Heart-related anxiety symptoms, including rapid heartbeats: Underlying reasons, medical solutions, and preventive measures
Stressful situations can induce mental and bodily reactions known as anxiety, leading to symptoms like rapid heartbeats. During an anxiety attack, an individual might feel their heart is racing or throbbing, which is commonly observed in cases of panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), this heart pounding issue is a significant symptom of panic attacks.
Anxiety and Heart Pounding
Anxiety serves as a natural response to stress. It acts as a mechanism that the body uses to stay alert during challenging circumstances. However, in the case of anxiety disorders, the body is overly sensitive to stress, and an individual may experience constant fear or dread, or even sudden, unexpected attacks of anxiety.
Anxiety triggers the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is an involuntary reaction that works subconsciously to regulate functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion.
The ANS comprises two main parts, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, which controls the body's reaction to perceived stressful or dangerous situations. During these times, bodily functions like digestion momentarily pause while heart rate and blood pressure increase.
The parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the rest-and-digest system, maintains regular bodily functions like digestion when a person is at rest. Post a fight-or-flight response, the parasympathetic system decreases heart rate and blood pressure to restore balance.
The parasympathetic and sympathetic systems work in tandem to maintain homeostasis or a balanced body state.
Individual Response
The specific triggers and reactions to anxiety disorders depend on individual experiences and the type of anxiety disorder an individual has.
According to NAMI, examples of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Phobias
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Agoraphobia
For instance, individuals with social anxiety disorder may experience more psychological responses, such as intense worrying and irrational thoughts. On the other hand, panic disorder may cause more physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations.
Other Symptoms of Anxiety
Different types of anxiety disorders may display different symptoms, depending on the individual and the particular anxiety they are experiencing. However, all types of anxiety share various key symptoms.
Emotional symptoms include feelings of:
Anxiety palpitations
- Anticipation
- Tension
- Irritability
- Dread
Physical symptoms include:
- A headache
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Disturbed stomach functions
- Heart palpitations
Diagnosing Anxiety Palpitations
A-fib palpitations
Heart palpitations, often a result of anxiety, may not always warrant significant concern, provided the individual recognizes the trigger and the palpitations cease when the anxiety subsides.
An article in the American Family Physician journal suggests that palpitations due to anxiety are more common among individuals experiencing high levels of daily irritation and those sensitive to bodily sensations.
Doctors diagnose heart palpitations under 5 main categories, including:
- Cardiac arrhythmias, such as bradycardia
- Psychiatric, linked to anxiety disorders and panic attacks
- Drugs and medication
- Nonarrhythmic cardiac causes, such as valvular disease
- Extracardiac causes, stemming from outside the heart
To diagnose anxiety palpitations, a doctor will initiate the process by administering a screening questionnaire, which aids in identifying individuals likely to manifest palpitations due to anxiety. Those who display a high score will undergo closer monitoring.
A doctor may utilize a Holter monitor or a transtelephonic event monitor for further assessments.
A doctor could deploy a Holter monitor if an individual experiences palpitations on a day-to-day basis, as it is a simple ECG device that continuously monitors a person's heartbeat for extended periods of 24 to 48 hours.
Unlike the Holter monitor, transtelephonic event monitors are smaller in size and do not require prolonged usage. These devices remain continuous but operate manually, and some types require the individual to press a button when experiencing palpitations.
People with anxiety are of their heartbeats, so they panic more
The results from these tests should exclude all potential causes before diagnosing anxiety-induced heart palpitations.
Treatment
Once a doctor establishes that an anxiety disorder triggers heart palpitations, they may recommend consulting a therapist for treatment.
A doctor will tailor the treatment plan to meet the individual's preferences, and options might include:
A person with A-fib may be less aware of their heartbeats before palpitations begin
- Psychotherapy
- Medicine
- Complementary approaches
The treatment plan may incorporate several strategies to tackle symptoms of anxiety, including heart palpitations.
Psychotherapy
A therapist may assist an individual in identifying the reasons behind their anxiety attacks and offer strategies to cope with them. Exposure-response prevention is a specific form of psychotherapy focused on reducing attacks by fostering a positive response to triggers. This approach gradually exposes individuals to their fears to help them establish coping mechanisms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another form of therapy targeting a person's thought patterns, such as those contributing to their anxiety.
Medication
Medications can help administer treatment for anxiety disorders, and a doctor may prescribe suitable medication based on the individual's needs. Some medications are designed specifically to treat anxiety, while others like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may also be prescribed.
If your medication isn't working effectively or is causing unwanted side effects, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional.
Anxiety palpitations are gradual
Alternative strategies
There are several home-based methods that can help reduce anxiety levels.
NAMI recommends self-management as a method to control anxiety. This technique involves gaining knowledge about the condition and setting aside some time daily to focus on managing it.
Activities like yoga or other relaxation techniques can aid in calming the mind. Cardio exercises, such as running, can also help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Palpitations are sharp and intense
Despite their benefits, these techniques may not always be feasible or applicable. In such cases, seeking advice from a healthcare provider to explore treatment options is essential.
Anxiety or heart rhythm disorder?
According to medical reports, a condition known as atrial fibrillation (A-fib) can cause symptoms similar to anxiety palpitations. This irregular heartbeat can increase the risk of a stroke.
A-fib symptoms can mimic anxiety palpitations, with the heartbeat becoming rapid and causing chest pain.
The following table outlines the main distinctions between these symptoms:
| | || --- | --- || Anxiety palpitations | A-fib palpitations || Individuals with anxiety often focus on their heartbeats, leading to increased panic | A person with A-fib may be less attuned to their heartbeats before palpitations start || Anxiety palpitations manifest gradually | Palpitations are sharp and intense || consistent heartbeat | The heartbeat varies, losing rhythm |
Other factors that can cause palpitations
Studies suggest that anxiety is not the sole cause of heart palpitations. Other factors that may cause a change in heart rate include:
Racing heart maintains rhythm
- lifestyle habits
- a fever
- anemia
- medication
- hormonal changes
- heart issues
In the initial stages, a doctor will examine whether a cardiac issue is responsible for the palpitations.
For more information on heart attack symptoms, click here.
When to consult a doctor
The heartbeat , losing rhythm
Anyone experiencing heart palpitations should consult a medical professional immediately to initiate early treatment.
Seek medical attention urgently if palpitations:
- occur frequently
- persist for a prolonged period
- have no identified cause or trigger
Prognosis
Most individuals with anxiety disorders develop symptoms before the age of 21, although late-onset anxiety is also possible. Once treatment begins, palpitations should begin to diminish. If not, additional treatment options should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Prevention
While it is impossible to completely prevent anxiety with palpitations, the severity can be reduced by identifying triggers for attacks and developing coping mechanisms.
Establishing the cause of palpitations is essential to rule out any underlying serious conditions.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders affect 19.1% of adults in the United States, making it the most prevalent mental health issue.
Some forms of anxiety involve more physical symptoms, while others are predominantly psychological. Heart palpitations are a common symptom in panic disorder.
Addressing anxiety will decrease the frequency of panic attacks, thereby reducing palpitations consequently.
- According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), heart palpitations are a significant symptom of panic attacks, which is a type of anxiety disorder.
- Anxiety triggers the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which can lead to physical symptoms such as heart palpitations.
- Different types of anxiety disorders may display different symptoms, but all types of anxiety share emotional symptoms like feelings of dread and physical symptoms like heart palpitations.
- Doctors diagnose heart palpitations under 5 main categories, including psychiatric causes linked to anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
