Does Anxiety Contribute to a Persistently Elevated Heart Rate?
Female, 47 years old Type 2 Diabetes, last A1C reading at 6.3 Current medications include: Mounjaro 7, Metformin 500mg twice daily, and Lantus SoloStar 20 units. Also taking Jardiance for chronic kidney disease. Dealing with anxiety and panic disorder, I use Klonopin as needed. For depression, I'm prescribed Rexulti at 2mg. I take Elavil 200mg at night to manage insomnia. In recent years, I've experienced high blood pressure, but after losing weight, my levels have stabilized. Nevertheless, I’ve consistently clocked a resting heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute for several years. My previous psychiatrist, who I consulted for 14 years, prescribed Tenex. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2016, leading me to a new medical team including a primary care physician and a psychiatrist. Despite my heart rate remaining high, this issue appears to be overlooked; it is often attributed solely to my anxiety. Should I seek a different doctor or insist that my current team conduct more thorough evaluations? My weight loss is likely a result of my medications, and I’m eager to start exercising on the treadmill, but I'm uncertain about the safety of doing so given my condition.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 11:30:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
Elevated resting heart rate that persists over time can be concerning, especially when associated with anxiety and other medical conditions. Your heart rate above 100 beats per minute may be influenced by your anxiety, but it also warrants a thorough evaluation to rule out other potential causes such as thyroid issues, medication side effects, or heart conditions. Here’s a structured approach to address your concerns:
Explanation
Anxiety can certainly contribute to a faster heart rate. When you're anxious, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which can activate your heart to beat faster. However, it's important to recognize that other factors could also be contributing to this persistent high heart rate, particularly given your existing health conditions and medications.
Your current medications, including Klonopin, Elavil, and potentially others, may also play a role in influencing heart rate. Since you've lost weight and your blood pressure has stabilized, understanding how these changes affect your heart health is crucial.
Actionable Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Start by keeping a log of your resting heart rate throughout the day, as well as periods of increased anxiety, exercise, or relaxation. This data may help identify patterns or triggers.
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Evaluate Medication Impact: Speak with your primary care physician about a possible review of your medications. It's important to discuss how each medication could be impacting your heart rate, and whether adjustments might be needed.
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Request Further Evaluation: Given your ongoing concerns, it’s appropriate to ask your medical team for additional evaluations, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood tests (like thyroid function tests) to rule out any other causes for your high heart rate.
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Gentle Exercise: Start incorporating light activities that you feel safe doing, like gentle walking rather than intense treadmill exercise. Low-intensity activities can help increase your heart health without overwhelming your body. Listen to your body and adjust as needed—if you feel unwell, stop and rest.
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Anxiety Management: Continue to work on managing your anxiety through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or talking to your therapist, as reducing anxiety can help in lowering your heart rate.
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Seek a Second Opinion: If, after discussing your concerns with your current team, you still feel that your issues are being dismissed or inadequately addressed, consider seeking a second opinion from a cardiologist or another specialist.
Conclusion
Your health is a priority, and it's important to feel heard and understood by your medical team. Taking these steps can help you gain better insights into your heart rate and overall health. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself; your well-being matters. If any new, concerning symptoms arise, like chest pain or severe dizziness, seek urgent help. Let me know if you need further assistance or clarification!
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