Diagnosed with afib today after ecg. 59 years old, I started having palpitations when I started getting anxiety due to work. I'm convinced the anxiety causes the palpitations but the nurse who did the ecg said the palpitations could be causing the anxiety. I take my BP every week and on the occasion that I'm relaxed my BP monitor doesn't record an irregular heart beat. I wake up feeling calm, no palpitations then I get the anxiety and as it builds I feel the palpitations so I'm convinced it's anxiety causing it, I'm sure if I could stop the anxiety the irregular heat beats would stop.Anyone else in the same situation? I've got to see the GP tomorrow.
Thanks
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Kontakt
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I hope you have /had a good chat with your Gp and can explain your concerns.
Have you worked out what at work is giving you anxiety? Is there anyone at work that you can discuss this with to share the burden or any way to make a system that alleviates the stress?
If the stress is integral in the job, can you take steps to counteract or balance it, maybe starting an exercise programme, yoga, pilates, mindfulness or similar activities? Being in a worry vortex is a self perpetuating situation and it’s really hard to get out of it so breaking the spin by doing something totally different can help, even if it is a long walk at the weekend.
Philip, I have similar symptoms, although I have no definitive diagnosis, only A&E doctor saying it appears not to be AF. I was referred back to GP who has put me on a very low dose beta blocker to ease some of the anxiety. Yes, I am convinced my anxiety is making the symptoms worse and that one is feeding the other. The palpitations and irregular HR can last a few hours but then disappear and I am totally without symptoms again. I am monitoring my BP, that seems stable enough.
I am sure your GP will investigate fully and guide you to the best course of treatment. Best wishes, Andy
Unfortunately your BP monitor won’t pick up irregular beats only the number of beats it senses in the time period.
A finger pulse/oxy meter you can get them on Amazon for about £12 you will see on a graph exactly what’s going on.
I’ve had Arrythmia all my life now I know all the signs. I’m 64 was diagnosed in 2007. Consultant at the time had the same and as long as it’s mild you can live quite happily with it. You are more aware of it and get used to it. So many have Arrythmia and live perfectly happy lives without knowing.
Your right to check it out and there are ways to help if it’s causing problems.
Mine has evolved over the years.. I’d been tired for years and exhausted. 14 months ago my fit bit had an alert come up with signs of AFib.twice in 2 days (Basically it’s saved my life only had for 6 months to see how many steps I was doing) So I went straight to GP. Since Then I’ve have endless ECGs. I’ve inherited a faulty gene and my situation has turned out very complex.
I have several friends who had Arrythmia treated as long ago as 18 yrs ago and are leading perfectly normal lives without any concerns.
Yes your nurse is correct anxiety, stress can cause arrythmia and visa versa. Certain meds can cause anxiety. Then it can be a continuous circle. Read what side effects any meds have. I’ve come off the ones that affect me rather than take additional to counteract side effects.
The important thing is not to worry it may seem a shock initially but your not alone most people have extra or random beats.
I'm 61, and in my efforts to lose weight I started swimming every day. I worked my way up to 70 laps (35 times down and back) but decided that that might have been a bit too much so lately I've been doing only 50. Anyhow, it made a a whole bunch of problems I was having (too many to list) disappear, so if you have access to a lap pool maybe that would help you also. I've lost 50 pounds, btw, but hope to lose 50 more.
Anxiety doesn’t cause AFib which is an electrical problem with the heart but it definitely triggers episodes. Health anxiety is a vicious circle. I found beta blockers have helped my anxiety as well as treating my arrhythmia. I also did a CBT based mindfulness course through NHS talking therapies which helped me understand my anxiety and gave me coping mechanisms. Good luck!
Anxiety certainly can cause palpitations or make them worse. However it doesn't usually cause AF which is completely different to palpitations or occasional ectopic beats
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Slow ecg and constant palpations 
Help really scared :( 
Palpitations for 3 years now 
Heart Health Anxiety
Amlodipine caused irregular heart beats
