Are you wondering about the connection between anxiety and heart disease?
Anxiety is very common among people living with heart disease. The uncertainty of managing a chronic condition, changes in mobility, and time spent in medical settings can all contribute to feelings of worry and fear.
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member Show Full Answer
Are you wondering about the connection between anxiety and heart disease?
Anxiety is very common among people living with heart disease. The uncertainty of managing a chronic condition, changes in mobility, and time spent in medical settings can all contribute to feelings of worry and fear.
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared, "I'm full of anxiety and depression — I feel like I was given a death sentence." Another said, "Dealing with an increased amount of anxiety and don't know what to do." You are definitely not alone in feeling this way. For those with atrial fibrillation (AFib) specifically, anxiety and heart symptoms can overlap, including:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heart palpitations (fluttering)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Anxiety may also influence AFib by triggering the body's "fight-or-flight" response, which can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and cause inflammation — all of which can affect heart rhythm. It's really important to let your doctor know if you're experiencing anxiety. They can factor it into your treatment plan, as unmanaged anxiety may make heart rhythm harder to control. A cardiologist can help find the right approach for your specific situation.
August 26
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