Let’s take a look at why is my heart beating so fast? and Should I be worried if the heartbeat is rapid?

A fast heartbeat refers to a person’s heart beating faster than usual. There are many possible causes.An average resting rate for adults is approximately 60 to 100 beats/minute. A fast rate is a heart rate of more than 100 beats a minute. Tachycardia refers to a heart condition where your heart beats too quickly. Bradycardia is a condition in which your heart beats too slowly. Bradycardia is a heart rate that rests at less than 60 beats a minute.

This article delves into the details of why is my heart beating so fast.

What Is Racing’s Heart?

Normal hearts beat 60-100 times each minute. In medical terminology, a high heartbeat (known as tachycardia) beats more often than 100 times per minute. A rapid heartbeat can last anywhere from seconds to several hours. However, not all cases of a racing pulse are dangerous. You can have your heart rate race in everyday situations, even if you don’t have heart problems.

You might also consider keeping a record of your symptoms. Keep track of what you were doing when you first noticed your heart beating rapidly. It can be helpful for your doctor to record when your heart rate rises. If you feel your heart racing and not working out or stressed, it is time to see a doctor.

What Is A Dangerous Heart Rate?

Your heart rate, or the rate at which your heart beats each minute, is the time it takes to win. This number varies from person to person. Your overall health and activities can have an impact on your heart rate. For instance, exercise may cause it to rise while you’re doing cardio, and rest may cause it to slow down.

How To Measure Heart Rate?

How do you know your heartbeat? Whitney Thomas, an exercise physiologist with MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center, said that the monitor is one of many ways to measure heart rate. This usually consists of a wristwatch or a belt that wraps around your arm or chest. The strap can also sync with a watch and other devices. Many wearable fitness trackers have heart rate monitors.

Your pulse is an excellent way to test your heart rate if your monitor doesn’t work. Use two fingers (your middle fingers and your index fingers) to locate the carotid vein, which is located below your throat. Then, please take 10 seconds to count how many beats it feels. Divide this number by six. That’s approximately the rate at which your heart beats each minute.

Several Heart Diseases Can Cause A Racing Heart

A rapid or irregular heartbeat may be an indication of severe heart conditions. These conditions can include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• fainting
• Blackouts
• Tightness in their chest
• Chest pain

Surprising Reasons That Your Heart Is Racing

• You’re stressed
• You’re anxious
• You’ve consumed a lot of caffeine
• You’ve been sick with a cold or fever
• You aren’t getting enough rest
• You’re taking a drug that has an effect on your heart
• You’re expecting a child
• You suffer from an anxiety disorder
• Your thyroid is overworked
• You’re anaemic
• You suffer from a cardiac arrhythmia

Some Drugs may Require a Specific Response

The following substances are known to increase the heartbeat speed of a person:

Caffeine

Caffeine, a stimulant, is found in many beverages such as tea, coffee, and certain sodas. Caffeine powder may also be available as a nutritional supplement.

According to Food & Drug Administration (FDA), an adult could consume 400 mg of caffeine per dailyTrusted Source. But, how much caffeine a person can consume is determined by their caffeine sensitivity.

Caffeine intake can lead to:

Insomnia, jitteriness, and anxiety are all symptoms.

• Rapid heart rate
• Stomach ache
• Nausea
• A throbbing headache
• A sense of dissatisfaction

Alcohol

2014 research found that even a small amount can increase the chances of someone developing atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation causes irregular heartbeats, sometimes with abnormally rapid beats.

Another study was done in 2017 to test people’s breath for alcohol levels. The heart rate increased with increasing alcohol concentration, according to researchers.

Nicotine

Nicotine is an addictive chemical found in cigarettes. According to AHA’s research, nicotine can cause an increase in blood pressure and heartbeat. In 2016, research showed that nicotine could increase the heart rate by about 10-15 beats per minute (BPM).Trusted source. Researchers also found that the rate at which a person’s heartbeat and blood pressure increases depends on whether they inhale, smoke, or inhale nicotine.

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Illegal Stimulants

Illegal stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines that can be used to increase heart rate may make it possible.

2014 Trusted Source Research found that people who take cocaine are more likely to have irregular or high heart rates.

Doctors may use amphetamines to treat ADHD or narcolepsy. There are several side effects that amphetamines, including: can cause

• A headache
• High blood pressure An increased heart rate
• Mouth that is dry
• Cramping in the stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fever or chills
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Restlessness

Certain Medications

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), certain medications may cause irregular heartbeats. These medications include the following:

Certain Supplements

Certain herbal supplements may raise a person’s heartbeat, such as:

Bitter orange can be used to treat heartburn, congestion, weight loss, appetite suppression, stimulation, and athletic performance. Although it has been shown to cause trusted Source rapid heartbeats, some studies did not prove this.

