AFib and Mental Health: Understanding the Emotional Toll of an Irregular Heartbeat

AFib has no cure yet. So, a diagnosis like this might leave you feeling a little unsettled—maybe even scared or frustrated. You may worry about your irregular heartbeat, what it means for your future, and how it will affect your daily life. The fear associated with the condition, as well as potential complications like stroke, heart failure, and blood clots, can add another layer of anxiety and stress.

This explains why about 4 in 10 people with AFib experience mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, or issues with memory and thinking. For older adults, research shows that number can climb to 6 in 10. So, if you’ve been feeling off—mentally and emotionally—you’re not imagining it. The reality is that when your heart rhythm feels unpredictable, it can leave you feeling mentally and emotionally off-balance, too.

The Connection between AFib and Mental Health

AFib is unpredictable, and that unpredictability can be stressful. One minute, you’re fine. The next, your heart is racing, pounding, or skipping beats. Even if an episode only lasts a few minutes, the fear can linger much longer. You might start thinking:

• What if it happens again?
• What if it gets worse?
• Could this lead to a stroke or heart failure?
• Is this going to shorten my life?

These thoughts can build up over time, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression. You might start avoiding activities you love or feel like you’ve lost control over your own body.

AFib and Anxiety

AFib and anxiety often go hand in hand. When your heart beats irregularly, your nervous system goes into overdrive. Your body reacts like you’re in danger, releasing stress hormones that make your heart race even more. It’s a cycle that can be hard to break.

Some people start experiencing symptoms of anxiety even when their AFib isn’t active. It’s not just the episodes themselves—the constant fear of when the next one will strike. This is especially common if you have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, where episodes come and go unpredictably. The uncertainty can make everyday life feel stressful.

Common signs of AFib-related anxiety include:

• Feeling on edge or restless
• Trouble sleeping because of worry
• Racing thoughts about your health
• Avoiding activities out of fear of triggering an episode
• Constantly checking your pulse or symptoms

AFib and Depression

While anxiety is about fear, depression can feel like exhaustion—both mental and physical. If you’ve been feeling hopeless, disconnected, or like you’ve lost interest in things you once enjoyed, AFib may be taking a toll on your mental health.

AFib can make you feel like you’re losing control of your life. Maybe you’ve had to change your daily routine, cancel plans, or limit physical activity. This can make you feel isolated, frustrated, or even angry. Some people with AFib also experience a type D personality, meaning they tend to hold in negative emotions instead of expressing them.

Common signs of AFib-related depression include:

• Feeling tired or unmotivated
• Losing interest in hobbies or socializing
• Feeling hopeless or stuck
• Trouble concentrating
• Thinking about worst-case scenarios or even suicidal thoughts

Why AFib Feels So Overwhelming

AFib is emotionally draining for so many reasons:

• It increases the risk of stroke, blood clots, and heart failure, and that’s a lot to process.
• It leaves you with uncertainty. Not knowing when an episode will strike can make you feel like you’re always on edge.
• It forces you to make lifestyle changes. If your doctor has told you to cut back on caffeine, alcohol, or specific activities, you might feel like you’re missing out.
• It can make you feel alone. Not everyone understands what living with AFib is like. You might feel like you have to explain yourself constantly or avoid certain situations.
• It disrupts daily life. AFib can make simple activities feel stressful. Plans get canceled. Exercise feels risky. Sleep is often disrupted.

And if you also have heart disease, congenital heart disease, or other cardiovascular diseases, you might worry about AFib making things worse. The thought of needing more medications, procedures, or even hospitalization adds another layer of anxiety.

How to Manage AFib and Mental Health

You don’t have to struggle through AFib alone. There are ways to manage your heart and mental health to feel more in control.

1. Get the Right Treatment for Your Heart

Managing AFib properly can reduce stress and improve your mental health.

• Medications can help control your heart rate and reduce the risk of stroke.
• AF ablation may help restore a normal rhythm and decrease episodes.
• Lifestyle changes, like avoiding caffeine, staying hydrated, and improving sleep, can help stabilize your heart and nervous system.

If your treatment isn’t working or you’re still feeling anxious, talk to your doctor. You deserve a plan that works for you.

2. Don’t Keep It In—Talk About It

AFib can feel overwhelming, but talking about it can help.

• Therapy can help with anxiety and depression linked to AFib. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one approach that helps many people manage stress.
• Support groups connect you with others who understand what you’re going through.
• Talk to loved ones about how you’re feeling so they can support you.

3. Calm Your Nervous System

AFib and anxiety are connected. Calming your nervous system can help reduce symptoms.

• Deep breathing can slow your heart rate and reduce stress.
• Meditation or mindfulness can help clear your mind and keep you grounded.
• Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, can improve physical and mental health.

4. Pay Attention to Your Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

• Get enough sleep. Poor sleep can trigger AFib episodes and worsen symptoms of anxiety.
• Reduce stress triggers. Cut back on caffeine, screen time, and anything that increases anxiety.
• Seek professional help if needed. If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to a doctor or therapist.

5. Consider Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are exploring new ways to address the mental health issues that come with AFib. Some studies focus on integrated care models, where doctors and mental health professionals work together to support your heart and mind. Others test psychological support programs to ease anxiety and depression. Some clinical trials also focus on innovative therapies like:

• New medications that regulate heart rate and improve mood stability
• Wearable devices that monitor AFib symptoms and track emotional triggers
• Digital health tools, like mobile apps for stress management and meditation

These studies help doctors understand the best ways to support AFib patients beyond medication and procedures.

Ask your doctor about clinical trials that could provide innovative treatments for managing AFib and improving your quality of life.

Science 37 Offers AFib Clinical Trials

Science 37 conducts clinical trials for stroke prevention in patients with AFib, giving participants access to emerging treatments and expert-led care. Visit our website to learn more or see if you qualify.