AFib or Panic Attack: How to Tell the Difference

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders.

It occurs when the upper chambers of your heart quiver or contract irregularly, leading to an uneven heartbeat.

This can reduce the efficiency of blood flow to the lower chambers and create physical sensations that feel alarming.

For many people, the symptoms of an AFib episode can feel very similar to a panic attack, which often leads to confusion and fear.

Panic attacks, on the other hand, originate in the brain and trigger intense emotional and physical responses.

While AFib is caused by irregular electrical signals in the heart, panic attacks involve sudden surges of fear or anxiety, sometimes without a clear external trigger.

Although both can cause palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath, panic attacks are strongly tied to feelings of impending doom, whereas AFib may occur without noticeable emotional distress.

Symptoms of AFib can also include fatigue, fainting, low blood pressure, exercise intolerance, and occasional emotional upset.

In contrast, panic attacks often include additional signs such as sweating, trembling, nausea, chills or heat sensations, and fear of losing control or dying.

Interestingly, AFib itself can sometimes trigger anxiety or panic episodes.

Studies suggest a bidirectional relationship between stress, anxiety, and AFib, meaning that emotional distress can provoke irregular heartbeats while AFib episodes can intensify feelings of panic.

This connection involves the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate and breathing, and the body’s hormonal stress responses.

Because AFib and panic attacks stem from different causes, each condition requires its own approach to treatment.

AFib is typically diagnosed with an electrocardiogram, and management may involve lifestyle changes, medications to control heart rate or rhythm, and, in some cases, procedures like ablation or pacemaker implantation.

Lifestyle adjustments for AFib include weight management, regular exercise, limiting alcohol, dietary changes, and smoking cessation.

Panic attacks are usually treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, stress reduction techniques, and sometimes medications to manage anxiety or physical symptoms.

Treatment focuses on understanding triggers, building coping skills, and regulating the emotional and physiological responses to stress.

It is possible to experience both AFib and panic attacks, and each can influence the other, but one does not directly cause the other.

Recognizing the differences between the two can help you respond appropriately, seek proper care, and reduce unnecessary anxiety.

Understanding your symptoms and discussing them with a healthcare professional is the most effective way to ensure both your heart and mental well-being are properly managed.

With awareness and timely intervention, you can distinguish between heart rhythm irregularities and emotional stress responses, ensuring you get the right treatment for each.