A fast heartbeat is one in which the heart beats at a faster rate than usual. There are a variety of potential causes, including drug responses, alcohol, and certain medical disorders.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the average adult has a resting heartbeat of 60–100 beats per minute, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute.
The majority of causes of a fast heartbeat are not hazardous. A faster-than-normal heartbeat, on the other hand, can be a sign of an underlying health concern.
This article discusses what causes a person’s heart to beat quicker, how to treat it, and when to consult a doctor.
Reaction to intense emotions
Getty Images/Nastasic
Emotional stress
Anxiety, wrath, and fear, for example, can cause a person’s heart rate to rise.
When the body is under stress, the adrenal glands release epinephrine, sometimes known as adrenaline. There are two adrenal glands in the body, one on top of each kidney.
To prepare a person for quick action, the body releases adrenaline. Epinephrine can cause a person to feel the following symptoms:
elevated heart rate
elevated blood pressure
sweating anxiety, swollen pupils vibrations, where the heart rate can accelerate, drop or feel as if it has skipped a beat
In general, if a person is no longer stressed, their symptoms should subside.
Find out more about anxiety by clicking here.
Treatment
A person who is subjected to stressful emotions frequently may be at risk of developing certain diseases. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), chronic stress can raise a person’s risk of acquiring certain diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.
Trusted Source: A person may be able to control their stress in the following ways.
regular physical activity
meditation or massage are two examples of soothing activities.
establishing objectives and priorities
contacting friends and family for emotional support or assistance in speaking with a doctor or healthcare provider
Learn more about stress treatment and management here.
Reaction to specific medicines
The following substances can cause a person’s heartbeat to accelerate:
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant present in a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, some sodas, and energy drinks. Caffeine powder can also be purchased as a nutritional supplement.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an adult can consume up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine each dayTrusted Source, which is approximately 4 or 5 cups of coffee. However, their caffeine sensitivity determines the amount of caffeine that a person may drink without experiencing side effects.
A person who consumes too much coffee may suffer the following symptoms:
insomnia\sfeeling anxiety jitters, rapid heart rate
stomach ache
nauseousness, a headache, and a general sense of discontent
Learn more about caffeine by clicking here.
Alcohol
According to a 2014 study, even a tiny amount of alcohol can raise a person’s risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart beats erratically and sometimes abnormally quickly.
A 2017 study examined people’s breath for alcohol content levels. The researchers discovered that as a person’s alcohol concentration grew, so did their heart rate.
Find out how alcohol affects the body in this article.
Nicotine
Nicotine, which is present in cigarettes, is a highly addictive substance. According to the American Heart Association, smoking can raise blood pressure and heart rate.
According to a 2016 study, nicotine can raise a person’s heart rate by 10–15 beats per minute (BPM)Trusted Source. Researchers also noted that whether nicotine was smoked, inhaled, or eaten, a person’s heart rate and blood pressure increased.
Find out more about nicotine by clicking here.
Stimulants that are illegal
Illegal stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can cause a person’s heart rate to increase.
According to 2014Trusted Source research, cocaine users are more likely to have irregular or elevated heart rhythms.
Amphetamines are sometimes used by doctors to treat persons who have ADHD or narcolepsy. However, amphetamines can have a number of negative side effects, including:
blood pressure is too high
increased heart rate
a headache, dry mouth, and stomach cramps
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills or fever, disorientation, tremors, and agitation
Learn more about amphetamines by clicking here.
Several drugs
According to the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom, certain drugs might produce an irregular pulse. Among these drugs are:
high blood pressure medicine inhalers
Antihistamines are antifungal medications.
antidepressants\santibiotics
Learn more about the causes of heart palpitations by clicking here.
a few supplements
Certain herbal supplements, such as: can raise a person’s heart rate.
Bitter orange may be used to treat heartburn, nasal congestion, weight reduction, hunger suppression or stimulation, and sports performance. Certain studies claim that it can produce a quick heartbeat, although the results were unclear.
Valerian is a supplement used to treat anxiety, insomnia, melancholy, premenstrual syndrome, headaches, and menstruation problems. Adverse consequences Heart abnormalities such as a rapid heartbeat, headache, upset stomach, restlessness, excitability, mental dullness, and insomnia can be caused by consuming valerian.
Ginseng: Ginseng is marketed as a general tonic that promotes overall well-being. Ginseng, on the other hand, has negative effects. Increased heartbeat, insomnia, menstrual issues, breast pain, headache, digestive problems, and high or low blood pressure are all symptoms of a trusted source.
Find out which vitamins can help you lower your blood pressure.
Treatment
A person who has an elevated heart rate due to coffee, alcohol, nicotine, or illegal stimulants should aim to reduce their intake.
If a person is addicted to a specific drug, they should consult with a healthcare professional or a counselor to discuss treatment alternatives.
If a person experiences a rapid heart rate after taking certain medications or supplements, they should consult their doctor to determine an alternate prescription available.
Learn more about drug abuse by clicking here.
Changes in hormones
During pregnancy, your heart rate may increase. This is possible because the heart must pump blood to the placenta and throughout the body.
According to a 2019Trusted Source study, a pregnant woman’s heart rate increases by 7–8 beats per minute on average (bpmTrusted Source). The average heart rate increased throughout pregnancy, according to the same study. At ten weeks, a person’s average heart rate was 79.3 beats per minute, which climbed to 86.9 beats per minute by 40 weeks.
Furthermore, once a woman reaches menopause, she is more likely to develop coronary heart disease. According to the British Heart Foundation, women in their postmenopausal years may experience heart palpitations.
Leave a Reply