Valerian

 Valerian supplements are used for anxiety and depression, premenstrual disorder, headaches, and other menstrual issues. Side effects can occur from taking valerian. These include rapid heartbeats, headaches, and upset stomachs.

Ginseng is a general tonic that promotes well-being. However, side effects can occur from trusted Sources and include an increased heartbeat or decreased heartbeat.

Treatment

Persons who have a higher heart rate due to alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or other illegal stimulants need to reduce their intake. Talking to a counselor or healthcare professional to discuss your options if you are dependent on a specific drug is a good idea. If you experience rapid heart rate or other side effects from taking specific medication or supplements, you can consult your doctor.

Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, a rise in heart rate can occur. This could be because the placenta needs blood to pump around the heart. A 2019Trusted Source study revealed that the average heart rate for pregnant women increased by 7-8 beats each minute (pm trusted Source). This same study also showed that the average heartbeat increased throughout pregnancy. The average heartbeat at ten weeks was 77.3 beats per hour and rose to 86.1 by 40 weeks. People who go through menopause are at increased risk of developing coronary hearts disease. The British Heart Foundation points out that postmenopausal women may feel like their heart is racing.

Treatment

If they are concerned about their heart rate, pregnant women or postmenopausal women need to speak with their doctor. The body’s electrolytes are the minerals and salts present in the blood. Electrolytes make the conductivity of electrical impulses within a person’s body possible.

A person with an imbalance of electrolytes might notice an increase in heartbeat. A 2013 study by Trusted Source showed that the most common symptoms of an electrolyte problem were:

• Breathing problem
• Fever
• A fast heartbeat
• Confusion
• Bloating
• Irregular heartbeat is a condition in which the heartbeat is irregular.

An electrolyte analysis checks whether a person has enough electrolytes in their blood. Based on abnormal electrolyte levels, the doctor can recommend treatment.

Preventable, Treatable

Healthy living is the best way to prevent illness. Regular exercise and a healthy diet rich in vegetables and lean protein will prevent heart disease. The treatment options are reducing caffeine, using prescribed medicines, or undergoing cardiac ablation.

Why is my Heart Beating so Fast: What Tests Do You Need?

History 

A good record is a first and most important thing. Do you have symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, or passing out? Is there chest pain? Is the rapid heart rate constant or intermittent? Do the symptoms only manifest when the heartbeat is high? What happens when the heart rate increases? Do you have a history of heart disease or previous testing? These questions are crucial in determining how serious the situation is and what workup will be required. These symptoms should not be ignored if they are alarming.

Physical Exercise

How is the heart beating? In your physical exam, are there any signs of cardiac failures, such as fluid retention? Another sign that you might have systemic issues is a thyroid problem.

EKG

Is the heartbeat regular or irregular? Are there any abnormalities in the heart rate or heart conduction? A fast heartbeat is an ideal time to conduct an EKG. This may help you determine if there is a cause. Thyroid function testing other tests may be ordered as necessary.

Monitor

Sometimes palpitations or rapid heart rate are intermittent and not when visiting the doctor. You can wear a monitor to identify irregular, fast heart rate and help you understand it. A monitor can be implanted for up to a year or several days. Personal experience has shown that monitoring is more useful if you keep a symptoms log. This can be used to cross check with the monitor to identify any correlations.

Echocardiogram

This ultrasonographic scan of the Heart is used to examine the structure and functioning of the heart. It’s commonly performed in patients suffering from palpitations and rapid heartbeat.

EP investigation

If the heart rate increases are suspected to be caused by a cardiac problem or a structural defect in the heart, and electrophysiology specialist may perform an invasive test.

FAQ

How Do I Contact A Doctor?

A rapid heartbeat is usually not a cause for concern. A fast heartbeat may be a sign of a more serious health problem. These are some of the health problems that can increase your heart rate.

• Hyperthyroidism
• Low blood sugar
• Types of anemia
• Postural or Orthostatic
• Fever
• Dehydration

If you have any questions, consult a doctor.

• They have a history of heart problem
• The increase in heart rate can last for a long time, or it may worsen
• The concern their increased heart rate expresses concern

Conclusion

A rapid heartbeat will often not have an impact on the heart. There may be other symptoms. However, the symptoms can cause serious health problems and life-threatening consequences in some cases. In rare cases, the heart rate can rise over time for weeks or months at higher heart rates. This could lead to a condition called tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy. It is essential to determine the cause and treatment.

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