodes had no arrhythmias, and arrhythmias during panic intervals
were simple VPCs.Abstract Teaser