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Can Anxiety Cause Recurring Heart Palpitations?
Question: I've had several tests done at my cardiologist. Which include 48 hour holter, stress test, ultrasound, ECG ... All tests were normal. Over the last 6 months I get episodes once a month where my hearts starts racing for a few minutes but slows down with deep breathing and drinking some water. Was happening once per month. I must add I have severe anxiety. The heart rate goes up to approximately 160. Over the past week it has happened 3 times and tonight its happened 3 times. The first time lasted 3 minutes the second time 1 minute and the third time even shorter. Could this be anxiety or panic. If so can anxiety cause repeated episodes so close together? Or is it heart related. I noticed when it happens I have to get up and walk around to calm down because it scares me.
Brief Answer:
Looks like anxiety.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic.com.
Yes anxiety can cause repeated palpitation and frequency and duration can keep on worsening as anxiety worsens.
But occasionally arrhythmias can be missed and labelled as anxiety, if your palpitation frequency has increased get one more Holter repeated and if it also doesn't show anything you require what we call implantable loop recorder or EP studies.
Meanwhile in consultation with your cardiologist you can start on beta blockers for symptom relief along with stress and anxiety management with medicines as well as life style such as yoga and meditation.
Hope this answers your question, please do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Best regards.
Looks like anxiety.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic.com.
Yes anxiety can cause repeated palpitation and frequency and duration can keep on worsening as anxiety worsens.
But occasionally arrhythmias can be missed and labelled as anxiety, if your palpitation frequency has increased get one more Holter repeated and if it also doesn't show anything you require what we call implantable loop recorder or EP studies.
Meanwhile in consultation with your cardiologist you can start on beta blockers for symptom relief along with stress and anxiety management with medicines as well as life style such as yoga and meditation.
Hope this answers your question, please do write back if you have any doubts.
Wishing you good health.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hi Doctor I forgot to mention I did have a 7 day loop monitor. Also I know with something like SVT the rapid heart rate starts and stops instantly and heart rate is very high where I can feel mine speeding up and starting to slow down. Also with the palpitations, if it is heart related would an episode last longer than 3 minutes? Most of my episodes are very short and pass quickly with deep breathing. Also I notice I get some palpitations after I eat and get bloated. Could this be related? I don't know the difference if this is benign or if I should go to the hospital. When my heart beats fast it feels regular not irregular.
Brief Answer:
Having ecg during an episode may help
Detailed Answer:
ok. if loop recorder is also normal than less likely to significant issue. however start on some treatment for symptom relief and if still troublesome have implantable loop recorder.
Having ecg during an episode may help
Detailed Answer:
ok. if loop recorder is also normal than less likely to significant issue. however start on some treatment for symptom relief and if still troublesome have implantable loop recorder.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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