When you’re anxious, your body’s “fight or flight” response is activated. This causes the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which increase your heart rate. This is your body’s way of preparing to respond to a perceived threat even if there’s no real danger.
As a result, heart palpitations are one of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety.
Symptoms That Often Accompany Anxiety and Palpitations:
- Sweating
- Chest tightness
- Shallow or rapid breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Trembling or shaking
These symptoms can be frightening and often make people fear they’re having a heart attack, which further fuels the anxiety.
Is It Dangerous?
Most anxiety-related palpitations are harmless, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. If left unaddressed, chronic anxiety can lead to long-term mental and physical health issues, including high blood pressure, insomnia, and digestive problems.
If you experience palpitations along with chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately to rule out any heart conditions.
How to Manage Anxiety-Induced Heart Palpitations
1. Practice Mindful Breathing
Slow, deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system and helps calm your heart rate.
2. Reduce Caffeine and Sugar
Both can stimulate your heart and trigger anxiety symptoms.
3. Exercise Regularly
Moderate exercise helps reduce stress hormones and improves cardiovascular health.
4. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can worsen palpitations and anxiety symptoms.
5. Seek Professional Help
If your anxiety and heart palpitations are frequent and affecting your daily life, professional therapy is highly recommended.
You can access confidential and effective help from the comfort of your home through online counselling in Kerala. Therapy helps you understand your triggers, reframe your thoughts, and build coping mechanisms to regain control over your mind and body.
When Should You Seek Therapy?
- You feel anxious without clear reasons
- You’re constantly worrying and can’t calm yourself
- Your heart palpitations are frequent or emotionally distressing
- You experience panic attacks or social withdrawal
Anxiety is treatable, and therapy is often the most effective long-term solution.
Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Deal with It Alone
Anxiety and heart palpitations can feel scary, but you’re not alone—and you are not broken. These are common signs of a stressed and overwhelmed nervous system.
Healmind Clinic, a trusted mental health care center in Kerala, provides professional psychological services to help you manage anxiety and its physical symptoms. Their expert team of clinical psychologists and counselors offer both offline and online counselling in Kerala, guiding you with care and compassion every step of the way.