Yes, anxiety is a potential cause of a heart murmur. It is specifically known as a physiologic heart murmur. This occurs when the heart beats faster in response to increased blood flow, which anxiety or stress can trigger.
Although anxiety is not usually considered a direct cause of heart murmurs, it does contribute to physiological changes in the body that may cause them. But how can anxiety or stress cause such a concerning cardiovascular issue?
In this blog, let’s unravel the link between anxiety and heart murmurs. Additionally, how you can identify telling signs of heart murmur and when you should seek medical attention.
How does Anxiety Cause a Heart Murmur?
Anxiety isn’t a condition that just affects your mental health; its effects manifest physically as well. Feeling anxious activates the body’s autonomic nervous system. This system regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate.
It triggers the body’s flight or fight mode and can result in several cardiovascular responses. Anxiety can cause tachycardia, a condition where the heart beats faster than it normally should. Additionally, chronic anxiety leads to high blood pressure, which puts a strain on the heart.
The increased blood flow in direct response to anxiety leads to what is called a flow murmur. Overall, all these changes can create sounds that are detected as heart murmurs.
How to Identify a Heart Murmur
A murmur is usually a sound we associate with talking. It can be strange to consider that your cardiovascular system can make any other sound except the throbbing we associate with heartbeats.
However, irregularities in heartbeats do happen, and physicians can detect them easily with the help of a stethoscope. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that can be heard during the heartbeat.
It is usually caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart’s chambers or valves. Murmurs sound like a whooshing or swishing noise. Anxiety-induced heart murmurs may be heard during periods of heightened anxiety or stress. A medical test like an electrocardiogram (ECG) can rule out any other cardiac issues at play.
When to Worry about Heart Murmurs in Adults?
While heart murmurs are usually not a cause for concern, you must seek treatment if other symptoms accompany them. Here are some symptoms to look out for.
- Chest Pain
Suppose you have symptoms like unexplained chest pain along with shortness of breath or dizziness. It indicates that other issues at play may just not be from anxiety. - Changes in Existing Murmurs
If there are changes in the existing murmur, such as intensity or character. You must seek help from a cardiovascular expert to understand any underlying issues. - Age and Health History
Older adults or those with a history of heart disease showing signs of heart murmurs should not be ignored. They may be more vulnerable to complications caused by cardiac issues; hence, an abnormal heart murmur is a concerning symptom.
Captain Mac
Wanda Demartile
Captain Mac
Anita Jarone
Takeaway
A heart murmur can be alarming to deal with. While anxiety can cause heart murmurs due to physiological changes, it may not always be a cause for concern. However, chronic anxiety can eventually lead to strain on the heart and lead to issues.
If you’re worried about a heart murmur, contact the experts at Healthy Living Heart and Vein. We offer testing and treatment for various cardiovascular issues. Dial (936) 978-0466 to schedule an appointment with us.