Why does anxiety or panic attacks cause your heart to beat faster?

During anxiety and panic attacks, the body produces excessive amounts of stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline (also known as epinephrine and norepinephrine, respectively). These hormones trigger a rapid increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia.

Here's how it happens:

Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System:

Anxiety and panic attacks activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response.

Increased Heart Rate:

The sympathetic nervous system sends signals to the heart, causing it to beat faster. This increased heart rate helps prepare the body for physical exertion required in life-threatening situations.

Adrenaline and Noradrenaline:

The release of adrenaline and noradrenaline further contributes to the increase in heart rate. These hormones directly stimulate the heart muscle and increase the conductivity of electrical signals, leading to faster heartbeats.

Widening of Blood Vessels:

The sympathetic nervous system also causes blood vessels to widen (dilate), which decreases the resistance to blood flow. This drop in resistance allows more blood to flow back to the heart, increasing its workload and contributing to the faster heart rate.

Increased Contraction Force:

Adrenaline and noradrenaline also increase the contraction force of the heart muscle. This stronger contraction helps pump more blood per heartbeat.

While these physiological responses are meant to help the body cope with perceived threats, they can become excessive and uncomfortable during anxiety or panic attacks. It's important for individuals experiencing regular episodes of rapid heart rate to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate management and support.