Vital exhaustion, also known as burnout syndrome, is typically caused by prolonged and profound stress at work or home. It is different from depression, which is essentially feeling low, guilt and poor self-esteem. The study undertaken by University of Southern California, Los Angeles, establishes the harm that can be caused in people who suffer from exhaustion that goes unchecked.

Atrial fibrillation, caused by psychological distress, is the most common form of heart arrhythmia. However, specific association between vital exhaustion and atrial fibrillation has not been evaluated as yet.

Vital exhaustion is associated with increased inflammation and heightened activation of the body’s psychological stress response. Hen these two things are chronically triggered, that can have damaging effects on the heart tissue, says doctors.