Can stress and anxiety cause irregular heartbeat?

As a healthcare professional with a background in cardiology, I can confirm that stress and anxiety can indeed cause the sensation of an irregular heartbeat, which is medically known as palpitations. When a person experiences anxiety, their body undergoes a stress response that can lead to an increased heart rate and, in some cases, a feeling of a heart "fluttering" or beating irregularly. This is because anxiety can stimulate the release of adrenaline, a hormone that can speed up the heart rate and make the individual more aware of their heartbeat. However, it's important to note that while anxiety can mimic the symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, it does not necessarily mean that the person has a heart rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). It's also possible for anxiety to exacerbate an existing heart condition or make its symptoms more noticeable. If someone is experiencing frequent palpitations along with other symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, it's crucial to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying cardiac issues.

Many people often confuse the symptoms of a panic attack with those of a heart rhythm problem like atrial fibrillation (AFib). ... This means that people with anxiety may think they have signs of an irregular heartbeat, but it is actually their own anxiety or panic attacks that are causing the symptoms.