Cardiac Neurosis: The Psychological Impact of Self-Perceived Heart Disease

Introduction Cardiac neurosis, also termed cardiophobia or heart anxiety, is characterized by persistent fear and misinterpretation of normal cardiac sensations as symptoms of heart disease, despite the absence of clinical evidence. This psychosomatic condition is associated with significant anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints, often leading to unnecessary medical consultations. The current study explored the psychological impact of self-perceived heart disease, emphasizing the relationship between cardiac-focused anxiety, generalized anxiety, and lifestyle disruptions in individuals without a verified cardiac diagnosis. Methods A cross-sectional, quantitative study design was employed with 100 adults aged 45 and above who reported concerns about heart health. Data were collected using standardized tools such as the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and SF-36 Health Survey. Participants completed a structured questionnaire via Google Forms. Analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), utilizing correlation, ANOVA, and independent t-tests, with p-values <0.05 considered significant. Results The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between generalized anxiety and cardiac anxiety (r = 0.595, p < 0.001), as well as between cardiac anxiety and physical health-related role limitations (r = 0.555, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that individuals with higher anxiety are more likely to perceive physical constraints associated with heart-related symptoms. The age-wise comparison revealed that participants aged 76 and above reported the highest levels of generalized anxiety (M = 16.11, SD = 4.83) and cardiac anxiety (M = 45.22, SD = 6.36), both with statistically significant group differences (F(3,96) = 7.48, p < 0.05; F(3,96) = 7.21, p < 0.05 respectively). Marital status also showed a notable effect: divorced individuals exhibited significantly higher generalized anxiety (M = 14.81, SD = 4.83) than single or married individuals (F(2,97) = 12.94, p < 0.05), along with elevated cardiac anxiety levels. These results collectively underscore the role of age and psychosocial context in shaping anxiety related to perceived heart health. Conclusion Cardiac neurosis is associated with a substantial psychological burden, including heightened anxiety, poor health perception, and reduced functionality. Despite the absence of cardiac pathology, individuals experience distress comparable to clinical cardiac patients. Early psychological screening and integrated mental health care are essential for effective management.