As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can tell you that anxiety itself is not a direct cause of atrial fibrillation (AFib). However, anxiety can contribute to conditions that may indirectly increase the risk of developing AFib. For example, anxiety can lead to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances, which are all risk factors for AFib. Additionally, the stress and lifestyle factors associated with anxiety might exacerbate underlying heart conditions that could lead to AFib. It's important to note that AFib is typically caused by structural or electrical changes in the heart, such as those resulting from high blood pressure, heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, or excessive alcohol consumption. However, managing anxiety and stress can be beneficial for overall heart health and may help in reducing the risk of AFib or its recurrence in some individuals. read more >>

All of these could be due to different causes. But also, Dr. Gehi says, ��patients with atrial fibrillation and anxiety misperceive their anxiety as atrial fibrillation symptoms.�� And an anxiety attack can actually cause the heart to have an atrial fibrillation episode. ... Their anxiety increases their atrial fibrillation.read more >>