How to stop heart palpitations due to anxiety

Key takeaways

• Anxiety-induced heart palpitations are caused by your body’s fight-or-flight response and are usually harmless.
• Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and vagus nerve stimulation can help reduce heart palpitations at home.
• Some anxiety medications, including certain SSRIs and SNRIs, may trigger palpitations, especially during dose changes. It is likely temporary and not a sign of heart damage.
• It’s important to see a doctor if you experience heart palpitations with symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath.
• Professional help through telehealth services like Nurx offers convenient access to anxiety treatments that address both mental and physical symptoms.

Heart palpitations can be super unsettling, especially when anxiety is the one pulling the strings.

One minute you’re fine, the next your heart is racing, fluttering, or pounding like it’s late for something.

And, while anxiety may lead to heart palpitations (that are usually not dangerous), that doesn’t make them any less scary in the moment…or less disruptive to your daily life.

Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or skipping beats—and when they’re triggered by anxiety, it can create a frustrating cycle of worry.

The good news is there are real, effective ways to help calm your nervous system and get palpitations under control.

And if anxiety is a regular part of your life, getting professional anxiety support on platforms like Nurx can make a huge difference—so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Why does anxiety cause heart palpitations?

When you experience anxiety, your brain can’t tell the difference between a real threat and psychological stress.

Whether you’re facing actual danger or worrying about an upcoming presentation, your body activates the same survival mechanisms. This can lead to changes to your heart rate and heart rhythm.

The fight-or-flight response 

Your body’s fight-or-flight response is there to keep you safe. When it senses stress, your adrenal glands release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which tell your heart to beat faster and stronger. That’s your body’s way of making sure oxygen gets where it needs to go—fast—so you’re ready to react.

The problem is, our bodies don’t always know the difference between a real physical threat and everyday stress, like money worries or relationship tension. 

Stressful situations like financial pressure, work deadlines, or relationship conflict can flip that same switch. 

The nervous system

Beyond stress response, an improperly functioning nervous system can also lead to a pounding heart. 

The body’s autonomic nervous system regulates your heartbeat using two pathways:

• sympathetic nervous system, which speeds things up during stress
• parasympathetic nervous system, which slows everything back down once you’re safe.

With stress and anxiety disorders, this system can stay stuck in overdrive, leading to an increased heart rate and heart rhythm disturbances. You may also feel an uncomfortable fluttering or pounding sensation that can feel impossible to ignore.

Can anxiety cause heart palpitations without underlying heart disease?

Absolutely. Many people visiting cardiologists for heart palpitations often have no detectable heart disease.

Heart palpitations can often just be a symptom of anxiety. And, though they can feel alarming, palpitations are usually not a sign of serious heart problems.

Normal anxiety-related palpitations typically last seconds to minutes and resolve when you calm down. You might experience heart racing, an irregular heart rhythm, or sensations like your heart is skipping beats.

These physical symptoms often accompany other anxiety symptoms like sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath during panic attacks.

A Nurx provider will evaluate your symptoms to help determine if anxiety is the cause rather than an underlying condition. When appropriate, they may prescribe medications to ease anxiety (and as a result make your heart feel lighter).

When anxiety isn’t the root cause

Anxiety and an arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation (AFib) can share similar symptoms, especially heart palpitations, which makes them easy to confuse. But the pattern of the heartbeat sensation often feels different.

Anxiety-related palpitations (sinus tachycardia):

• Fast heart rate
• Regular, steady rhythm like a drumbeat that’s sped up
• Predictable pattern, even if it feels intense

Atrial fibrillation (AFib):

• Heart may feel fast, slow, or fluctuate
• Irregular, unpredictable rhythm, often described as fluttering, chaotic, or like popcorn popping
• No steady pattern between beats

In simple terms, anxiety usually feels like a fast but steady heart, and AFib often feels like an erratic, uneven heartbeat.

AFib can carry serious health risks if untreated. Because the heart beats irregularly, blood can pool in the upper chambers, increasing the risk of blood clots and stroke.

If your symptoms feel unusually irregular, don’t follow a steady pattern, or keep coming back, it’s important to see a medical professional for proper evaluation and care.

When to see a doctor immediately

You should see a doctor right away if palpitations come with:

• chest pressure
• jaw pain
• extreme fatigue
• arm pain
• difficulty breathing
• loss of consciousness.

These symptoms could indicate a serious arrhythmia or risk of heart attack.

