How does anxiety affect arrhythmia incidence?

Anxiety has a significant impact on the body's autonomic nervous system, which in turn affects heart rhythms. When an individual experiences anxiety, it activates the fight-or-flight response, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system activity. This activation can provoke a range of physiological changes, including elevated heart rate and heightened electrical activity in the heart.

These autonomic changes can create an environment that promotes arrhythmias, especially in individuals who may already be predisposed to cardiac irregularities. For example, anxiety can increase catecholamine levels, which enhances myocardial excitability and may disrupt normal electrical conduction through the heart. As a result, these factors can lead to the development of various types of arrhythmias, particularly in those with underlying heart conditions.

In contrast, other options suggest that anxiety either reduces the risk or has no effect on heart rhythms, which does not align with the established understanding of the relationship between anxiety and cardiovascular function.