Cardiophobia

/ˌkɑrdiəˈfoʊbiə/ noun

Definition

An irrational and persistent fear of heart disease, heart attacks, or having cardiac problems.

Etymology

From Greek 'kardia' (heart) + 'phobos' (fear). This phobia name was formalized in psychological terminology in the late 1800s to describe cardiac-specific anxiety.

Kelly Says

Ironically, the stress and anxiety from cardiophobia can actually harm the heart through the mind-body connection—people's fears about their hearts can literally trigger the heart problems they fear.

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