Can anxiety cause palpitations
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Can Anxiety Cause Palpitations?
Understanding Palpitations and Their Causes
Palpitations are characterized by an awareness of the heartbeat, often described as a strong, skipping, fluttering, racing, pounding, thudding, or jumping sensation in the chest. These sensations can sometimes be accompanied by a feeling of needing to cough or having one's breath taken away . While palpitations are generally benign and often caused by premature atrial or ventricular beats or stress-induced sinus tachycardia, they can also be linked to more serious arrhythmias in rare cases Carnlöf2019Insulander2019.
Anxiety as a Common Cause of Palpitations
Anxiety is a well-documented cause of palpitations. Studies have shown that up to a third of palpitations have psychological origins, including anxiety, stress, and panic disorders . The American Heart Association also lists anxiety as a potential trigger for palpitations, alongside other factors such as strenuous exercise, excessive smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake, medications, and recreational drugs .
Impact of Anxiety-Induced Palpitations on Quality of Life
Palpitations can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, particularly when they are associated with anxiety. Research indicates that palpitations can lead to disturbing symptoms, increased anxiety, depression, and a decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL) Carnlöf2019Carnlöf2021. For instance, a study involving 913 women with palpitations found that these symptoms were often benign but still caused significant anxiety and depression, which in turn affected their overall well-being .
Managing Anxiety and Palpitations
Effective management of palpitations often involves addressing the underlying anxiety. Continuous event recorders (CERs) and instant electrocardiogram (ECG) feedback have been shown to help reduce symptoms and improve HRQOL by providing immediate analysis and reassurance to patients Hoefman2007Carnlöf2021. For example, the use of a handheld ECG device connected to a smartphone allowed for real-time monitoring and feedback, which significantly reduced anxiety and depression among participants .
Conclusion
In summary, anxiety is a common and significant cause of palpitations. While these palpitations are generally benign, they can lead to considerable distress and impact an individual's quality of life. Addressing the underlying anxiety through monitoring and feedback mechanisms can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.
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