Tachycardia is a condition where the heart pace accelerates and for an adult, the rate of pacing exceeds 100 beats per minute. This condition can sometimes be worrying in that it may predispose the patient to palpitations, dizziness or chest pain. Some tachycardia is normal – it may occur during excitement, exercise or stress – and is not necessarily a problem, however, persistent tachycardia is another story. The natural desire is therefore, to look at the five prime culprits behind the condition, their how, what, why, sign and possibly remedy.
1. Physical Or Emotional Stress
Exertion on the physical front or in the emotional context
is among the main causes of tachycardia. When the body is stressed it produces
stress that includes adrenaline and cortisol which causes the fight or flight
reaction. These hormones put the body on standby, and one of them is that the
heart rate is raised.
How Stress Affects Heart Rate
The hormones of the nervous system/junkyard are mobilised at
such times and they send signals to the heart to increase its beat and to pump
more fresh blood to the muscles and organs. Although this response is essential
for the survival of the human, drastic changes of the heartbeat can over time
become taxing on the cardiovascular system for those who are constantly
stressed.
Symptoms And Management
Other symptoms suggesting stress-induced tachycardia
include; sweating, trembling, and problems with breathing. Measures for stress
related tachycardia include meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and exercise.
Some people may also need to consult a mental health worker or learn the ways
to reduce stress.
2. Physical Exercise Or Exertion
Because the body needs more oxygen during physical
activities, the heart’s rate is bound to rise during and after exercises. So
for a normal, healthy person, an increased heart rate during operation is more
than acceptable as it serves in the process of developing the heart muscle.
However, having a high heart rate even some time after exercise may be a sign
of a problem.
Heart Rate Response To Exercise
So when engaging in some task the heart has to beat faster
and pump blood that contains oxygen to the muscles being used in a quick
manner. This natural increase is safe up to some extent depending on the age of
the human body and the health of the coronary structure. The most suitable
range that should be elicited during any exercise is usually 50-85 percent of
your maximum heart rate which is obtained from the equation 220 subtracted by
your age. For instance, a 30 years old person has a maximum of 190 beats per
minute and a safe exercise rate of 95-162 beats per minute.
Symptoms And Management
Post exercise tachycardia means high pulse rate, which if
persistently high, can lead to feelings of chest constriction and breathlessness.
Getting some sleep, drinking some water and letting the body cool down reduces
the severity of the flu. Any increase in heart rate that lasts for an unusually
long time beyond exercising or any other activity that would cause an increase
in heart rate could, therefore, warrant a visit to a doctor.
View More: What Is A Dangerous Heart Rate
3. Caffeine And Stimulants
Drinks that contain caffeine and other products which
contain some stimulants such as nicotine or some types of pills must cause a
notable change in pulse. The following are effects and contents of beverages;
Caffeine: The current coffee, tea, and certain sodas make the central nerve
system more active increasing the heart rate and alertness. Adrenergic agents
including amphetamine and methylphenidate commonly used to treat conditions
such as ADHD, also cause an increased rate of heartbeat as a side effect.
Impact Of Stimulants On Heart Rate
Other stimulants include caffeine, kola nuts, cocoa and
coffee facilitates an increased hea rate because they interfere with the normal
functioning of adenosine receptors that rest and slow down the nerves. Nicotine
for instance causes the release of adrenaline which causes high blood pressure
and high pulse rate.
Symptoms And Management
Those with conditions affecting the heart or the nervous
systems may feel abnormal heart rhythm and nervousness, respectively. Avoid
taking coffees or teas, and other products containing stimulants, but instead,
take coffee or tea that has been decaffeinated. People receiving stimulant
drugs should seek medical advice soon if they observe high heart rate.
4. Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid gland’s excessive production of thyroid hormones is
possible through hyperthyroidism and this leads to the heart rate increasing.
The primary function of thyroid hormone is to regulate metabolism of vital
processes for instance heartbeat. When levels are high, a frequent pumping is
required even when the body is equally in a state of inactivity.
The Effects Of Thyroid Hormones On Heart Rate
High levels of thyroid hormones make the heart feel the
effects of adrenaline more sharply, and this, in turn, causes tachycardia. This
condition may also put pressure on the heart to work more and in a faster
manner thereby posing a number of dangers which include high blood pressure or
even the irregularity known as atrial fibrillation.
Symptoms And Management
Some of the common manifestations of hyperthyroidism are
weight loss, sweating, nervousness and insomnia. Management entails drugs that
inhibit the manufacture of thyroid hormones, radioactive iodine therapy or
partial thyroidectomy. This abnormality may be alleviated by proper treatment
of the thyroid disease most commonly referred to as hypothyroidism.
5. Heart-Related Conditions
Some of the diseases that lead to tachycardia include AFib,
heart failure, or cardiomyopathy among others are possible causes of
tachycardia. Atrial fibrillation is discussed most often – this is a
tachyarrhythmia, in which the heart rhythm is irregular. Some causes of a high
basal metabolic rate include; Cardiomyopathy is a diseased state of the heart
muscle which can cause the heart to race constantly.
How Heart Conditions Affect Heart Rate
AFib is a condition in which the two upper chambers of the
heart beat in a different rhythm with the two lower chambers, and produce an
irregular, fast rhythm. Cardiomyopathy on the other end reduces the efficiency
of pumps hence necessitating an increased rate so as to compensate for the less
efficient pumping.
Symptoms And Management
This condition may be as expected in non-heart related
tachycardia or accompanied by other signs and symptoms for instance short
breath, dizziness and fatigue. Management of these disorders mainly depends on
their aetiology, but pharmacological therapy may involve beta-blockers for rate
control, anticoagulants for thromboembolic prophylaxis, or electrical cardioversion.
When To Seek Medical Help For Fast Heartbeat
As far as normal or common irregularity, then it is seen
that tachycardia may be quite usual, however, if the symptoms are frequent or
severe or along with dizziness, chest pain, or heart palpitations, then
immediate medical help must be sought. These may be indicators of other chronic
diseases, and if detected on time, they do not become worse.
Wrapping Up!
Knowing some of the causes of increased rate of beating will
help determine if they are normal or warrant a warrant concern. This is true
due to physical or emotional stress, exercising, stimulants, low or high
thyroid levels, certain heart diseases and other related conditions. Modifying
lifestyles, learning how to manage stress and avoiding over-reliance on
stimulating foods and drinks are easy ways to assess the heart rate. People
with persistent tachycardia should consult a doctor to evaluate causes of the
health concern and take care of the heart.
Please book an appointment with the Best Cardiologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
