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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Elevated Heart Rate
Introduction
An elevated heart rate, also known as tachycardia, occurs when your heart beats faster than normal. A normal resting heart rate is typically between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). However, when the heart rate exceeds 100 bpm at rest, it is considered tachycardia.
Causes of Elevated Heart Rate
Several factors can lead to an increased heart rate, including: - Physical Activity: Exercise naturally increases your heart rate to supply more oxygen to your muscles. - Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and panic attacks can trigger an elevated heart rate. - Fever and Infections: When your body is fighting an infection, the heart speeds up to circulate blood more efficiently. - Dehydration: Lack of fluids can lead to reduced blood volume, causing an increase in heart rate. - Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, anemia, and heart diseases can lead to tachycardia. - Medications and Stimulants: Some medications, caffeine, nicotine, and recreational drugs like cocaine can increase heart rate.
Symptoms to Watch For
While a slightly elevated heart rate may not be concerning, you should see a doctor if you experience: - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Shortness of breath - Chest pain or discomfort - Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat) - Fainting or near-fainting episodes These could indicate an underlying heart condition requiring medical attention.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your doctor may perform tests such as an Electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, and blood tests to determine the cause. Treatments depend on the underlying condition and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures like catheter ablation in severe cases.
Prevention and Management
To maintain a healthy heart rate, follow these steps: - Regular Exercise: Engage in moderate activities like walking, swimming, and cycling. - Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet with low salt, sugar, and fat. - Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. - Avoid Stimulants: Limit caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and other stimulants. - Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep blood volume optimal. - Regular Check-Ups: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health regularly.
If your heart rate is consistently high, consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Tachycardia
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/algorithms/algorithmacls_tachycardia_200612.pdf
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.