At times, we may notice our heart beating faster than usual. This can occur due to anxiety, nervousness, or stress. Such an increase in heart rate is a normal physiological response to emotional pressure.

However, in some situations, a rapid and irregular heartbeat may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of a Rapid Heartbeat

A condition where the heart beats excessively fast is known as tachycardia. A normal resting heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM). A person is considered to have tachycardia if their heart rate exceeds 100 BPM.

When the heart beats too rapidly, it does not have sufficient time to deliver blood to the heart muscle between beats. This can become dangerous if the heart fails to supply adequate oxygen and blood to the body.

The heart’s rhythm is regulated by electrical signals originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node. These signals determine how frequently the heart contracts. When you feel anxious or nervous, the heart sends signals more frequently, causing sinus tachycardia—a condition that typically resolves once you relax.

However, other forms of tachycardia may persist and become a serious health concern.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

In some instances, a temporary increase in heart rate is harmless and subsides on its own. However, in other cases, a persistently rapid heartbeat may signal an underlying heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia).

Seek immediate medical attention if a fast heart rate is accompanied by chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, and fainting episodes.

Doctors will typically conduct an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to assess tachycardia. If necessary, additional diagnostic tests such as a CT scan, MRI, coronary angiogram, or other cardiac assessments may be performed.

The primary goal of treatment is to slow down the heart rate and prevent recurrent episodes of tachycardia. Some of the methods used include:

• Vagal maneuvers. Techniques such as coughing forcefully, bearing down as if having a bowel movement, or applying an ice pack to the face. These actions stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps regulate heart rate.
• Doctors may prescribe drugs to help stabilize the heart rhythm.
• Cardioversion, a procedure that involves delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart using a specialized device to restore normal electrical impulses.
• A small device called pacemaker is inserted to regulate heart rhythms in cases of persistent tachycardia.
• In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to correct abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that trigger tachycardia.

Risk Factors for Tachycardia (Rapid Heartbeat)

In addition to emotional factors like stress and anxiety, tachycardia can also result from aging, genetic predisposition (family history of heart conditions), heart disease, unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and underlying medical conditions like thyroid disorders.

If you have a family history of heart disease, consider making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle to lower the risk of cardiovascular issues.

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