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Your heart rate naturally changes throughout the day. Exercise makes it rise, while rest and sleep generally slow it down. But have you ever noticed your heart racing when you’re worried, overwhelmed, or under pressure?
At Chinatown Cardiology, with four New York City locations, we provide comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations and diagnostic testing to identify the cause of symptoms such as a racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
Our skilled cardiologists can also recommend lifestyle changes and nutritional upgrades to protect your long-term cardiovascular health.
Stress can have an immediate effect on your cardiovascular system, including your heart rate and blood pressure. An occasional increase in heart rate during a stressful situation is normal.
When you encounter a stressful situation, your body activates its fight-or-flight response. Stress hormones, including adrenaline, prepare you to react quickly. Your breathing speeds up, your blood pressure may rise, and your heart beats faster to deliver more oxygen-rich blood throughout your body.
This response can help when you face an immediate threat. Unfortunately, your body may react similarly to everyday stressors, such as a demanding workload, financial concerns, family responsibilities, or sitting in standstill traffic.
Once the stressful situation passes, your heart rate should generally return to its usual resting level. However, frequent heart rate changes may indicate it’s time to pay closer attention to your stress levels and heart health.
A temporary increase in heart rate during a stressful moment isn’t necessarily a reason for concern. However, if you frequently feel your heart racing or pounding while you’re at rest, it’s worth discussing your symptoms with our cardiologists.
Stress and anxiety can cause heart palpitations, but they aren’t the only possible explanations. Changes in your heart rate can also be associated with:
Don’t assume that recurring heart symptoms are stress-related and nothing to worry about.
Occasional stress is a normal part of life. Chronic stress is different because your body can remain in a heightened state for extended periods.
Over time, chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and affect behaviors that influence cardiovascular health. For example, you might have trouble sleeping, exercise less, make poor nutritional choices, or use tobacco or alcohol as coping mechanisms.
Managing stress isn’t only about feeling calmer. It can be a significant part of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, and making time for enjoyable activities can all help you manage everyday stress.
If stress feels difficult to control on your own, speak with a mental health professional for further guidance. Untreated mental health issues can also contribute to heart disease.
Pay attention to when your heart rate changes occur and whether you experience additional symptoms at the same time. If episodes happen repeatedly, last longer than expected, or occur without an obvious trigger, a cardiovascular evaluation can help identify the cause.
Seek immediate medical attention if a rapid or irregular heartbeat occurs with more serious symptoms such as:
Depending on your symptoms, our cardiologists may recommend EKG testing or Holter monitoring to evaluate your heart’s electrical activity. Additional testing may also be appropriate based on your medical history and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Stress can make your heart race, but you shouldn’t automatically dismiss recurring changes in your heartbeat as a normal reaction to a busy life.
The cardiology team at Chinatown Cardiology offers comprehensive diagnostic services to identify the cause of an irregular heartbeat so you can get answers about your heart health. We also discuss any treatment you need during your consultation.
If you’re concerned about a racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, call Chinatown Cardiology today or request your appointment online.
