Rapid heartbeats can be caused by exercise, stress, and fear, but can also be abnormal due to infections, heart diseases, and conditions. A healthy heart beats at 60-100 bpm, while tachycardia is above 100 bpm and bradycardia is below 60 bpm. Treatment options include behavior modification therapy, medications, and surgery.
There are both expected and abnormal causes of rapid heartbeats. Under certain circumstances, such as exercise, stress and fear, a person’s heart can beat faster. Abnormal causes of a rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, include infections, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks.
A healthy person’s heart normally beats at 60 to 100 beats per minute. Anything outside this range is considered abnormal. Tachycardia refers to a condition that causes the heart to beat above 100 beats per minute, while bradycardia is when the heart drops below 60 beats per minute.
Everyday circumstances can lead to a rapid heartbeat. Exercise will raise an individual’s heart rate above the normal resting rate. While this is an example of a cause of rapid heartbeats, it is not a cause for concern as long as the individual is being monitored for any excessive increases in heart rate outside of the typical maximum heart rate that should be sustained during exercise. In those suffering from stress, anxiety, and panic attacks, the sensation of a heartbeat can lead many to worry, but is typically more of a psychological issue and not related to an individual’s heart health.
An infection can also be one of the causes of fast heartbeats. Upper respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, can increase the stress on the cardiovascular system, leading to a rapid heartbeat. Another infection that can lead to a rapid heartbeat is rheumatic fever.
Heart diseases and conditions are perhaps the best-known causes of rapid heartbeats. This includes diseases such as coronary artery disease and conditions such as ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia. In addition to a rapid heartbeat, sufferers of these conditions may also notice an irregular or skipping heartbeat.
Those who have a rapid heartbeat should speak to a doctor as soon as possible to find the cause. Emergency medical treatment is needed when a person experiences a rapid heartbeat in combination with many other symptoms. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and vision changes.
Tests will be done to determine the best approach to treatment. For fast heartbeat caused by stress and anxiety, this may include behavior modification therapy to help patients learn how to handle stressful situations and limit the physical effects of stress. Those with an underlying disease or condition will receive treatment specifically for their condition. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.
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