Role of Stress in Cardiac Arrhythmias

Citation : Vladimir Shusterman, MD, PhD and Rachel Lampert, MD

Stress is a major trigger of cardiac arrhythmias; it exerts profound effects on electrophysiology of the cardiomyocytes and the cardiac rhythm. Psychological and physiological stressors impact the cardiovascular system through the autonomic nervous system (ANS). While stressors vary, properties of the stress response at the level of cardiovascular system (collectively referred to as the autonomic cardiovascular responses) are similar and can be studied independently from the properties of specific stressors. Here, we will review the clinical and experimental evidence linking common stressors and atrial arrhythmias. Specifically, we will describe the impact of psychological and circadian stressors on ANS activity and arrhythmogenesis. We will also review studies examining relationships between autonomic cardiovascular responses and cardiac arrhythmias in ambulatory and laboratory settings.