Both atrial fibrillation and anxiety can lead to irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmia. Anxiety may contribute to some heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation. Having atrial fibrillation may also contribute to anxiety.
Anxiety disorders can trigger AF through the increased activity of sympathetic nervous system that is known to be the most important modulation factor of Coumel's triangle of arrhythmogenesis.
Gradual vs. Immediate – Afib comes and goes much more quickly and intensely than a panic attack. Panic attacks tend to start small, gradually build to a climax and then slowly ease off. Emotional Response – Panic attacks start in your mind, so they often come with a strong emotional element such as fear or dread.
Atrial fibrillation is most often caused by changes to the heart's tissue or the electrical signaling that helps the heartbeat.
If you have paroxysmal Afib, your symptoms may go away on their own without treatment. However, paroxysmal Afib can progress to persistent Afib depending on your risk factors. And both persistent Afib and long-standing persistent Afib require treatment to avoid serious complications.
If AFib doesn't get better with medicine or other treatments, a procedure called cardiac ablation may be necessary. Sometimes ablation is the first treatment. Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart. The scars disrupt irregular heart signals and restore a typical heartbeat.
Avoid saturated fat, trans fat, and salt to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This will also protect your blood vessels. Limit caffeine. Watch how much soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate you have.
Overall survival of patients with lone atrial fibrillation was 92% and 68% at 15 and 30 years, respectively, similar to the 86% and 57% rates for the age- and sex-matched Minnesota population (P=0.12, log-rank test; Figure 3A). Of the 76 patients with lone atrial fibrillation, 27 died during the 30-year follow-up.
When atrial fibrillation occurs, the upper heart chambers beat in an unorganized rhythm. An A-fib heart rate is usually rapid, resulting in 100-200 beats per minute rather than the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute.
The pattern or rhythm of a heart beat can also tell you what's going on: a panic attack typically brings a constant rapid heart rate, while AFib causes an erratic heart rate. If your heart seems to be skipping beats, or speeding up then slowing down and speeding up again, it's more likely that AFib is to blame.
Even those whose irregular heartbeats are caused by anxiety may have separate heart issues. But if the question is whether or not anxiety can cause a heart arrhythmia, the answer is yes - and it's surprisingly common.
If you still do not feel better, call your family doctor who may want to adjust your medicines. If you still feel the same way 24 hours later, and you have not seen or spoken to a health care provider, it is reasonable to go to the hospital. Just remember, AFib is not usually an emergency.
AFib can be intermittent, occurring before and after periods of normal heart rhythm. It may also be persistent and last more than seven days. When it's persistent, the heart can no longer control its rhythm properly. AFib also increases your risk of stroke.
The good news is that although AF is a long-term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.
In a long-term scenario, living with Afib can make you feel as if your heart is flip-flopping or skipping beats. Whether or not Afib shortens a person's lifespan depends on whether or not he or she can get their heart rate and anticoagulation under control. If controlled, then Afib doesn't shorten a person's lifespan.
A-fib can affect any adult at any age. While most patients develop it in their 60s, 70s, or 80s, I also see some young adults in their 20s or 30s with this condition.
Nearly 35 percent of people with AFib will have a stroke.
AFib increases the risk of stroke by fivefold. It is important for patients to meet with their doctor to determine if their stroke risk is high enough to warrant being placed on blood thinners.
While patients who have elevated stroke risks may be able to manage symptoms of AFib — such as a racing heartbeat — with other medications or medical procedures, they will still need to take blood thinners to protect against stroke.
Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the drugs of choice because they provide rapid rate control.
Any exercise is good, but if you're not used to it or worried you'll make your AF worse, talk to your doctor or specialist. A brisk walk is suitable for almost everyone and getting out in the fresh air will make you feel better physically and mentally.
Remember that no matter what activity you're doing, if you experience any symptoms related to atrial fibrillation — like lightheadedness or chest pain or pressure — you should stop and rest for a while, says Hussein. And if you have more serious symptoms like intense chest pain, visit a hospital emergency room.
The basics include not smoking, following a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet (high in plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats), being physically active and keeping to a normal weight (as indicated on a body-mass index chart).