Increased Heart Rate (Tachycardia)

Your heart rate is controlled by electrical signals sent across heart tissues. At rest, a normal heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. When these electrical signals fire more rapidly than normal, tachycardia occurs. This can happen in the upper chambers (atria), lower chambers (ventricles), or both.

Not all increased heart rates are problematic. Your heart naturally speeds up during physical activity, emotional stress, or when you're excited. This physiological response helps meet your body's increased oxygen demands. However, when your heart races without an obvious trigger or doesn't return to normal after activity, it may signal an underlying issue.

The significance of an increased heart rate depends on several factors: how fast it is, how long it lasts, what triggers it, and whether you have other symptoms or underlying heart conditions. Some people may not notice mild increases, while others feel every extra beat.

Heart Rhythm Disorders

• Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular, often rapid heart rate from chaotic atrial signals
• Atrial Flutter: Regular but rapid atrial rhythm, often 250-350 bpm
• Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia: Sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat
• Paroxysmal Ventricular Tachycardia: Dangerous rapid rhythm from ventricles
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: Alternating fast and slow rates

Heart Conditions

• Heart Attack: Damage causing electrical disturbances
• Angina: Reduced blood flow triggering compensatory tachycardia
• Endocarditis: Heart infection affecting rhythm
• Mitral Valve Disease: Valve problems causing heart to work harder
• Chronic Rheumatic Fever: Heart damage from past infection

Psychological and Stress-Related Causes

• Anxiety: Stress hormones increasing heart rate
• Panic attacks: Sudden intense fear with physical symptoms
• Emotional stress: Work, relationships, financial worries
• Post-traumatic stress: Hypervigilance and arousal

Metabolic and Hormonal Causes

• Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid accelerating metabolism
• Pheochromocytoma: Adrenal tumor releasing stress hormones
• Low blood sugar: Triggering adrenaline release
• Dehydration: Reduced blood volume requiring faster pumping
• Electrolyte imbalances: Affecting heart's electrical system

Substances and Medications

• Caffeine: Stimulant effect on heart
• Nicotine: Smoking or vaping
• Alcohol: Especially during withdrawal
• Recreational drugs: Cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy
• Medications: Decongestants, asthma inhalers, thyroid medication
• Diet pills: Stimulant-based weight loss supplements

Physical Conditions

• Fever: Increased metabolic demands
• Anemia: Heart compensating for low oxygen-carrying capacity
• Infection: Systemic response increasing heart rate
• Blood loss: Compensation for reduced blood volume
• Pain: Stress response to discomfort
• Pregnancy: Increased blood volume and cardiac output

Less Common But Serious Causes

• Pulmonary embolism: Blood clot in lung
• Sepsis: Severe infection response
• Heart failure: Compensatory tachycardia
• Cardiomyopathy: Heart muscle disease
• Sinus Bradycardia: Can alternate with tachycardia episodes

Dangerous Types of Tachycardia

• Ventricular tachycardia: Can lead to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest
• Supraventricular tachycardia with hemodynamic instability: Causing low blood pressure
• Tachycardia with chest pain: May indicate heart attack
• New-onset atrial fibrillation: Risk of stroke from blood clots
• Heart rate over 150 bpm at rest: Requires immediate evaluation

High-Risk Situations

• Known heart disease or previous heart attack
• Heart rate that won't slow down with rest
• Tachycardia with low blood pressure
• Associated chest pain or severe shortness of breath
• Family history of sudden cardiac death
• Structural heart abnormalities
• Taking medications that affect heart rhythm

Potential Complications

• Heart failure: Prolonged tachycardia weakening heart muscle
• Stroke: Blood clots from irregular rhythms
• Sudden cardiac arrest: Life-threatening arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathy: Heart muscle damage from chronic tachycardia
• Frequent fainting: Leading to injuries

Initial Assessment

• Vital signs: Heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation
• Medical history: Symptoms, triggers, medications, substance use
• Physical examination: Heart sounds, thyroid, signs of heart failure
• 12-lead ECG: Immediate rhythm identification

Laboratory Tests

• Complete blood count: Check for anemia or infection
• Thyroid function tests: TSH, free T4
• Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium
• Cardiac markers: Troponin for heart damage
• D-dimer: If pulmonary embolism suspected
• Drug screen: If substance use suspected

Cardiac Testing

• Continuous ECG monitoring: In hospital or telemetry
• Holter monitor: 24-48 hour recording
• Event recorder: Longer-term monitoring
• Echocardiogram: Heart structure and function
• Stress test: Exercise-induced symptoms
• Electrophysiology study: Detailed electrical mapping

Additional Studies

• Chest X-ray: Heart size, lung problems
• CT angiography: Coronary arteries, pulmonary embolism
• Cardiac MRI: Detailed heart structure
• Tilt table test: For syncope evaluation
• Sleep study: If sleep apnea suspected

Immediate Self-Help Measures

• Sit or lie down: Prevent falls from dizziness
• Practice deep breathing: Slow, controlled breaths
• Vagal maneuvers: Bearing down, coughing, cold water on face
• Stay calm: Anxiety worsens tachycardia
• Loosen tight clothing: Improve circulation
• Check your pulse: Count beats for 60 seconds

Lifestyle Modifications

• Limit caffeine: Coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate
• Avoid alcohol: Can trigger episodes
• Quit smoking: Nicotine stimulates heart rate
• Manage stress: Meditation, yoga, deep breathing
• Regular exercise: Improves heart efficiency
• Adequate sleep: 7-9 hours nightly
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration increases heart rate

Monitoring Techniques

• Learn pulse checking: Wrist or neck technique
• Use technology: Fitness trackers, smartphone apps
• Keep a symptom diary: Track episodes and triggers
• Note associated symptoms: What occurs with rapid rate
• Record activities: What you were doing when it started
• Monitor response: What helps slow your rate

When to Take Action

• Resting rate over 100 bpm: Check for triggers
• Rate over 120 bpm: Consider medical evaluation
• Rate over 150 bpm: Seek immediate care
• With symptoms: Don't wait if feeling unwell
• Persistent elevation: If doesn't resolve with rest

Heart Health Optimization

• Regular cardiovascular exercise: Builds heart efficiency
• Heart-healthy diet: Low sodium, rich in fruits and vegetables
• Weight management: Reduces heart workload
• Blood pressure control: Prevents heart strain
• Cholesterol management: Protects arteries
• Diabetes control: If applicable

Trigger Avoidance

• Identify personal triggers: Keep detailed diary
• Limit stimulants: Caffeine, nicotine, certain medications
• Manage stress proactively: Regular relaxation
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Hot baths, saunas if sensitive
• Moderate alcohol intake: Or avoid completely
• Review medications: Discuss alternatives with doctor

Medical Management

• Regular check-ups: Monitor heart health
• Medication compliance: If prescribed for heart conditions
• Treat underlying conditions: Thyroid, anxiety, sleep apnea
• Consider preventive medications: Beta-blockers if indicated
• Cardiac rehabilitation: If recovering from heart problems
• Electrolyte monitoring: If on diuretics

Healthy Habits

• Consistent sleep schedule: Same bedtime and wake time
• Stress management techniques: Daily practice
• Stay hydrated: 8-10 glasses of water daily
• Limit large meals: Can trigger tachycardia
• Avoid lying down after eating: Wait 2-3 hours
• Regular relaxation: Build into daily routine