Do this at least 10 times, preferably for several minutes. Take slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. But you can hijack this process by taking control of your breath.
Treatments are available.” How to stop palpitations from causing anxiety “See your healthcare provider if you frequently feel anxious or think you might have an anxiety or panic disorder. “Untreated anxiety disorders can raise your blood pressure, lower your quality of sleep and interfere with your enjoyment of life,” says Dr. Chronic stress and anxiety aren’t good for your heart - or your health in general - so don’t let it slide. If your heart condition is under control, then having occasional anxiety won’t be a problem.”įrequent anxiety is another story. “The medications prevent a fast heart rate or palpitations if you get scared, for instance. “People with certain heart conditions may take prescription medications that keep their heart rate low,” says Dr. In these circumstances, anxiety and a fast heart rate can trigger chest pain. A healthy heart can handle the heart racing with occasional anxiety and stress.īut if you have a heart condition like coronary artery disease or heart failure, work with a doctor to manage it. Nearly everyone experiences anxiety and stress at some time. This creates a cycle that’s hard to break.” Is anxiety bad for your heart? The palpitations may cause anxiety, and anxiety causes more palpitations. “They understandably get nervous because they don’t know why these palpitations happen. “People who have an arrhythmia - an abnormal heart rhythm - might experience sudden palpitations,” says Dr. Some people notice their heart speeding up or fluttering, which triggers fear or anxiety. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your heart.”Īdvertising Policy When palpitations trigger anxietyįight-or-flight isn’t the only time heart rate and anxiety may overlap. That’s why many people notice palpitations when they’re scared, nervous or anxious - and it’s completely normal. “The increased blood flow gives you a burst of energy to fight or run from danger. “The fight-or-flight response speeds up your heart rate, so your body gets more blood flow,” explains Dr. So those same hormones - like adrenaline - kick in to protect you. It just doesn’t know the difference between a grizzly bear attack or an upcoming work presentation. Today, your fight-or-flight response works the same as it always has. Experts believe this response was helpful in ancient civilizations when humans had to fight or run from threats to survive.
Fight-or-flight triggers a series of events in your body, including the release of certain hormones. You might feel palpitations in your chest, neck or throat, and they feel like your heart is:Īnxious feelings engage your body’s “fight-or-flight” response. But other times, palpitations hit without warning.” Sometimes they’re expected, like after exercising. “When you can feel your heartbeat, you’re having palpitations. “When you’re resting, you usually don’t feel your heart beating,” says Dr.
PolicyĬardiac electrophysiologist John Bibawy, MD, explains why this happens and what to do if you notice palpitations when you’re anxious. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.
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