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anxiety symptoms

Can Anxiety Cause Heart palpitations?

Evidence-informed content reviewed for accuracy and safety

Yes. Anxiety releases adrenaline, which directly increases your heart rate and can cause your heart to pound, race, flutter, or skip beats. This is one of the most common and most frightening anxiety symptoms.

How Anxiety Causes Heart palpitations

Adrenaline is designed to prepare your body for physical action. It binds to receptors in your heart, increasing both the rate and force of contractions. You may feel your heart pounding in your chest, throat, or neck. Anxiety can also cause premature atrial or ventricular contractions (PACs/PVCs) - harmless skipped beats that feel alarming but are not dangerous.

Other Possible Causes

While anxiety is a common cause of heart palpitations, other conditions can produce similar symptoms:

  • Caffeine or stimulant use
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Anemia
  • Heart arrhythmias
  • Electrolyte imbalances

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Palpitations last longer than a few minutes at rest
  • They come with fainting, severe dizziness, or chest pain
  • You have a history of heart disease
  • Palpitations occur during sleep or with no emotional trigger

What Helps

How Paula Can Help

Paula is an AI wellness companion that can help you understand the connection between anxiety and physical symptoms. Through guided CBT exercises and breathing techniques, Paula helps you manage anxiety before it produces uncomfortable physical effects. Available 24/7, no waitlist required.

Paula is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. If you are experiencing new or concerning symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are anxiety heart palpitations dangerous?

In the vast majority of cases, no. Anxiety palpitations are uncomfortable but harmless. Your heart is designed to handle temporary rate increases. If palpitations are new, frequent, or come with other symptoms, a doctor can do simple tests to confirm.

Can anxiety cause heart palpitations all day?

Yes, if anxiety is sustained. Some people experience intermittent palpitations throughout the day during highly anxious periods. Addressing the underlying anxiety is the most effective long-term solution.

Related Anxiety Symptoms

Can anxiety cause chest pain?Read more →Can anxiety cause shortness of breath?Read more →Can anxiety cause dizziness?Read more →

Browse all anxiety symptom articles, explore mental health guides, see all conditions we support, read sleep & night anxiety articles, or explore "Is it normal?" articles.

Anxiety symptoms are manageable

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Paula is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis, please contact a licensed professional or crisis line.

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