A new study reveals that approximately 1 in 4 women may experience irregular heartbeats after reaching menopause, with factors such as insomnia and stressful life events playing a significant role in this health issue. The condition, known as atrial fibrillation (AFib), is characterized by an irregular, quivering, or rapid heart rhythm caused by the heart’s upper chambers beating out of sync with the lower chambers.
Although AFib episodes may not be life-threatening, they can elevate the risk of complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart failure, necessitating medical attention. Dr. Susan Zhao, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the established connection between the heart and brain, particularly in conditions like atrial fibrillation. Hormonal changes influenced by stress and poor sleep likely contribute to this association.
To explore the connection between psychosocial factors and AFib among postmenopausal women, researchers analyzed data from questionnaires completed by over 83,000 women with an average age of 64. Participants had been enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative study between 1994 and 1998. The questionnaires covered aspects of medical history, health habits, stressful life events, social support, sleeping patterns, and optimism. Stressful life events encompassed experiences like abuse, loss of loved ones, financial troubles, divorce, and illness.
Over a follow-up period of around a decade, the study found that 25% of the women, equivalent to 23,954 individuals, developed AFib. Higher scores on the Women’s Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale were associated with a 4% greater chance of AFib, and for each additional point on the stressful life events scale, the likelihood of AFib increased by 2%.
Cardiologist Dr. Nieca Goldberg emphasizes the importance of the heart-brain connection in AFib and how this finding challenges the notion that heart symptoms in women are solely attributed to stress. The study’s limitations include its predominantly White participant pool (88%) and reliance on self-reported questionnaires.
Researchers stress the need for further investigation into the ways stress and overall well-being contribute to AFib risk. Dr. Zhao believes that psychosocial factors, in addition to age, genetics, and physical health, are key contributors to the development of atrial fibrillation. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart attack, heart failure, and thyroid issues are among the physical health factors linked to AFib.
Goldberg underscores the connection between physical and mental health and encourages individuals to discuss sleep difficulties and life stressors with their healthcare providers. Implementing simple lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime and reducing screen time can aid in managing sleep-related issues. Treatments for AFib can include medications, heart rhythm-shocking therapies, and procedures to correct faulty heart signals.
Regular exercise and maintaining social connections can also play a role in mitigating stress. Goldberg urges individuals not to dismiss symptoms as mere stress, highlighting the profound impact of mental health on physical well-being.