Additionally, seek immediate care if you have high blood pressure and suddenly develop severe palpitations with headache or vision changes.

Even without emergency symptoms or a serious health condition, schedule an appointment if your heart is beating too fast daily, interferes with your life, or occurs without obvious anxiety triggers.

How anxiety medications can both ease and trigger palpitations

While medication for anxiety is designed to help you feel calmer, some treatments can trigger palpitations as a side effect.

Understanding this connection can help you work with your provider to find appropriate treatment.

This happens because these medications affect serotonin levels, which can influence your heart rhythm. The good news is that these side effects often improve as your body adjusts over the first few weeks.

Which anxiety medications are most commonly associated with heart palpitations?

Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat anxiety can be the cause of heart palpitations.

These include:

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like sertraline, escitalopram, and paroxetine.
• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like venlafaxine or levomilnacipran
• Buspirone
• Tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine

Note: While you may get heart palpitations from these anti-anxiety medications, it’s rare for them to turn into a heart rhythm disorder.

If you experience new or severe palpitations after starting any anxiety medication, don’t stop taking it abruptly.

Reach out to your Nurx provider to discuss your options. They may adjust your dosage, recommend taking your medication at a different time, or switch your current regimen to another appropriate medication that works better for you.

How to calm heart palpitations from anxiety at home

You don’t have to sit through a racing heart helplessly. There are ways to help bring that pulse rate back down in the moment and reduce how often it happens over time.

The following techniques may help reduce heart palpitations by activating your body’s natural calming mechanisms and also help with stress management:

1. Try deep breathing techniques

The simplest place to start (and one of the most scientifically supported) is breathwork.

Deep breathing signals your nervous system to switch off the stress response and turn on your relaxation response. 

Here are some deep breathing techniques you can try:

• Diaphragmatic breathing:
  Lie or sit comfortably, place one hand on your belly and one on your chest, and breathe so only the belly rises and falls. This engages your diaphragm and helps shift your nervous system toward calm.

• Slow, extended exhale breathing:
  Studies show that breathing with longer exhalations (relative to inhalations) increases parasympathetic activity and can reduce anxiety and heart rate.

• Cyclic sighing (5 min):
  Even short bouts (like 5 minutes a day) of breathwork that focus on complete inhales and long exhales can reduce respiratory rate and negative emotions linked to anxiety.

2. Stimulate your nervous system’s calming “brakes”

Vagal maneuvers are simple techniques that stimulate the vagus nerve to help slow your heart rate, but they should only be used with a doctor’s approval. That’s because they can occasionally cause a significant drop in blood pressure or heart rate.

Once cleared by a provider, you can try these vagal maneuvers:

• Valsalva maneuver:
  Close your mouth, pinch your nose, and gently exhale against closed airways for 10–15 seconds. This increases pressure in your chest and can activate the vagus nerve.

• Cold water on your face:
  Splashing cool water on your face triggers the “dive response,” which may help slow your pulse.

• Slow humming or chanting:
  Humming deeply can stimulate the vagus nerve and encourage your nervous system to shift into a calmer, more relaxed state.

3. Stay active

Regular exercise, not intense or exhausting workouts, but consistent movement like brisk walking, yoga, or tai chi, may help reduce stress hormones. They also support mood, and help regulate your autonomic nervous system.

4. Cut or reduce stimulants

Stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol can both trigger or worsen palpitations by spiking your heart rate and your nervous system’s stress response. Cutting back (or eliminating them) often leads to fewer episodes—we know it’s tough, but it’s worth a try. 

5. Hydrate and balance your electrolytes

Dehydration itself can contribute to irregular heart sensations.

Drinking enough water and ensuring balanced electrolytes (like potassium and magnesium) can support steady heart rhythms and a normal heart rate.

6. Mindfulness and meditation

Studies show that mindfulness practices and meditation help improve heart rate variability and help in managing stress. This way, you’re less likely to get trapped in cycles of palpitations triggered by stress.

Getting professional help for anxiety disorders

Anxiety-related palpitations often improve with time and consistent stress-management practices. But if they’re frequent, intense, or accompanied by dizziness or chest pain, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider.

How Nurx can help with anxiety treatment online

Nurx offers anxiety treatment through licensed providers who understand the connection between mental health and physical symptoms like palpitations. 

Whether you’re dealing with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder, Nurx providers can help find the right approach for you.

After completing an online consultation, a licensed provider will review your symptoms and health history to create a personalized treatment plan for managing anxiety.

