Heartbeat fluctuations coupled with anxiety: Origin, remedies, and precautions
Heart palpitations, a sensation where the heart feels like it is pounding, racing, fluttering, or skipping beats, can be a distressing experience for many. For those suffering from panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder, heart palpitations are a common symptom.
Stress and anxiety are primary triggers for panic disorder-related heart palpitations. The body's response to perceived threats causes the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate and can lead to palpitations. Situational stressors, such as public speaking, being late, or receiving unexpected news, can also provoke anxiety and heart palpitations, even if there is no real physical danger.
Caffeine or stimulants can exacerbate or trigger palpitations in anxious individuals by stimulating the nervous system. Other physical triggers that may overlap with anxiety symptoms include dehydration, hormonal changes, medications, and physical overexertion.
A panic attack can cause an intense wave of fear or discomfort, with symptoms such as rapid, pounding heart rate or palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, sweating, shaking or trembling, feeling detached from reality, and fear of dying or losing control. These attacks usually peak within 10–15 minutes but can leave emotional aftereffects that linger.
The interaction between heart palpitations and panic disorder often forms a vicious cycle. Anxiety can trigger heart palpitations, which in turn may cause increased panic or fear. Understanding this cycle is crucial for managing symptoms because calming the nervous system can reduce both palpitations and panic attacks.
It is essential to note that heart palpitations in panic disorder are typically not caused by heart disease but stem from the body's stress response. Recognizing emotional triggers and physical symptoms helps in distinguishing between anxiety-related palpitations and those warranting further cardiac evaluation.
Effective management of panic disorder and its related heart palpitations focuses on addressing both the anxiety and the physical symptoms together. A therapist can help a person identify causes of anxiety attacks and find ways to work through them. Yoga or other relaxation activities, as well as other forms of exercise, can help with anxiety by soothing the mind and relieving stress.
Medications, including those specifically for anxiety and antidepressants like SSRIs, can be prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, such as exposure-response prevention and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be used to treat anxiety disorders.
Anyone experiencing heart palpitations must see a doctor to check for underlying causes, including cardiac problems. The doctor may use a screening questionnaire, Holter monitor, or transtelephonic event monitor to diagnose anxiety-induced heart palpitations.
In summary, heart palpitations commonly arise in panic disorder due to stress and anxiety-related triggers and can provoke intense panic responses. These symptoms tend to be part of a complex feedback loop between physiological and psychological processes regulated by the body's stress response system. Effective management focuses on addressing both the anxiety and the physical symptoms together.
- For individuals suffering from panic disorder, stress and anxiety are primary triggers for heart palpitations, a sensation where the heart feels like it is pounding, racing, or skipping beats.
- A panic attack can cause an intense wave of fear or discomfort, with symptoms such as rapid, pounding heart rate or palpitations.
- It is important to note that heart palpitations in panic disorder are typically not caused by heart disease but stem from the body's stress response.
- Effective management of panic disorder and its related heart palpitations focuses on addressing both the anxiety and the physical symptoms together.
- Recognizing emotional triggers and physical symptoms helps in distinguishing between anxiety-related palpitations and those warranting further cardiac evaluation.
- Any medications prescribed for anxiety disorders, such as antidepressants, can be helpful in treating anxiety disorders.
- Psychotherapy, like exposure-response prevention and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is also used to treat anxiety disorders, assisting individuals in finding ways to work through their anxiety triggers.
