Cardiac Health Anxiety
Dimension 179 of 1,100 · Health Lens
Cardiac Health Anxiety measures fearful interpretation of heart- and chest-related bodily sensations as signs of serious medical danger. It encompasses vigilance to heartbeat and breathing sensations, worry about cardiac events, and reassurance-seeking or avoidance triggered by these sensations.
Minimal Cardiac Health Anxiety
Expressions activating this band show little sustained cardiac threat meaning attached to bodily arousal, with isolated mention of sweating, shaking, tension, or breath control rather than clear fear of heart-related danger.
Mild Cardiac Health Anxiety
Expressions activating this band interpret bodily sensations such as throat tightness, dizziness, breathing difficulty, or pain as potentially dangerous and frightening. Concern centers on the possibility that physical symptoms signal serious harm.
Moderate Cardiac Health Anxiety
Expressions activating this band focus on heartbeat sensations, chest discomfort, and pounding or rapid heart activity as salient and worrisome experiences. Attention is drawn to cardiac sensations themselves, often with concern that they reflect heart trouble.
High Cardiac Health Anxiety
Expressions activating this band show clear fear of rapid heartbeat and chest tightness, with worry triggered by exertion and avoidance of activities that increase heart rate. Cardiac sensations are experienced as alarming and behaviorally restricting.
Severe Cardiac Health Anxiety
Expressions activating this band portray chest pain, palpitations, irregular beating, and fast heart rate as signs of imminent cardiac catastrophe such as a heart attack or inability to breathe. Reassurance remains difficult to accept, and expressions often include checking, telling others, or seeking medical evaluation.