Insomnia and Stress Are Associated with Irregular Heart Rhythms in Post-Menopausal Women, Study Reveals

According to a recent study, stress and insomnia are the leading contributing factors to the development of irregular or rapid heartbeats, known as atrial fibrillation, in post-menopausal women. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, reports that approximately 1 in 4 women between the ages of 50 and 79 are affected by this condition, which can increase their risk for stroke or heart failure.

The study involved analyzing over 83,000 questionnaires from the Women’s Health Initiative, a major U.S. study. Out of these women, 23,954 developed atrial fibrillation. The researchers found that insomnia was associated with a 4% higher risk of developing the condition, while experiencing a stressful life event, such as the loss of a loved one or financial pressure, was associated with a 2% higher risk.

“The heart and brain connection has been long established in many conditions,” says lead study author Susan Zhao, a cardiologist at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. “Atrial fibrillation is a disease of the electrical conduction system and is prone to hormonal changes stemming from stress and poor sleep.”

Atrial fibrillation primarily affects older adults and can lead to serious health complications like blood clots, stroke, or heart failure. The American Heart Association predicts that over 12 million people in the United States will develop atrial fibrillation by 2030.

Dr. Zhao emphasizes the importance of considering psychosocial factors, such as stress and poor sleep, in understanding the development of atrial fibrillation. She believes that these factors, along with age and other heart health-related risk factors, may play a significant role in the onset of this condition.