Nurx prescribes a comprehensive selection of mental health treatments that may include medications (when appropriate) to help with both anxiety and depression, including SSRIs and SNRIs.

What sets Nurx apart is the ongoing support through unlimited messaging with your care team. If abnormal heart palpitations persist or worsen, you can communicate with your provider for adjustments.

Plus, medications ship directly to your door with free delivery, and you can pause or cancel anytime.

You shouldn’t have to wait to feel better

Learning how to stop heart palpitations due to anxiety means understanding both the physical and emotional aspects of this common experience. 

While heart palpitations from anxiety may feel frightening, they’re typically harmless and respond well to relaxation techniques combined with appropriate professional care.

If anxiety is affecting your daily life, whether through heart palpitations, panic attacks, or constant worry, you deserve support that’s accessible and judgment-free. 

Nurx offers anxiety treatment that meets you where you are: complete an online consultation, connect with a licensed provider, and get personalized treatment delivered to your door.

Skip the month-long wait times for in-person appointments and start feeling like yourself again. Start your consultation with Nurx today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Can NAC cause heart palpitations?

Yes, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can trigger heart palpitations in some individuals, particularly at higher doses or in sensitive people with compromised heart health. This typically occurs as part of an anaphylactoid reaction, though NAC is generally well-tolerated at typical doses. If you experience palpitations while taking NAC, start with a lower dose and monitor your response. Consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

How to control heart palpitations?

To control heart palpitations, practice deep breathing exercises, try vagal maneuvers (like splashing cold water on your face), and reduce triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Stay hydrated, maintain regular exercise, and get adequate sleep (7-9 hours) to support heart health. If palpitations persist or occur with chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. Healthcare providers can determine underlying causes and may prescribe medications like beta-blockers if needed.

Are daily heart palpitations normal?

Daily heart palpitations can be normal if they’re occasional and triggered by common factors like stress, caffeine, hormonal changes, exercise, or dehydration. However, if they’re frequent, last long, or occur with symptoms like chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath, you should see a doctor. A healthcare provider can perform tests like blood work or heart monitoring to rule out underlying conditions like arrhythmias or thyroid problems.

When to go to the ER for heart palpitations?

Go to the ER immediately if heart palpitations occur with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, unusual sweating, or last more than 30 seconds. Also seek emergency care if you have weakness, confusion, or a history of heart disease. These symptoms could signal serious conditions like arrhythmias or a heart attack requiring urgent treatment. Call 911 if you experience vision changes, speech issues, or numbness on one side of your body.

Can Nurx prescribe anxiety medications online?

Yes, Nurx offers online mental health treatment, including anxiety medications, through licensed healthcare providers. After completing an online consultation about your symptoms and health history, providers may prescribe appropriate medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, or other evidence-based treatments to help manage anxiety. Treatment plans are personalized, and medications are delivered directly to your door with free shipping.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional. Nurx does not provide talk therapy or crisis management. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

While Nurx can treat anxiety, we cannot perform the physical exams or lung function tests necessary to rule out primary heart or lung disease.

Services not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, based on completion of the required consultation. Individual results may vary.

Buspirone HCl tablets (5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 15mg, & 30mg), Rx only, treats anxiety disorder. Buspirone HCl may also cause side effects including but not limited to dizziness, drowsiness, nausea. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here.

Escitalopram tablets (5mg, 10mg, & 20mg), Rx only, treats major depressive disorder. Escitalopram may cause side effects including but not limited to nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, sexual problems, sleep problems. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here.

Paroxetine tablets (10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg), Rx only, treats depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Paroxetine may cause side effects including but not limited to nausea, sleepiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, sexual problems, and sweating. Paroxetine carries a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information here.

Sertraline HCl tablets (25mg, 50mg, 100mg), Rx only, treats depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD. This drug may cause side effects, including but not limited to diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, sleep problems, sexual problems. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. 

Venlafaxine HCl ER capsules (37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg), Rx only, treats depression and anxiety. This drug may cause side effects, including but not limited to dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, sweating, decreased appetite. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Not all options discussed in the blog are available through Nurx. Please see Nurx.com for details. None of the following medications are offered by Nurx: Clomipramine, Levomilnacipran, and Paroxetine. All product names, manufacturer or distributor names, logos, trademarks, and registered marks (“Product Marks”) are the property of their owners and are for identification purposes only. Product Marks do not imply any affiliation, endorsement, connection, or sponsorship by their owner(s) with Nurx.