Feeling your heart race during moments of stress or panic can be frightening — but does anxiety actually cause atrial fibrillation (AFib)? If you’ve experienced both, you’re not alone in wondering about the connection. Let’s break down what science says and what you can do about it.
Understanding AFib
Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat out of sync with the lower chambers. This can lead to symptoms like:
- Palpitations (feeling your heart flutter or pound)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
AFib can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare provider.
Can Anxiety Cause AFib?
While anxiety itself doesn’t directly cause AFib, it can trigger episodes in people who are already prone to it. Here’s why:
- Stress hormones like adrenaline can speed up your heart rate and disrupt its normal rhythm.
- Hyperventilation during panic attacks changes blood chemistry, which can affect heart function.
- Long-term anxiety may worsen cardiovascular health, increasing vulnerability to arrhythmias.
In other words, anxiety is more of a trigger than a root cause. If you already have an irregular heartbeat, high stress or panic can make symptoms appear or feel worse.
Research Insights
Studies have shown that emotional stress is linked to a higher likelihood of AFib episodes in people who already have the condition (see study). However, developing AFib purely from anxiety — without any other risk factors — is rare.
How to Tell if It’s Anxiety or AFib
Some anxiety symptoms overlap with AFib, but there are differences:
| Symptom | Anxiety | AFib |
|---|---|---|
| Heart rhythm | Fast, but usually steady | Irregular, fluttering, or skipping beats |
| Triggers | Stress, worry, panic attacks | May happen at rest, after exercise, or during stress |
| Duration | Often minutes to hours | Can last minutes to days, or be ongoing |
If you’re unsure, get checked by a doctor immediately. An ECG (electrocardiogram) can confirm if you have AFib.
Managing Anxiety to Reduce AFib Episodes
If anxiety is making your AFib worse, managing stress can help. Some proven strategies include:
- Breathing exercises – Slow, deep breathing can calm your nervous system.
- Mindfulness and meditation – Regular practice reduces stress hormones.
- Physical activity – Gentle exercise supports heart health and relieves tension.
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol – Both can increase heart rate and trigger episodes.
- Therapy or counseling – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage anxiety patterns.
When to Seek Medical Help
Call your doctor or seek urgent care if you experience:
- Sudden, unexplained palpitations
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or fainting
Even if you think it’s “just anxiety,” it’s worth ruling out AFib or other heart conditions.
Key Takeaway
Anxiety doesn’t directly cause AFib, but it can trigger episodes if you already have a predisposition. Managing stress, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and staying in touch with your healthcare provider are your best defenses. If in doubt, always get evaluated — your heart health is worth it.
