Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli. However, many people with fibromyalgia also experience heart palpitations, which can be alarming and uncomfortable.
Heart palpitations feel like rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeats and can create anxiety, dizziness, or shortness of breath. While these episodes may not always signal a serious heart condition, they can significantly impact a fibromyalgia patient’s quality of life.
This article explores the link between fibromyalgia and heart palpitations, potential causes, and ways to manage these symptoms effectively.
1. What Are Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations refer to an abnormal awareness of your heartbeat, which may feel like:
✔ Fluttering or skipping beats
✔ Pounding or racing heart
✔ A feeling of the heart “flipping” inside the chest
✔ Increased heart rate (tachycardia) or irregular rhythm
While palpitations are often harmless, frequent or intense episodes can be distressing—especially for fibromyalgia patients who already experience heightened bodily sensitivity.
2. The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Heart Palpitations
Many people with fibromyalgia report experiencing heart palpitations, but the exact connection is still being studied. Several factors related to fibromyalgia may trigger or worsen palpitations, including:
1. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction (Dysautonomia)
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. In fibromyalgia, ANS dysfunction (dysautonomia) can cause:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Sudden drops in blood pressure (leading to dizziness)
- Poor circulation, causing cold hands and feet
2. Increased Sensitivity to Stress and Anxiety
Fibromyalgia is associated with heightened nervous system activity, which makes people more sensitive to stress, anxiety, and bodily sensations.
- Anxiety and panic attacks can trigger palpitations.
- Fibromyalgia patients are more aware of normal heart rhythms, making palpitations feel more intense.
3. Chronic Pain and Inflammation
- Persistent pain increases stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), leading to overstimulation of the heart.
- Inflammation affects circulation, which may contribute to palpitations.
4. Poor Sleep and Chronic Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances are common in fibromyalgia, and lack of restorative sleep can cause irregular heartbeats.
- Chronic fatigue impacts heart rate variability, making palpitations more noticeable.
5. Medication Side Effects
Some medications used for fibromyalgia, such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and painkillers, can cause heart palpitations.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) may increase heart rate.
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), like duloxetine, can affect cardiovascular function.
6. Low Blood Pressure and Circulatory Issues
Many fibromyalgia patients experience orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing), which can lead to:
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Heart palpitations due to compensatory heart rate increase
3. Are Heart Palpitations Dangerous in Fibromyalgia?
For most people, heart palpitations in fibromyalgia are not dangerous. However, if they occur frequently, last a long time, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice.
When to See a Doctor:
🚨 Chest pain or pressure
🚨 Shortness of breath
🚨 Fainting or severe dizziness
🚨 Persistent or very rapid heart rate (>100 bpm at rest)
🚨 History of heart disease
A doctor may perform tests like:
✔ Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart rhythm.
✔ Holter monitor for tracking heart activity over 24-48 hours.
✔ Blood tests to rule out thyroid issues, anemia, or electrolyte imbalances.
4. How to Manage Heart Palpitations in Fibromyalgia
Although palpitations can be unsettling, there are several ways to reduce their frequency and intensity.
1. Manage Stress and Anxiety
- Practice deep breathing exercises (e.g., inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds).
- Try mindfulness and meditation to calm the nervous system.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger palpitations.
2. Improve Sleep Quality
- Follow a consistent sleep schedule.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine (avoid screens, reduce blue light exposure).
- Use magnesium supplements to promote muscle and nerve relaxation.
3. Adjust Exercise Routine
- Engage in low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming.
- Avoid overexertion, which can increase palpitations.
- Hydrate well before and after exercise.
4. Monitor Medications
- Talk to your doctor if you suspect a medication is causing palpitations.
- Avoid sudden withdrawal from certain drugs, as it can trigger withdrawal-related heart symptoms.
5. Maintain a Balanced Diet
- Increase electrolyte intake (potassium, magnesium, and calcium) for better heart function.
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods (leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fatty fish).
- Limit sugar and processed foods, which can trigger spikes in adrenaline.
5. Conclusion: Understanding and Managing Heart Palpitations in Fibromyalgia
Heart palpitations in fibromyalgia are common but often harmless, stemming from nervous system dysfunction, stress, poor sleep, and medication side effects. While they can be distressing, simple lifestyle adjustments, stress management, and proper hydration can help reduce their impact.
If palpitations become frequent, severe, or are accompanied by other serious symptoms, seeking medical evaluation is essential to rule out underlying heart conditions.
Would you like help creating a personalized plan to manage heart palpitations and fibromyalgia symptoms?
Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….
For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:
References:
Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly
Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox
Official Fibromyalgia Blogs
Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates
Fibromyalgia Stores
Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store
Discover more from Fibromyalgia Community
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
