A heart rate above 100 beats per minute is medically referred to as tachycardia. Normally, people do not notice their heartbeat, but when tachycardia occurs, the heart’s rapid beats can be felt. If the symptoms worsen, they can be accompanied by shortness of breath, headaches, cold sweats, and dizziness.
So, what causes the heart to beat rapidly? While it could be a temporary condition, it might also signal the early stages of certain medical conditions. It’s important to carefully read through the following information, assess your symptoms, and seek medical attention if needed.
1. Emotional Changes
When the heart rate increases, the first thing to check is your emotional state. Stress, anxiety, or extreme excitement can lead to a temporary increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia. This is a natural reaction, and the heart rate should return to normal once you calm down, so it’s usually nothing to worry about.
Similarly, intense physical activity can lead to tachycardia as your body uses energy rapidly. This is a normal response, and taking a short break to rest can help return the heart rate to normal levels.
2. Heart Disease
Tachycardia can also be caused by heart problems. For example, arrhythmias, angina, and myocardial infarction (heart attack) can cause rapid heartbeats. These are serious conditions that, if left untreated, could be life-threatening.
- Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats, where the heart may speed up or slow down unpredictably.
- Angina occurs when the heart’s blood supply is reduced, causing chest pain.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack) happens when the heart’s blood vessels become blocked, leading to tissue death.
If tachycardia is accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a serious heart condition requiring urgent care.
3. Other Medical Conditions
While many people assume that rapid heartbeats are always due to heart problems, other medical conditions can also lead to tachycardia. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, anemia, infections causing high fever, and pulmonary embolism are examples.
When experiencing rapid heartbeats, it’s essential to stop any ongoing activity and rest. If the rapid heartbeat continues or becomes frequent, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider for a thorough examination.
4. Anxiety Disorders
Even without underlying physical issues, mental health conditions can also cause the heart to race. Common anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety, and agoraphobia, can cause a sudden increase in heart rate, along with symptoms like trembling, cold sweats, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
The anxiety felt during these episodes can be intense, and some individuals may feel as though they are having a life-threatening panic attack. These episodes come on suddenly, and individuals may live in constant fear of future episodes. If anxiety disorder is suspected, seeking counseling from a mental health professional is highly recommended.
5. Certain Foods or Ingredients
Lastly, certain foods or substances can cause a rapid heartbeat. Caffeine and alcohol are two common culprits. Caffeine, especially in coffee and energy drinks, stimulates the nervous system, and excessive consumption can lead to tachycardia.
While moderate caffeine intake can improve concentration and physical performance, overconsumption may cause overstimulation and induce tachycardia.
Additionally, deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium can lead to rapid heartbeats. Therefore, individuals who frequently experience tachycardia should check if they maintain a balanced diet and get enough of these vital nutrients.
Conclusion
We’ve reviewed several causes of tachycardia, and it’s clear that treatment varies depending on the underlying issue. While it’s normal for heart rates to occasionally exceed 100 beats per minute during certain situations, prolonged or frequent tachycardia warrants a medical checkup. The normal heart rate range for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, and brief fluctuations outside of this range are generally not concerning.
However, if your heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute and you begin to feel your heart pounding or experience other symptoms, resting is important. When visiting a doctor, it’s crucial to provide as much detail as possible about your symptoms, including any other accompanying signs like chest pain or dizziness.