The Connection Between Stress and Heart Palpitations

It can be scary to experience heart palpitations. While heart palpitations can be due to a benign cause, they can also indicate an underlying heart condition. At Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX, Dr. Naim Al-Adli treats heart palpitations and other cardiac conditions. We’re here to help you with all aspects of your cardiac health. Let’s look at some common causes of heart palpitations and the connection between stress and heart health.

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are sensations that cause the heart to feel like it’s fluttering, pounding, racing, or skipping a beat. While many conditions can cause heart palpitations, the feeling of a pounding or racing heart is often attributed to stress. Other factors that can contribute to the development of heart palpitations include the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and certain medications. Hormonal changes, exercise, and lack of sleep can also cause changes in your heart rhythm. 

Stress and Heart Health

Anxiety and panic attacks in Sugar Land, TX, can both contribute to the development of heart palpitations. Acute anxiety and panic (such as feeling nervous before a job interview or a first date) can cause quick changes in heart rate that resolve after the stressful event has passed. Chronic anxiety (such as anxiety that’s related to an ongoing mental or physical health condition) can cause changes in heart rate that occur over a longer period of time. 

When the body experiences stress, the sympathetic nervous system, or SNS, is activated, preparing the body for a fight-or-flight response. The release of adrenaline and norepinephrine can trigger an increase in heart rate. 

Managing Stress for Heart Health

If you’re experiencing higher stress levels and are concerned about your heart health, working with a cardiologist is essential to learning more. In addition to talking to a medical professional, practicing relaxation techniques, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet can all help your heart handle times of stress.

Reach Out to Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX, for Heart Palpitations

Suppose you’re experiencing frequent heart palpitations, severe ones, or other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. In that case, you must contact a healthcare professional to rule out heart conditions. 

If you’re experiencing heart palpitations, contact Fort Bend Heart Center in Sugar Land, TX. Our team is here to help you feel your best. Reach out to Dr. Al-Adli and the rest of our cardiology team today at (281) 265-8500 to learn more about our practice and schedule your first appointment.