Can Stress Cause an Irregular Heartbeat?

People tend to think of stress as a solely mental and emotional obstacle. Recent research shows this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Stress has been linked to health concerns like inflammation and headaches, but what about your heart? Can stress cause irregularities in your heartbeat? Can you protect yourself against cardiovascular complications by lowering your stress levels? 

At West Houston Heart Center, located in Houston, Texas, cardiologist Dr. Humayun Naqvi provides a comprehensive range of heart health and interventional cardiac services. We can diagnose arrhythmias and other heart conditions before you suffer a severe cardiac event.  

Stress and your heart 

Everyone has sources of stress in their lives, whether that be money, family, work, or other responsibilities. Stress releases fight-or-flight hormones into your bloodstream, which, if left untreated, increases your risk of health complications over time. Even your heartbeat can be affected.

The connection between stress and heart health goes so deep that there’s even a form of cardiomyopathy that refers specifically to stress. Stress cardiomyopathy weakens the muscles of the heart, often causing chest pain and contractions so strong they can be mistaken for a heart attack. 

While episodes of stress cardiomyopathy often pass without incident, the physical damage remains. Over time, this can cause hypertension and increase your risk of future cardiovascular events such as arrhythmia. 

Stress also interrupts the homeostasis of the body, which is a major trigger for tachyarrhythmias. These are abnormal periods when the heart suddenly speeds up, often to speeds over 100 beats per minute, before settling slowly back to a normal rhythm.

Reducing stress 

There’s a long list of things you’re encouraged to try to help ease stress. Meditation, stretching, stable bedtime routines, bubble baths, and essential oils might be temporarily comforting, but they typically won’t relieve your stress long-term.

Managing stress can mean more than surface self-care. If your stress is causing heart complications, it’s time to overhaul your life. This might mean taking a step back from demanding roles at work and easing up on physically stressful workout routines or emotionally taxing volunteer work.  

Tracking symptoms

You’re also able to track your vitals with wearable tech like a watch that records your heart rate and oxygen levels. If you notice something unusual, such as an irregularity in your heartbeat, note when it happened, how long it lasted, and what was going on when it happened. 

You should also track these additional symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Profuse sweating 
• Chest pain 
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue 

It might feel like your heart is pounding, racing, or fluttering in your chest. These symptoms can all point to various types of heart arrhythmias. Again, write down your symptoms. Does your heartbeat feel like it’s moving up toward your throat, or do you feel palpitations deep in your chest? This information can help Dr. Naqvi and his team diagnose what’s wrong. 

If you think you’re having a heart attack, head to the ER. If you’re then informed you’re more likely to be experiencing stress-related or anxiety-related cardiac arrhythmia, it’s time to see a cardiac specialist.

Concerned about stress potentially causing arrhythmias? The team at West Houston Heart Center can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need. Schedule a consultation by calling 832-400-3957, or request an appointment online.