Why Anxiety Makes Your Heart Race (And Why It Isn’t Dangerous)

One of the most common physical symptoms people notice during anxiety is a racing or pounding heart.

You might be sitting quietly when suddenly your heart begins beating faster or pounding in your chest, leaving you wondering if something is wrong.

This sensation can feel frightening, especially if it appears suddenly or without an obvious reason.

Sometimes you are already feeling anxious, tense and worried when it happens. Your breathing accelerates, your heart thumps and you start to feel more and more hot, tense and distressed. On other occasions, it comes out of the blue and you have to battle both your anxiety and your fear that comes from such an uncomfortable feeling.

Many people worry that something is seriously wrong with their heart when this happens. In reality, a fast or pounding heartbeat is one of the body’s most common responses to anxiety.

In my work as an anxiety therapist in Ely, this is something people often mention when they first come for support. Understanding why it happens (and why it isn’t dangerous) can make the experience much less alarming and puts you in a stronger position to feel calmer more quickly.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like a racing heart alongside worry or panic, you may find it helpful to explore my anxiety support hub for Ely, which explains how anxiety can affect both the mind and body.

 

The Body’s Fight or Flight Response

When we feel anxious, the body activates its natural “fight or flight” response. This system prepares us to deal with danger by increasing alertness and energy. Your body automatically starts to gather the resources yu may need for survival.

As part of this response, the body releases adrenaline. This hormone causes several physical changes, including a faster heartbeat.

The heart begins pumping more quickly so that oxygen-rich blood can reach the muscles and brain more efficiently. This prepares the body to react quickly if needed.

Although this response is designed to help us deal with real danger, anxiety can trigger the same reaction even when no immediate threat is present. It can feel disconcerting and frightening.

 

Why the Sensation Feels So Strong

When anxiety increases, people often become more aware of their body. This heightened awareness and focus can make normal physical sensations feel stronger.

Your heart beats faster, your breathing rate increases and you can feel hot, dizzy, helpless and out of control over your own thoughts and feelings.

A fast heartbeat may feel like:

• pounding in the chest
• fluttering sensations
• heart palpitations
• a feeling that the heart is beating very hard

These sensations are uncomfortable but they are not dangerous.

They are simply the body responding to stress. If faced with an actual threat, this response is helpful. However, more likely, it happens when you feel anxious and are not being physically active. It feels distressing and uncomfortable.  You body prepares you for action and exercise. However, because you not fighting or running from a threat, the adrenaline and oxygen has no outlet and it can feel like to jut builds and builds.

 

Anxiety and Other Physical Symptoms

A racing heart often appears alongside other physical anxiety symptoms, such as dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain or muscle tension.

These sensations can sometimes lead people to worry that something serious is happening. It can feel so overwhelming that some people call out an ambulance or a paramedic.

For some people, anxiety can even create a fear of dying during anxiety or panic attacks, especially when the symptoms appear suddenly.

It can become a self re=-enforcing cycle of anxiety leading to heart racing leading to more anxiety.

 

When the Mind Starts to Worry

When the heart begins beating quickly, the mind naturally tries to interpret what is happening.

People may start thinking:

• “Is something wrong with my heart?”
• “What if I’m having a heart attack?”
• “Why is this happening?”

These thoughts can increase anxiety further, which may make the heartbeat feel even faster.

You can inadvertently increase the physical symptoms of anxiety and so you experience them even more intensely.

Understanding the connection between anxiety and physical sensations can often reduce this cycle.

 

When to Seek Help for Anxiety

Occasional anxiety symptoms are very common. However, if a racing heart or other symptoms of anxiety are appearing frequently, it may help to recognise some of the signs your anxiety is getting worse.

You may also find it helpful to understand when you should seek help for anxiety if it begins affecting daily life, sleep or confidence.

 

Finding Support

A racing heart during anxiety can feel frightening, but it is a very common and natural response from the body.

Many people find that once they understand how anxiety affects the body, these sensations feel much less alarming. Once you correctly identify it as a sign and symptom of anxiety, you can tackle the unwanted thoughts and feelings and start feeling more calm and on control again.

If anxiety has been affecting how you feel day-to-day, a free consultation is available to talk things through and explore what support might help you feel better.

To your health and happiness,

Dan Regan

Anxiety Therapy and Hypnotherapy in Ely and Newmarket

 

Could you use some help with your anxiety? Struggling with anxiety, stress, worry and fear and need some help? Find out how I can help with a Free Initial Consultation. Learn more here: Appointments

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