Why does anxiety cause palpitations

It's well known that anxiety can cause heart palpitations. Being over-aware of your own bodily functions including your heartbeat , in combination with surges of adrenaline that are often present in people who have anxiety, may lead to heart palpitations.

These palpitations may also trigger panic attacks, which in turn may increase the likelihood of more palpitations.

Yet panic attacks and anxiety themselves do not account for all of the palpitations. That's because palpitations may also occur for other reasons, such as:.

It's important to remember that heart palpitations are not just a rapid heartbeat. It's also the awareness of that heartbeat. That's why these issues — which are all very common and affect nearly everyone — do not by themselves cause palpitations or the anxiety that surrounds them. For something to be considered a palpitation, there must be an awareness of the rapid heartbeat taking place - and usually a sense of discomfort relating to this change in rhythm.

There are also some heart issues that are not dangerous that may create palpitations. For example, there is a condition known as mitral valve prolapse that can lead to heart palpitations that isn't by itself dangerous. In some cases heart palpitations are caused indirectly by a heart condition, when having that diagnosis increases your anxiety which then leads to anxiety-related palpitations.

It's always important to first get checked out by a doctor. Heart health issues are nothing to leave to chance. But it's also important to remember that after your doctor has told you that you have a healthy heart, it's common to continue to fear that the doctor missed something especially if you have anxiety. Anxiety causes worst case scenario thinking, and so doctor's visits may not always be sufficient to calm the mind - but they are necessary and constitute a step in the right direction.

If you're suffering from heart palpitations, consider the following tips to prevent that palpitation developing into a panic attack:. One thing to notice, however, is that none of these are going to stop palpitations from occurring if you already have anxiety.

Remember that focusing on your heart too much can in fact trigger or exacerbate palpitations. Although palpitations in and of themselves are generally harmless, the best way to address this issue is to commit to a formal anxiety reduction strategy. It's well known that anxiety can cause heart palpitations. Being over-aware of your own bodily functions including your heartbeat , in combination with surges of adrenaline that are often present in people who have anxiety, may lead to heart palpitations.

These palpitations may also trigger panic attacks, which in turn may increase the likelihood of more palpitations. Yet panic attacks and anxiety themselves do not account for all of the palpitations. That's because palpitations may also occur for other reasons, such as:. It's important to remember that heart palpitations are not just a rapid heartbeat. It's also the awareness of that heartbeat. That's why these issues — which are all very common and affect nearly everyone — do not by themselves cause palpitations or the anxiety that surrounds them.

For something to be considered a palpitation, there must be an awareness of the rapid heartbeat taking place - and usually a sense of discomfort relating to this change in rhythm. There are also some heart issues that are not dangerous that may create palpitations. For example, there is a condition known as mitral valve prolapse that can lead to heart palpitations that isn't by itself dangerous. In some cases heart palpitations are caused indirectly by a heart condition, when having that diagnosis increases your anxiety which then leads to anxiety-related palpitations.

It's always important to first get checked out by a doctor. Heart health issues are nothing to leave to chance. But it's also important to remember that after your doctor has told you that you have a healthy heart, it's common to continue to fear that the doctor missed something especially if you have anxiety.

Anxiety causes worst case scenario thinking, and so doctor's visits may not always be sufficient to calm the mind - but they are necessary and constitute a step in the right direction. If you're suffering from heart palpitations, consider the following tips to prevent that palpitation developing into a panic attack:. One thing to notice, however, is that none of these are going to stop palpitations from occurring if you already have anxiety.

Remember that focusing on your heart too much can in fact trigger or exacerbate palpitations. Although palpitations in and of themselves are generally harmless, the best way to address this issue is to commit to a formal anxiety reduction strategy. In addition to anxiety, there are several other causes of heart palpitations.

Palpitations can be brought on by:. A normal, resting heart rate is between 60 and beats per minute. There are several types of arrhythmias. Each type produces unique symptoms, including an irregular heart rate. Among them are:. Occasional moments of anxiety are normal, especially if you can identify the cause of your anxiety, such as getting on an airplane or preparing for a job interview.

You may have an anxiety disorder that could be managed with a combination of therapy and medication. Diagnosing an anxiety disorder often starts with a physical examination by a doctor. Certain conditions may cause anxiety, such as:. Blood tests and other screenings may be ordered if a physical condition is suspected of causing anxiety.

A mental health professional will also review your symptoms and go through a questionnaire or other psychological screening to help make a diagnosis. Here are a few places to help you find a mental health professional in your area:. Anxiety-triggered palpitations that last for hours or keep you from functioning normally going to work or socializing, for example should be evaluated.

Likewise, if palpitations appear without an anxiety-inducing cause, you should definitely tell your doctor or see a cardiologist. It may be something easily treatable, like a medication side effect that can be resolved by switching drugs.

A racing heart could be a sign of:. Then, they may use one or more of the following diagnostic screenings:. If feelings of anxiety bring on heart palpitations, there are some steps you can take to relax and slow down your racing heart. Some proven relaxation strategies include:. Regular exercise and getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night are two other ways to help you reduce stress in your life.

Avoiding stressors is also important. This can mean:.