We count on certain things in life to keep us anchored and steady – the rhythm of our daily routines, a steadfast shoulder to lean on when times are tough, our bodies powering us through our days seamlessly and sans stress...the list goes on.

Often, we don’t even notice the minutiae because we are so used to things functioning in a certain way; and so when things become erratic or unstable it can be mentally and physically distressing! Ever been going about a busy day and suddenly felt your heart racing or seemingly ‘out of rhythm’? Your breath probably feels erratic, there are flutters in your chest, your mood plummets – you wonder whether it’s anxiety due to a tough day or something more. When faced with stressful situations, the effects of anxiety can sometimes mirror atrial fibrillation symptoms, one of the most common types of arrhythmia.

Irregularities in your heartbeat and heart palpitations can be caused by a number of things, sometimes unrelated to heart issues, such as nervousness over a public speaking event or being stressed about an exam, for instance. It may also be indicative of a mental health disorder, like generalized anxiety disorder. These abnormalities in the heart beat, also known as arrhythmia, can be just a one-off episode or sometimes a sign of underlying cardiac issues. Stress and anxiety are also known to increase the occurrence and frequency of arrhythmia and it can be tough to decipher what to do or what is causing it. But there’s no need to panic. Fortunately, med tech innovations today can help make timely detection, successful atrial fibrillation treatment, and management possible… and help keep you well monitored by your doctor. 

What is the distinction?

Atrial fibrillation causes & what it may feel like

Often called AFib, atrial fibrillation is the most common form of arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, where the heart beats either too slow, too fast or irregularly.  It is caused due to an issue in electrical impulses that in turn cause the atria – the top chambers of the heart – to flutter or quiver. The symptoms are usually sudden, sharp and immediate and physical.

While experiences may vary depending on the exact type of atrial fibrillation, some general atrial fibrillation symptoms might include, but aren’t limited to:

• Irregular heartbeats
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Fluttering in your chest
• Dizziness

Sometimes you may not even realize you are suffering from it.. However, the potential risks of an Afib conditioncan lead to complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. If you suspect that you may have a problem, its always better to see the doctor who will conduct a diagnostic test like an echocardiogram (ECG).

Physical & emotional upheavals caused by anxiety

We have all experienced a little anxiety from time to time, but in it’s severe form it can be extremely physically and emotionally uncomfortable and debilitating… definitely more than just the jitters! In its extreme form, anxiety can also manifest as a panic attack. While the symptoms may seem similar to an AFib episode, it can sometimes be differentiated by the strong feelings of fear, worry or unease that comes along with it, i.e. a psychological reason or emotional triggers. Another difference is that with an AFib episode, usually the irregularity or abnormality in your heartbeat starts and stops suddenly, whereas with a possible panic attack or with severe anxiety you will find your heart rate gradually returning to its normal pace. Some of the symptoms of an anxiety-based episode include:

• Rapid, thumping or pounding heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Feeling of doom
• Uneasiness, nervousness or restlessness
• Rapid breathing
• Abdominal distress

If you find that your anxiety is interfering with your day-to-day routine with home life, work etc. or regularly causing an upheaval in mood and your emotional state, do consult your doctor.

What you can do…

Rediscovering balance with arrhythmia & atrial fibrillation treatment

Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, manifests in the speeding up of or slowing down of your heart rate. Deviations from the normal range can occur due to a number of reasons including health conditions like congenital heart defects and sleep apnea, lifestyle habits, medication. However, if diagnosed, regular monitoring is key to keep your condition under check and keep a handle on risk and risk factors. Cardiac monitoring can help your doctor determine if you have an issue with irregular heartbeats and equally important, what type of arrhythmia it may be! This is where tech like insertable cardiac monitors can help.  Inserted through a minimally invasive procedure, these devices allow for long-term remote monitoring by your doctors and detect and record cardiac incidences such as atrial fibrillation… providing you with some much needed peace of mind in matters of the heart! Medication is often then prescribed during atrial fibrillation treatment to help manage your heart rate. You may also be advised to switch to a more heart-healthy lifestyle with changes in diet, exercise, habits etc. as part of an overall treatment and management plan.

Regaining steadiness with other causes of irregular heartbeats

If you are experiencing palpitations or changes in your heart rate and have no other existing medical conditions related to the heart, diabetes, thyroid etc. it may be helpful to keep an eye on the potential triggers and causes of mental stress that are contributing to your anxiety. Panicking during an episode only makes it worse and more overwhelming. Relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, yoga and meditation can help calm your mind and ground you. It is also recommended to avoid stimulants like nicotine and caffeine that affect heart rate.

When it comes to matters of the heart, keeping a check on the emotional and physical triggers can help allay fears about the varied potential causes such as anxiety disorders or atrial fibrillation symptoms. Innovations in health tech, too, help track our physical inner workings better and keep our hearts in steady hands… and help you reclaim life’s many rhythms! 

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.