What Is My Role In Checking Out My Fast Heart Rate
If you are concerned about an elevated heart rate, make sure you arent currently dehydrated, and that you are being treated properly for any related medical condition.
If youve accounted for common causes of an elevated heart rate including reducing or eliminating caffeine and are still experiencing symptoms, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible.
When To Get Help For Heart Palpitations
Most peoples hearts beat between 60 and 100 times per minute. If youre sitting down and feeling calm, your heart shouldnt beat more than about 100 times per minute. A heartbeat thats faster than this, also called tachycardia, is a reason to come to the emergency department and get checked out. We often see patients whose hearts are beating 160 beats per minute or more. The body cant sustain that for long periods of time.
You also should get checked out if you feel like your hearts beating irregularly. The heart should beat steadily, like a metronome. If you feel like its pausing or skipping beats, that could be a sign of an abnormal heartbeat, which can increase the risk of a stroke.
If a patient comes into the emergency department while the palpitations are going on, we may be able to provide medications to slow the heart rate or convert an abnormal heart rhythm to a normal one. In extreme cases where medications arent enough, we may need to do a cardioversion. Thats when we shock the heart so it can reset itself to a normal rhythm. Patients are sedated during this procedure so they do not feel the electrical shock.
Problems With The Hearts Natural Pacemaker
The hearts natural pacemaker, or sinoatrial node, helps regulate heartbeat. Problems affecting this can cause a persons heart to beat unusually slow or fast, which doctors call tachycardia.
A condition that doctors call sick sinus syndrome refers to problems with the natural pacemaker. Typically, another heart health problem, such as scar tissue in the heart, complications of diabetes, or coronary artery disease, causes these problems.
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When To See A Gp
You do not usually;need to see a GP if;the;palpitations pass quickly and only happen occasionally. They’re unlikely to be caused by a serious problem and probably will not;need treatment.
But it’s a good idea to see a GP if:
- the palpitations last a long time, do not improve or get worse
- you have a history of heart problems
- you’re concerned;about;the palpitations
To help find the cause, a GP;may:
- ask about your symptoms and medical history
- arrange a;blood test
- carry out;an;electrocardiogram to check your heart rate
If you cannot have an ECG at the GP surgery or the GP wants to arrange heart monitoring over a longer time period, you may be referred for tests at a local hospital.
Should I Worry About My Fast Pulse
Q.;My pulse is usually on the fast side. Does a high heart rate mean I have a problem with my heart?
A.;In otherwise healthy people, a heart rate at rest should be less than100 beats per minute at rest. Heart rates that are consistently above 100, even when the person is sitting quietly, can sometimes be caused by an abnormal heart rhythm. A high heart rate can also mean the heart muscle is weakened by a virus or some other problem that forces it to beat more often to pump enough blood to the rest of the body.
Usually, though, a fast heartbeat is not due to heart disease, because a wide variety of noncardiac factors can speed the heart rate. These include fever, a low red blood cell count , an overactive thyroid, or overuse of caffeine or stimulants like some over-the-counter decongestants. The list goes on and includes anxiety and poor physical conditioning.
Many people today wear a wrist band that shows their heart rate. Or you can check your heart rate the old fashioned way by feeling the pulse in your wrist or neck. You count the number of beats over 15 seconds and multiply it times four. If your heart rate is consistently high, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
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Emergency Symptoms Are Good At Hiding
Breathing in and breathing out is something we do instinctively day and night. And as long as things go smoothly, we dont give it a second thought. So, when you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing, its naturally alarming. But do these symptomsor other common respiratory issuesrequire a visit to the emergency room?
Figuring out whats an emergency and what can safely wait for a doctors appointment or a visit to an urgent care center isnt always easy. Heres a look at some of the most common respiratory problems along with information that will help you assess the severity of your symptoms.
Afib Symptoms That Could Require Urgent Medical Attention
Atrial fibrillation can present itself in different ways depending on a persons medical history and the severity of the episode. It is essential to understand the most common symptoms of atrial fibrillation and to be able identify an AFib attack early before more dangerous symptoms progress. Some of the most common symptoms of an AFib episode include:
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Tachycardia
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Heart palpitations or feeling like your heart skipped a beat
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Fatigue
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
It is important to note that some patients with AFib will have an elevated heart rate and will experience no symptoms at all. This is why monitoring your symptoms and assessing your personal baseline is essential for identifying the onset of a possibly dangerous AFib attack. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms in a way that makes you feel stressed, uncomfortable, or like you are out of control, that is when seeking medical attention at your nearest emergency room is essential.
