Can stress and anxiety cause heart palpitations?

Hello, I'm an expert in the field of psychology and physiology. I can provide you with an informed answer regarding the relationship between stress, anxiety, and heart palpitations. Yes, stress and anxiety can indeed cause heart palpitations. Heart palpitations are sensations of your heart beating irregularly, skipping a beat, or beating too hard. They are often described as a fluttering, pounding, or racing heart. When you're stressed or anxious, your body's fight-or-flight response is triggered. This response can lead to an increased heart rate and the forceful pumping of blood through your arteries, which can result in palpitations. Additionally, stress and anxiety can cause the release of adrenaline, which can also contribute to heart palpitations. Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares your body for action by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. While this is a normal response to perceived threats, it can lead to palpitations when the body is in a state of chronic stress or anxiety. It's important to note that while heart palpitations can be alarming, they are often harmless and not indicative of a serious heart condition. However, if they are frequent or accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health issues.

One of the most common causes of heart palpitations is anxiety. If you're nervous or stressed out, your brain releases hormones that can cause your heart to pound. If anxiety is to blame, you may have some other symptoms too, says Ralph Sacco, MD, like sudden sweating or an upset stomach.