Is Anxiety Life-Threatening? 8 Facts You Need To Know

Anxious and scared eyes - anxiety disorders and mortality rates
Credit: Duane Beckett

Can anxiety be life-threatening? The answer isn’t simple. Studies show that anxiety disorders have a small link to a higher risk of death overall, but it depends on the type of anxiety, your health, and if depression is a factor (links to these studies are included throughout). 

This is a topic close to home for me. I’ve lived with a variety of anxiety disorders, and have recently had other health issues which, based on the facts I found across numerous studies, may be related. Thus, making this all very important to me, as it might be to you. 

In this article, I’ll walk through eight facts about anxiety and mortality, from what the studies say to how different types of anxiety may affect your health. 

Important: To ensure facts are accurate, this article has been reviewed by a medical practitioner.

1. A slightly higher risk of death

Mother and daughter planting a tree
Credit: Duane Beckett

2. Differences across anxiety disorder types

Scared face, reaction to a phobia
Credit: Duane Beckett

3. Chronic Anxiety and Premature Death Risk

Chronic anxiety returning across faces with expression
Credit: Duane Beckett

4. Anxiety and Long-Term Mortality in Cardiac Arrest Survivors

Peaceful walk after heart attack
Credit: Duane Beckett

5. Anxiety and Its Impact on Heart Health

Anxiety on heart health
Credit: Duane Beckett

6. Anxiety and Cardiovascular Mortality

Severe panic attack
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7. Severe Anxiety and Increased Mortality Risk

Severe anxiety disorders - The Faces of Anxiety
Credit: Duane Beckett

8. The Role of Depression in Anxiety’s Effect on Mortality

Alone, looking up in hope.
Credit: Duane Beckett