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Heart Palpitations And Anxiety
Heart palpitations sometimes can be caused by extreme anxiety, rather than a heart condition. That might lead to a patient needing treatment for a possible anxiety disorder from a psychiatrist.
But we still have to make sure patients are checked out by a cardiologist for any possible heart problems first. We do have some patients who have been diagnosed before with anxiety and know thats whats happening. For the majority of patients, however, we dont want to label their condition as an anxiety attack before knowing for sure that there isnt a heart problem we need to address.
What Are Heart Palpitations
A heart palpitation is the feeling of the heart racing or pounding. Heart palpitations may feel like the heart is:
- Beating irregularly
- Beating too strongly
- Skipping beats
We see one or two patients per day who are complaining of these or similar symptoms. Patients sometimes tell me they can see their shirts move because their hearts are beating so hard.
Most heart palpitations arent dangerous. But they can be signs of several serious heart conditions. Get help if you feel heart palpitations that dont go away quickly on their own. Well work to find whats causing palpitations and refer you to additional care from a cardiologist if necessary.
Also Check: What Causes Heart Rate To Spike
Calculating Resting Heart Rate:
To get started, do the following to measure your heart rate:
- Place your index finger and middle finger on your neck beside your windpipe or, you can place two fingers between the bones and tendons above your radial artery, which is located on the side of the thumb of the wrist.
- When you feel your heartbeat, count the number of beats per 15 seconds. Double this number by 4 to count the number of beats per minute.
To avoid miscalculating your heart rate, we advise you not to measure your heart rate within 1-2 hours after exercise or after a stressful event. Your heart can stay high after strenuous activity. You also have to wait at least an hour after consuming caffeine, because this can make your heartbeat and your heart rate increases.
Does your resting heart rate not within the normal range given above, then this always indicate a medical condition?
Types Of Fast Heart Rate
Fast heart rates can occur in different parts of your heart. Doctors identify different types of fast heart rate, related to the location in which they occur. These include:
- , often referred to as afib: a rapid, caused by irregular electrical impulses in the atria, which are the upper chambers of your heart. Afib is the most common type of tachycardia.
- Atrial flutter: A rapid, regular heartbeat, sometimes experienced by people who also suffer from atrial fibrillation
- Sinus tachycardia: This occurs when your body responds to stimuli such as exercise or emotional distress with a normal increase in heart rate.;
- Supraventricular tachycardia : A fast heartbeat that starts above the lower chambers of the heart
- Ventricular tachycardia : A rapid rate caused by abnormal electrical signals in the lower chambers of the heart, called ventricles. Episodes of VT that last longer than a few seconds can be life-threatening.
- Ventricular fibrillation: A fast rate that occurs when rapid, irregular electrical impulses cause the lower chambers of your heart to quiver instead of pumping blood to your body. This type can be deadly and may require your heart to be restored to normal rhythm via electric shock to the heart.
Potential severe complications of fast heart rate depend on which type of tachycardia you have, how fast your heart is beating , how long your rapid heart rate lasts, and whether you have other . Some of the more serious consequences are:
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Sudden death
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How Svt Is Diagnosed
SVT is typically diagnosed with an electrocardiogram, or EKG, when a patient is experiencing the fast heart rhythm.
Ideally, the episode would be captured in the emergency room on an EKG, says Latchamsetty. Otherwise, a patient may be given a heart rate monitor to wear as an outpatient until an episode is recorded and correctly diagnosed.
SEE ALSO: How to Tell the Difference Between a Heart Attack and a Panic Attack
To terminate an acute episode of SVT, some patients find success through one of several patient-initiated vagal maneuvers simple exercises to activate the vagus nerve, which can help reset the hearts rhythm.
Vagal maneuvers that might allow you to slow your heart rate include holding your breath and bearing down, coughing or immersing your face in cold water, says Latchamsetty.
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Riple Hansalia, M.D. To make an appointment with Dr. Hansalia or a doctor near you, call or visit our website.
- Learn more about comprehensive cardiac care close to home
- Contact our COVID Recovery Center if youre experiencing long-haul COVID symptoms.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
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Your Heart Beat Will Tell When To Go To The Hospital
The key for treating or managing heart failure is taking your medication, changing your diet, exercising regularly and actively, living a healthy lifestyle, monitoring and maintaining your health for new signs or symptoms of worsening heart failure symptoms. A doctor will tell you how often you should visit the hospital.
