The silent symptom that can save life. Why atrial fibrillation is confused with stress and when to go to the doctor urgently
It can start with an unexpected sweat, a heart that beats with power and a feeling of nausea. Although stress can cause a number of physical reactions, these symptoms can hide a much more serious problem.
Chest pain may be a symptom of stress but also of cardiovascular diseases photo heartreas
“Stress can generate a lot symptom Physical, such as dizziness, sensation of fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pain or palpitations. Unfortunately all this can be and signs of cardiovascular disease“explains Dr. Karishma Patwa, cardiologist at Manhattan Cardiology, quoted by the publication Parade.
One of these conditions is atrial fibrillation (AFIB), a heart rate that causes irregular heartbeat, according to The American heart association. This affects the electrical system of the heart and can lead to serious complications, such as the formation of blood clots, stroke (stroke) or heart failure.
However, there is a specific symptom of atrial fibrillation that can be easily confused with the effects of stress. Cardiologists explain what you need to recognize when you should consult a doctor.
Common symptoms between stress and atrial fibrillation: how to identify the essential differences
Stress and anxiety can often imitate the symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFIB), such as palpitations, fast heartbeat and chest pressing, explains Dr. Aubrey Grant, Sports Cardiologist at Medstar Health in Washington, DC
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing the heart rate and triggering palpitations or the sensation of waving of the heart, which are at the same time signs of atrial fibrillation, he says. “Many patients come to emergency convinced that they have atrial fibrillation, when, in fact, they suffer from anxiety induced tachycardia ”adds Dr. Grant.
At the same time, people can ignore an irregular heart rate, considering that it is only stress, when, in fact, it can be atrial fibrillation.
For those already diagnosed with AFIB, stress can also trigger an arrhythmia episode, adds Dr. Patwa.
Both stress and atrial fibrillation can cause dizziness, fainting, breathing difficulties, pain or discomfort and fatigue, explains both doctors.
Who is exposed to the risk of atrial fibrillation. Trends at the global level
right Yale Medicineit is estimated that atrial fibrillation will affect 12.1 million Americans by 2030.
Globally, between 33 and 46 million people suffer from atrial fibrillation, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Also, the number of cases is estimated to increase about 2-3 times by 2050 in many developed and developing countries, due to population aging and increased risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Only in Europe, the prevalence of AFIB could reach over 14 million by 2060, according to a report of the European Cardiology Society (ESC).
Even if the prevalence of AFIB is higher in developed countries (up to 2-4% of the population), it increases rapidly in medium and low revenue countries.
In addition, although this condition may occur in anyone, the risk increases with aging, according to To the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hypertension, obesity, diabetes, smoking and other health problems are also factors that increase the risk of AFIB.
How to make the difference between atrial fibrillation and stress
The only safe way to know if your palpitations are caused by stress or atrial fibrillation is to make a “Complete cardiological examination”explains Dr. Patwa. It usually includes an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and the monitoring of the heart rate. “The heart rate monitor can differentiate between a normal, accelerated pace due to stress, and an abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia)”she details.
Rapid beats caused by stress generally have a regular rhythm, while atrial fibrillation causes irregular rhythms, explains Dr. Grant.
When to go to the doctor
“If the episodes appear frequently and affect your lifestyle, it is the right time to consult with a specialist”, recommends Dr. Patwa.
When palpitations are frequent, last long or accompanied by fainting, chest pain or important breathing difficulties, you must seek immediately medical assistance, attract Dr. Grant.
“Even in the case of mild but recurrent symptoms, a cardiological evaluation is indicated to exclude atrial fibrillation”he completes.
How to recognize and treat atrial fibrillation in time to avoid serious complications
In conclusion, atrial fibrillation is a serious heart condition, often confused with the symptoms of stress, but with potential of serious complications such as stroke or heart failure. The recognition of the essential differences between the palpitations caused by stress and those caused by AFIB is crucial for early diagnosis. If you have frequent palpitations, irregular heart rate or other alarming signs, urgently consult a cardiologist for appropriate assessment and treatment.
Given the global growth of atrial fibrillation cases, especially among the elderly and those with risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes, prevention and constant monitoring are essential for your heart health. Find out, pay attention to the body signals and do not ignore the symptoms that can save your life.
