Psychological stress is recognized as a contributing factor in atrial fibrillation (AFib), both in initiation and heightening of AFib. The diagnosis of AFib is often associated with increased anxiety, psychological distress and suicidal ideation.
Feeling angry or stressed about work may make AFib. Having anxiety increases the risk of AFib.
But if the question is whether or not anxiety can cause a heart arrhythmia, the answer is yes - and it's surprisingly common. So common, in fact, that the vast majority of heart arrhythmias are considered harmless when they are linked to anxiety or stress.
Studies have shown that having depression and anxiety increases your risk of developing AFib, independent of other factors. Furthermore, a Danish study found participants who took antidepressants had a three times higher risk of developing AFib.
Avoid saturated fat, trans fat, and salt to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This will also protect your blood vessels. Limit caffeine. Watch how much soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate you have.
Studies suggest that the high levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure. These are common risk factors for heart disease. This stress can also cause changes that promote the buildup of plaque deposits in the arteries.
During emotional stress there is lateralization of cerebral activity. This leads to asymmetrical stimulation of the heart, producing areas of inhomogeneous repolarization, creating electrical instability. This in turn facilitates the development of cardiac arrhythmias.
The pattern or rhythm of a heart beat can also tell you what's going on: a panic attack typically brings a constant rapid heart rate, while AFib causes an erratic heart rate. If your heart seems to be skipping beats, or speeding up then slowing down and speeding up again, it's more likely that AFib is to blame.
paroxysmal atrial fibrillation – episodes come and go, and usually stop within 48 hours without any treatment. persistent atrial fibrillation – each episode lasts for longer than 7 days (or less when it's treated) permanent atrial fibrillation – when it's present all the time.
Obesity also can cause obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes, both of which independently increase risk of afib. The good news is that for people who are overweight or obese, just a 10% reduction in weight seems to improve symptoms related to afib.
1. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can come on randomly and suddenly, with symptoms lasting hours or sometimes just minutes. It doesn't last more than a week and the episodes usually end on their own.
The lack of blood supply can cause dizzy spells or lightheadedness. Afib dizziness may be mild or severe, and may cause nausea or vomiting. Severe episodes can even lead to temporary loss of consciousness, known as fainting or syncope. If you feel dizzy or faint, sit or lie down.
If you notice that your AFib episodes happen more often, last longer, or your medication doesn't help as much, your condition is probably getting worse. As AFib progresses, you might notice some signs. You might feel more weak, tired, lightheaded, and anxious about the condition.
People may experience symptoms such as palpitations (a noticeably rapid, strong or irregular heart beat), dizziness, breathlessness and tiredness. Sometimes people have no symptoms at all.
About atrial fibrillation
A normal heart rate, when you are resting, should be between 60 and 100 beats a minute. In atrial fibrillation, it may be over 140 beats a minute.
Not necessarily. Some people have AFib all the time while others might have it only on occasion. Some people with AFib have symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness or light-headedness. Other people with AFib have no symptoms at all.
A noticeable rapid or slow heartbeat, worse-than-normal tiredness or an inability to complete a regular exercise routine should lead to a referral to a cardiac specialist and treatment if AFib is diagnosed.
Types of Afib
Paroxysmal: temporary episodes that come and go. They start suddenly and then the heart returns to a normal beat on its own without medical assistance, usually within 24 hours. Persistent: episodes that last longer than seven days. Usually treatment is needed to return the heart to a normal rhythm.
Heart Palpitations and Anxiety. Heart palpitations due to anxiety feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, pounding or skipping a beat. Your heartbeat can increase in response to specific stressful situations. You may also have palpitations due to an anxiety disorder (excessive or persistent worry).
“When stress hormones are elevated, your blood pressure may rise and you may feel heart palpitations, a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, or even chest pain. In extreme cases, stress can also cause the heart to temporarily weaken, a condition called stress-induced cardiomyopathy.”
When you experience depression, anxiety or stress your heart rate and blood pressure rise, there's reduced blood flow to the heart and your body produces higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Over time, these effects can lead to heart disease.