In the end, anxiety can even save your life.

When we talk about anxiety, we usually think of negative feelings, frustrations, fears, uncertainties, etc. Over time, if left untreated, it can develop into a Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which also reflects on your physical health and can lead to reflux, hypo or hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, irritation, extreme fatigue and difficulty concentration.

But with so many bad factors, how can anxiety save your life? Usually, sufferers of GAD tend to be more aware of changes in the body. These people seek medical help faster if they notice any unusual symptoms for their anxiety. In cases of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, early care is essential to prevent death.

German researchers published in Clinical Research in Cardiology the results of a study of 619 patients with this type of infarction. Of this total, 71 patients were diagnosed with GAD. Women with this disorder used to look for a hospital within 112 minutes of noticing a strange symptom. But women without GAD took an average of 238 minutes - more than double!

Although anxiety is generally associated with heart risks, it can make people more aware of any slight change in symptoms. And in cases of acute myocardial infarction, the shorter the duration of care, the better for the patient - both in terms of survival and living without sequelae.

Another common detail among GAD patients is the feeling - almost irrational - that something imminent is about to happen. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, such as acute chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath, they rush to an emergency room where they can reverse the infarction. While living with GAD is very uncomfortable, at least the disorder can be a greater guarantee of long life.