Can stress and anxiety cause an increased heart rate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 31 years old. My father passed away recently, and since then, I have been feeling an uncomfortable heartbeat. I have type 2 diabetes. I took an ECG twice, with the heart rate being 88 beats per minute the first time and 108 beats per minute the second time. The ECGs were taken over the span of two days.

Please suggest what I should do or recommend any medicine.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It does not seem to be anything worrisome. An increase in heart rate and feeling it does not necessarily indicate anything abnormal. Heart rate can rise due to anxiety, stress, walking on the ground or stairs, and this is entirely normal. So, at present, there is nothing that needs to be done for your pulse rate. However, if you feel extremely uncomfortable, you may take Propranolol 20 mg once a day for two weeks. Otherwise, nothing needs to be done.

It is very important to keep your blood sugar levels well-controlled, as high or uncontrolled sugar levels are a major risk factor for future cardiovascular disease. Additionally, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. You should also consider getting a lipid profile screening if you have not had one recently.

From a cardiac perspective, it is recommended to undergo a screening echocardiogram and a TMT (treadmill test) to assess the current status of your heart, which will most likely be normal. The TMT will help identify any minor abnormalities in the heart. Overall, you should focus on prevention.

Thanks and regards.