Anxious tachycardia is a common condition during medical consultations. Why? Because modern lifestyle promote stress, which leads to states of anxiety. This condition causes a series of physical and psychological problems.
In principle, anxious tachycardia is not considered a serious health problem and usually does not have major consequences. However, anxiety itself can become chronic and thus represent a risk factor for more complex diseases.
Anxious tachycardia usually only lasts a few minutes and then goes away. Despite this, it can be mistaken for a heart attack or more serious illness; therefore, it is important to learn to recognize it and deal with 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 everyone experiences one of these episodes in their lifetime.
The situation is different when the anxiety is felt continuously, without an identifiable cause. A person suffers from an anxiety disorder if they experience symptoms for more than six months. It is estimated that between 5 and 11% of the population suffers from this problem.
Chronic anxiety puts stress on the heart and can weaken the cardiovascular system in the long run. In severe cases, this weakening can lead to a heart attack or stroke. In fact, hormones and substances released in states of stress increase blood pressure or increase vasoconstriction.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia is defined as an increased heart rate, which causes the heart to beat faster than normal. In a healthy person at rest, there are between 60 and 100 beats per minute; in a person with tachycardia, the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute.
There are several types of tachycardia’s, depending on the region of the heart where they originate. They are classified into two major groups:
- Atrial tachycardia: it starts in the upper chambers of the heart, called atria.
- Ventricular tachycardia: it starts in the lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles.
Anxious tachycardia is common, but it is not the only cause of the increased heart rate. This increase may be due to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, anemia, or the use of certain substances. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor.
What is anxious tachycardia?
If the heart rate is too high, the heart is unable to effectively pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body . Under these circumstances, other symptoms may occur, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and lightheadedness. But also fatigue, weakness, chest pain and fainting.
Anxiety, on the other hand, has as its main sign a state of nervousness, worry or agitation. The victims feel a sense of imminent danger, as if something very serious is about to happen. Breathing quickens, accompanied by tremors, sweating, fatigue and weakness.
Other less obvious symptoms are gastrointestinal problems and difficulty falling asleep. A person with chronic anxiety feels worried and cannot get negative thoughts from their mind. Anxiety generates physiological changes and is a risk factor for various pathologies.
What to do to avoid anxious tachycardia?
Anxious tachycardia is very common and does not go away until emotions are brought under control . If you are having trouble controlling your emotions, the first thing to understand is that this increased heart rate is the result of your anxiety.
At such times, it is best to find a resting position and then breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes. Also, try to conjure up a pleasant image, such as a calm landscape, a moment you love, or a motivating person.
After a short time, the heart will return to its normal rhythm. It is advisable to introduce magnesium in the diet, to reduce the consumption of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Regular exercise is one of the best antidotes for anxiety, as well as a powerful cardiovascular protector.
Via: EverydayHealth | CalmClinic
