Anxiety Tachycardia
Anxiety tachycardia is a not uncommon condition in medical consultations. It is because modern lifestyles favor stress, which leads to states of anxiety, causing a series of physical and psychological problems.
In principle, anxiety tachycardia is not considered a serious health problem and does not usually have major consequences. However, anxiety itself can become chronic and become a risk factor for more complicated pathologies.
Anxiety tachycardia usually lasts for only a few minutes and then goes away. Despite this, it leads to think that it is a heart attack or a dangerous condition; therefore, it is important to learn to recognize and handle it when it occurs.
Anxiety and heart health
People with anxiety are more likely to develop long-term heart disease. Anxiety is normal when it occurs in response to a stimulus that involves risks or dangers. Almost all of us have experienced one of these episodes throughout our lives.
Another different thing happens when anxiety is experienced continuously, without there being a reasonable cause for it. An anxiety disorder is present if symptoms are experienced for more than six months. It is estimated that between 5 and 11% of the population suffers from this problem.
Chronic anxiety stresses the heart and can weaken the cardiovascular system in the long run. In severe cases, it could lead to a heart attack or stroke. This is so because hormones and substances released in states of stress increase blood pressure, for example, or increase vasoconstriction.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia is defined as an increased heart rate, causing the heart to beat faster than normal. In a healthy person who is at rest, there are between 60 and 100 beats per minute; in someone with tachycardia, the heartbeat exceeds 100 per minute.
There are several types of tachycardias, depending on the area of the heart where they originate. They are classified into two large groups:
- Atrial tachycardia: originates in the upper chambers of the heart, called atria .
- Ventricular tachycardia – It begins in the lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles .
Anxiety tachycardia is common, but it is not the only cause of the increased heart rate. It can be due to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, anemia, or the use of some substances. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult the doctor.
Tachycardia and anxiety
If the heart rate is too high, the heart cannot effectively pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Under these circumstances, other symptoms may occur, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, vertigo and dizziness, tiredness, weakness, chest pain, and fainting.
Anxiety, on the other hand, has as its main sign the state of nervousness, restlessness or agitation. There is a sense of imminent danger or that something very bad is going to happen. Breathing accelerates, there is trembling, sweating, tiredness and weakness.
Other less obvious symptoms are gastrointestinal problems and difficulty falling asleep. A person with chronic anxiety feels worried and cannot push threatening thoughts out of his mind. Anxiety generates physiological changes and is a risk factor for various pathologies.
What to do with anxiety tachycardia?
Anxiety tachycardia is very common and does not go away until emotions are under control. If this has not been achieved, it is advisable, first of all, to understand that this increase in heart rate is the result of anxiety.
At times like these, it is best to find a resting position, and then breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes. Also, try to evoke some pleasant image, such as a calm landscape, a friendly episode or a motivating person.
After a short time, the heart will return to its normal rhythm. It is advisable to introduce magnesium into the diet, reduce the consumption of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Exercising regularly is one of the best antidotes to anxiety, as well as a powerful cardiovascular protector.
