What causes a racing heart due to anxiety, and what should I do about it?

Jun 02, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

Palpitations and anxiety may be caused by physiological factors, iron deficiency anemia, valvular heart disease, or other reasons, and can be improved through general treatment, medication, or surgery. They might also result from hypoglycemia, hypertensive heart disease, myocardial infarction, and other conditions. In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to alleviate physical discomfort.

Anxiety with palpitations may be caused by physiological factors, iron-deficiency anemia, valvular heart disease, and other reasons. It can be improved through general treatments, medications, or surgery. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Physiological Factors

During anxiety, emotional stress may lead to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, resulting in tachycardia. If no other symptoms are present, specific treatment is usually unnecessary. Symptoms can be alleviated through adequate rest and relaxation techniques.

2. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by insufficient iron in the body. Iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis; its deficiency reduces hemoglobin production, impairing oxygen delivery and metabolism in the heart, which may lead to increased heart rate. Patients can take medications such as compound ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets or iron dextran dispersible tablets under medical supervision.

3. Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular heart disease results from structural or functional abnormalities of the heart valves. Valve dysfunction increases cardiac blood flow and workload, potentially causing compensatory rapid contractions and elevated heart rate. Patients may benefit from valve repair surgery.

Besides the above causes, palpitations may also result from hypoglycemia, hypertensive heart disease, myocardial infarction, and other conditions. In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—such as managing stress, avoiding excessive fatigue, and eating a balanced diet—can help alleviate physical discomfort.

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What to do when your heart is pounding violently after a fright

After a fright, the heart may beat intensely. Symptoms can be improved through methods such as emotional regulation, medication, and enhanced personal care. Since the severity of heart palpitations following a scare and individual physical conditions vary from person to person, specific treatments may differ accordingly. It is recommended to consult a professional doctor and follow medical advice for appropriate treatment.

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Heartbeat is very strong, as if it's about to jump out.

A strong, pounding heartbeat that feels as if the heart might jump out could be caused by physiological factors, but pathological causes such as arrhythmia or cardiac neurosis cannot be ruled out. Patients may improve through general treatments, medications, and other interventions. When patients are emotionally excited or under significant stress, they may experience a physiological rapid heartbeat, which usually resolves once their emotions return to normal.

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What causes a sudden rapid heartbeat around 4 a.m., and what should I do?

The sudden pounding heartbeat around four o'clock in the morning may be caused by physiological factors, hyperthyroidism, heart valve disease, or other reasons. This condition can be improved through general treatments or medication. During sleep, if one experiences vivid dreams and heightened emotions in the dream, it may increase cortical excitability, leading to a faster heartbeat and sudden awakening.

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Lying in bed, my heart is pounding—can't fall asleep.

Lying in bed and experiencing a pounding heartbeat that makes it difficult to sleep may be caused by factors such as diet, iron-deficiency anemia, or arrhythmia. Symptoms can be improved through general treatments and medications. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, eating a balanced diet, exercising appropriately, and reducing mental stress can also help alleviate symptoms.