AFib and Anxiety: Management Tips and Knowing the Difference

Anxiety causes constant worry and fear, sometimes to the point of panic. When you’re having anxiety, one common symptom is a racing heart. You may wonder whether it’s anxiety or your atrial fibrillation (AFib) and if the two are related.

Some research shows having anxiety doesn’t raise your risk for AFib. But other studies show anxiety can trigger AFib episodes. Although results are mixed about a direct link, there does seem to be a connection between the two.

Studies that look at anxiety and high blood pressure show that although anxiety may not cause high blood pressure, it’s common to have both at the same time. High blood pressure over time can increase your chances of an AFib episode.

A study on older adults showed that both depression and anxiety were more common in those with AFib. For those who had both, their AFib symptoms were worse compared to people with AFib who only had one or neither of these other conditions.

Although both anxiety attacks and AFib episodes can often pass on their own without intervention, get checked out if your heart palpitations last a long time or you have chest pain, breathing issues, dizziness, or confusion along with them.

Some studies show stress can bring on AFib. Often, stress and anxiety feel similar, but stress typically comes from an external trigger, whereas anxiety doesn’t have to. Lowering stress can help both AFib and anxiety.

Research says yoga is a clear way to lower stress and anxiety. Although it’s not a treatment for AFib, this gentle practice of holding poses and focusing on breathing helps regulate your sympathetic – “fight or flight” – nervous system so you better avoid AFib triggers.

Mind-body practices such as meditation and mindfulness that focus on physical sensations and being in the moment not only help decrease the impact of stress on your body, but they can also help keep AFib symptoms at bay. 

It’s not just OK, it’s healthy to get exercise when you have AFib. Studies show people who do regular moderate-to-intense exercise reduce the number of AFib episodes they have compared to those who don’t exercise. Anxiety goes down with aerobic exercise, too – especially if you do it outside in nature. If you don’t already exercise, check with your doctor before you start a new routine.

Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a research-backed way to manage symptoms of anxiety. With a professional, you can learn strategies that help you navigate and even prevent these symptoms that could contribute to episodes of AFib.