An elevated heart rate, or tachycardia, can have various causes including health problems, medication, excessive activity, caffeine, and alcohol. Symptoms can include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and fainting. Medical evaluation is necessary to diagnose the cause of an elevated heart rate.
Pulse rate is the rate at which the heart beats. In most cases, the pulse is measured by how many beats the heart makes in one-minute increments. Normally, the average heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. When the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute, the person is said to have an elevated heart rate, also known as tachycardia. There can be a number of different causes for an elevated heart rate. A temporary elevated heart rate may not be a major cause for concern, although a sustained elevated heart rate can be harmful.
There can be several causes of an elevated heart rate. Sometimes the condition can be caused by a health problem. Heart disease can be the cause of a medically induced elevated heart rate. Additionally, some thyroid disorders can also cause this condition. For example, hyperthyroidism is an example of a condition that can cause an individual to have a higher than normal heart rate. Additional medical causes can be attributed to a blood disorder such as anemia, abnormally low blood pressure, infection, and dehydration.
Some medications can also cause an increased heart rate. Decongestants used frequently to treat the common cold can cause this problem. For this reason, doctors often advise patients with certain heart conditions to forgo over-the-counter decongestants and cold medications. Asthma medications may also be factors. Occasionally, consuming too much caffeine and drinking too much alcohol can also cause the pulse to rise.
One of the more benign causes of an elevated heart rate is excessive activity. Exercise is the most common form of activity to increase the pulse rate. Even a moderate amount of activity can stress the heart enough to increase the number of beats needed per minute. For example, brisk walking can cause your heart rate to increase.
Symptoms of an elevated heart rate can vary. Some people may be able to feel their heart beating at a fast pace. The sensations of a fast, strong, or pounding heartbeat are medically known as palpitations. If the heart starts beating excessively fast, more serious symptoms can arise. As the frequency increases, some people develop shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and lightheadedness. One of the more threatening complications of an extremely high pulse can be fainting.
Individuals with an exceptionally high heart rate should be taken to the emergency room for medical evaluation. Doctors may do a manual pulse test first to get a general idea of how fast the heart is beating. Afterwards, the person may undergo a series of cardiovascular tests to properly diagnose the cause of the high rate. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be the first diagnostic test. Depending on the results of the initial test, other cardiovascular tests may follow.
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