If you have any of the symptoms described in this article, do not wait for the next appointment to notify a doctor. If your symptoms are recognized early, your doctor can change medications to help relieve your symptoms.
It is Important: Do not wait until your symptoms are so severe that you should seek emergency treatment! Always keep the following information near your mobile for easy access:
- Your cardiologist doctors phone number
- Your current medication list and dosage
- Mention all the allergies you have
Heart rate can vary from person to person, but what is considered normal? And when is a heartbeat considered dangerous? Read this article to find out more provided by cardiologist doctors from Premier Hospital.
If you are not medically trained, it will likely be difficult for you to understand what is happening in your body, and it is even more challenging to ensure that your heart is functioning correctly. You can take your pulse and learn what heartbeat says about the health, and when to go to the hospital to speak with a cardiologist if you have any concerns about your heart health by finding a heartbeat.
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What Are The Possible Heart Issues After Covid
COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, can damage heart muscle and affect heart function.
There are several reasons for this. The cells in the heart have angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptors where the coronavirus attaches before entering cells. Heart damage can also be due to high levels of inflammation circulating in the body. As the bodys immune system fights off the virus, the inflammatory process can damage some healthy tissues, including the heart.
Coronavirus infection also affects the inner surfaces of veins and arteries, which can cause blood vessel inflammation, damage to very small vessels and blood clots, all of which can compromise blood flow to the heart or other parts of the body. Severe COVID-19 is a disease that affects endothelial cells, which form the lining of the blood vessels, Post says.
What Is Treatment Like
Treatment is typically the same post-COVID as if they didnt have COVID-19. Even with these symptoms, we find that most patients recover back to a normal state after some time and without any type of treatment, says Dr. Hansalia.
But there are indications that some post-COVID patients are experiencing serious complications such as atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots, stroke or heart failure. Weve found atrial fibrillation to be a bit more common after COVID-19 infection, and we believe its from the inflammatory state that COVID-19 causes, says Dr. Hansalia.
Postural tachycardia syndrome , which is when a persons heart rate increases abruptly after standing, has also been seen in post-COVID patients.
These complications can occur in anyone in the post-COVID recovery phase but are more common in patients who had a myocardial or heart injury while infected with COVID-19 or in patients with pre-existing conditions.
Its understandable to want to get back to normal life as soon as possible after a COVID-19 diagnosis, but check with your doctor if you notice any worrying symptoms, especially ones that are new to you.
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Know When To Visit The Er For Heart Palpitations
If you are experiencing any abnormal symptoms related to your heart or heart rate, it is always best to seek immediate emergency care to avoid a potentially life-threatening event, such as a heart attack. Our exceptional team of board-certified ER physicians and staff at both iCare ER & Urgent Care locations in Frisco and Fort Worth are fully certified in advanced cardiac life support , catheter, and central venous line insertion and are committed to providing prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment for your heart condition.
While some heart palpitations may have an obvious cause, such as an emotional trigger, others may be unexplained and not resolve on their own. Furthermore, heart palpitations may be accompanied by additional symptoms, which can mean something more serious is going on. If you are unsure about the cause of your palpitations and/or are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms along with your heart palpitations, visit your nearest ER as soon as possible:
Is Atrial Fibrillation The Same As Tachycardia
Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is sometimes called a type of tachycardia. What distinguishes it is that not only is the speed of your pulse altered, its rhythm is, too. So, instead of beating steadily, the heart beats irregularly. The American Heart Association estimates that at least 2.7 million Americans are living with this common heart rhythm disorder.
A-fib can lead to blood clots that may increase your risk of stroke; its also associated with a higher chance of developing heart failure. Those who have existing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or hyperthyroidism or are obese or heavy alcohol users are more likely to develop A-fib. Lifestyle changes, medications, blood thinners, weight loss and surgery can help to manage this type of heart palpitations.
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When To Go To The Er For A Fast Heart Rate
Most of the time, we dont notice our heartbeat, which plugs away in the range of 60 to 100 beats per minute, on average. But sometimes, some of us will experience episodes where our hearts beat faster than this. are one indicator, when you feel like your heart has skipped a beat or is flipping around in your chest. Often these are minor, short-lived bouts, lasting only a few seconds or minutes, that go away on their own. But sometimes, these can be signs of a more serious problem, one that warrants a trip to the emergency room. Learn more about fast heart rate and when its a danger sign requiring ER care.