HomeAnswersPsychiatrybradycardia Is it possible that anxiety causes episodes of bradycardia?

Is it possible that anxiety causes episodes of bradycardia?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ashok Kumar

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 21, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 9, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello Doctor,

  Is it possible that anxiety causes episodes of bradycardia?

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

The answer is definitely NO which means anxiety in pure form does not cause bradycardia since anxiety is associated with increased adrenergic activity. But bradycardia can be found in a person with anxiety disorder because of other factors:

If you are taking beta-blocker class of drug for treatment of anxiety, that could be responsible for decreased heart rate despite the presence of anxiety.

If you have type I heart block you may have bradycardia despite the presence of other features of anxiety.

Any drug that antagonizes autonomic nervous system may be a cause for bradycardia.

Bradycardia is influenced by the factors such as age, gender, duration and symptoms associated with anxiety and family history of any cardiac ailment.

Revert back with an Electrocardiogram (ECG) and serum electrolytes levels for further follow up with a psychiatrist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/psychiatrist

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ashok Kumar
Dr. Ashok Kumar

Geriatrics

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