Feeling your heart race, pound, or skip beats? These sensations—known as palpitations—are harmless in 90% of cases. Yet persistent episodes deserve attention, as they can signal underlying health issues best addressed early. Heart rate offers key insights into physical health. Tachycardia occurs when it exceeds 100 beats per minute without obvious cause. At rest, a typical range is 60-80 beats per minute, though trained athletes may drop to 40—or even 30.
During emotional highs like romance, anger, high-stakes interviews, or stress, your heart naturally speeds up. These are normal responses.
But unexplained palpitations merit investigation to identify triggers.
Rapid heartbeats don't always spell heart trouble. Excess caffeine, amphetamines, or cocaine can trigger them by spiking adrenaline. Overuse may even mimic a brief pause before resumption, heightening anxiety via cortisol, which further accelerates the pulse.
Hypoglycemia, alcohol, or fever can also elevate rates. During pregnancy, many women notice palpitations as the heart works harder to supply the placenta. Consult your gynecologist if concerned.
"Many over-the-counter cold or flu remedies contain stimulants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which constrict nasal blood vessels to ease congestion," explains Dr. Christopher Kelly, professor of medicine at Columbia University and co-author of A Practical Guide to Symptoms (Leduc.s). "These can raise blood pressure and provoke palpitations."
Abruptly stopping beta-blockers for blood pressure, or using bronchodilator inhalers for asthma/COPD, may also contribute.
Hyperthyroidism accelerates the heart, often with weight loss, diarrhea, and heat intolerance. Blood tests and ultrasound can confirm.
Anemia forces compensatory overwork to maintain oxygenation, linked to heavy periods or iron-poor diets like unbalanced veganism.
Dehydration causes irregular beats alongside dry mouth and cramps—crucial to address in hot weather.
Tachycardia may also flag cardiac issues like hypertension, atherosclerosis, valve problems, or cardiomyopathy.
Recurrent or worsening episodes, especially with dizziness, shortness of breath, or exertional chest pain, call for a cardiologist visit. Tests like ECG or echocardiogram rule out blockages or atrial fibrillation, enabling timely interventions.
"Palpitations with chest pain at rest are an emergency," cautions Dr. Kelly. Call emergency services: 15 (landline) or 112 (mobile) immediately. Rush to ER if dizzy.
*A Practical Guide to Symptoms by Dr. Christopher Kelly, Leduc.s. Available at Place des Libraires and Amazon.
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