When experiencing anxiety, many people notice physical symptoms that can be both alarming and confusing.
One such symptom is heart palpitations, which might make you wonder if your anxiety could cause abnormalities in your heart’s electrical activity, leading to an abnormal EKG (electrocardiogram). The answer is yes—anxiety can indeed cause changes that might result in an abnormal EKG.
What are anxiety heart palpitations?
Anxiety heart palpitations are rapid or irregular heartbeats triggered by anxiety or stress. When you’re anxious, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which can cause your heart to beat faster or harder than usual.
This can feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering, and these sensations are often referred to as palpitations.
Heart palpitations caused by anxiety disorders are typically harmless and resolve once the anxiety subsides. However, they can be frightening and may lead you to worry about your heart health.
How anxiety causes abnormal EKG results
Anxiety can cause abnormalities in your electrocardiogram results in the following ways:
Increased heart rate
- Fight-or-flight response: When you feel anxious, your body activates the fight-or-flight response, which increases your heart rate. 1 This rapid heartbeat, known as tachycardia, can be detected on an EKG and may appear as an abnormal result.
- Palpitations: Anxiety often causes palpitations, which are heart pounding or racing sensations. These sensations can be alarming and are usually picked up during an EKG test.
Heart rhythm changes
- Atrial fibrillation: In some cases, severe anxiety can trigger atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat. This condition can be identified on an EKG and might require medical attention. 2
- Ectopic Beats: Anxiety can lead to ectopic beats, which are extra heartbeats that interrupt the normal rhythm of the heart. These can appear on an EKG as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or premature atrial contractions (PACs).
Muscle tension
- Chest tightness: Anxiety can cause muscle tension, including in the chest area. This tightness can sometimes be mistaken for heart-related issues and might influence the EKG readings.
- Erratic movements: During an anxiety attack, muscle tension and erratic movements can cause false signals on the EKG, which can be misinterpreted as abnormal heart activity.
Hyperventilation
- Breathing patterns: Anxiety often leads to hyperventilation, which is rapid and shallow breathing. Hyperventilation can alter the carbon dioxide levels in the blood, affecting the heart’s electrical activity and potentially causing abnormal EKG results.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: Hyperventilation can also cause dizziness and lightheadedness, which may coincide with changes in the EKG readings.
Hormonal effects
- Adrenaline release: Anxiety triggers the release of adrenaline, a hormone that prepares your body for stress. Adrenaline increases your heart rate and blood pressure, which can be reflected in EKG results. 1
- Cortisol levels: Chronic anxiety can elevate cortisol levels, leading to long-term effects on the heart and potentially causing changes that are detectable on an EKG.
Other factors
- Electrolyte imbalances: Anxiety can sometimes lead to behaviors that affect electrolyte balance, such as excessive sweating or dehydration. Electrolyte imbalances can alter the heart’s electrical signals and result in abnormal EKG findings.
- Lifestyle habits: Anxiety can influence lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, and sleep, all of which can impact heart health and EKG results. For example, lack of sleep or excessive caffeine intake due to anxiety can affect your heart’s rhythm.
Other causes of abnormal EKG
An abnormal EKG (electrocardiogram) can be caused by various factors, ranging from benign conditions to serious heart problems. Understanding the potential causes can help you and your healthcare provider determine the underlying issue.
Heart conditions
Several heart conditions can cause abnormal EKG results, including:
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, can be detected on an EKG. These conditions disrupt the regular electrical activity of the heart.
- Heart attack: An EKG can reveal signs of a previous or ongoing heart attack, such as changes in the ST segment or the presence of abnormal Q waves.
- Cardiomyopathy: Diseases that affect the heart muscle, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can cause abnormal EKG patterns due to thickened or weakened heart walls.
- Heart valve disease: Issues with the heart valves, like stenosis or regurgitation, can lead to abnormal blood flow and changes in the heart’s electrical activity.
Medications
Certain medications can affect the heart’s electrical activity, causing abnormal EKG results. These can include:
- Drugs for high blood pressure: Some antihypertensive medications can affect heart rhythm.
- Antiarrhythmics: Medications intended to treat irregular heartbeats can sometimes cause other arrhythmias.
- Psychotropic drugs: Medications for mental health conditions, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can impact heart rhythm.
Structural abnormalities
- Structural problems with the heart, such as congenital heart defects or enlarged heart chambers, can also lead to abnormal EKG findings.
- Conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged left ventricle) can alter the electrical patterns seen on an ECG.
Electrolyte imbalances
- Electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium are crucial for cardiac function. Imbalances in these electrolytes can affect the heart’s electrical signals, resulting in an abnormal ECG.
- For example, high or low potassium levels can cause significant changes in the EKG reading. 3
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal issues, such as thyroid disorders, can impact heart function and lead to abnormal EKG readings. For instance:
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid can cause a rapid heart rate and arrhythmias.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can lead to a slow heart rate and changes in the EKG.
Substance use
- The use of substances such as caffeine, alcohol, and drugs can affect heart rhythm and cause abnormal EKG results.
- Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines are particularly known for causing significant changes in heart activity, potentially leading to dangerous arrhythmias.
Poor EKG technique
- An abnormal EKG can sometimes result from technical issues during the test, such as improper lead placement or movement during the recording.
- These issues can create false readings that appear abnormal but do not reflect real heart conditions.
How to manage anxiety that affects the heart
Managing anxiety that affects the heart involves a combination of lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and professional help.
Healthy diet
- A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support your mental and cardiac health.
- Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can worsen anxiety and heart palpitations.
- Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids in fish and flaxseeds can also help reduce anxiety.
Regular exercise
- Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and improve heart health, reducing your risk of heart disease.
- Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood lifters, and helps regulate your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Mindfulness and meditation
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
- Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Consider setting aside a few minutes each day for mindfulness practices.
Adequate sleep
- Getting enough restful sleep is crucial for managing anxiety and maintaining heart health.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular sleep schedule.
- Avoid screens and stimulating activities before bedtime to promote better sleep quality.
Avoid substance use
- Limit or avoid the use of substances like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as they can increase anxiety and affect heart rhythm.
- These substances can trigger palpitations and elevate your heart rate, making anxiety symptoms worse.
Therapy and counseling
- Professional therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you manage anxiety and its physical symptoms.
- A therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies and address the underlying causes of your anxiety.
- Counseling can provide support and guidance for managing stress and improving mental health.
Medication
- In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage anxiety. Your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe anti-anxiety medications or beta-blockers to help control symptoms.
- These medications can help reduce heart palpitations and lower your heart rate, providing relief from anxiety-induced cardiac symptoms.
Relaxation techniques
- Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine to help manage stress and anxiety.
- Yoga, tai chi, and gentle stretching can promote relaxation and improve heart health.
- Listening to calming music, reading, or engaging in hobbies can also help reduce anxiety levels.
Social support
- Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of anxiety.
- Sharing your experiences and concerns with others can help alleviate stress and promote well-being.
- Consider joining a support group for people with anxiety or heart-related issues.
Final thoughts
Managing anxiety is crucial for both your mental and cardiac health. If anxiety is affecting your heart, seeking professional support is essential.
At Modern, we understand how challenging this can be and provide personalized care to help you find relief. You don’t have to face this alone; we’re here to support you and help you regain control of your life.
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Author: Editorial Team
JULY 29, 2024