High Pulse Rate: Causes and Considerations

Introduction

A high pulse rate, also known as tachycardia, is when the heart beats faster than normal. Usually, a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults is considered tachycardia. Various factors can contribute to an increased heart rate, ranging from physiological responses to underlying medical conditions.

Common Causes of High Pulse Rate

1. Physiological Causes (Normal Responses)

  • Physical Activity – Exercise increases heart rate.
  • Emotional Stress and Anxiety – The body releases adrenaline, leading to a higher pulse.
  • Fever – The heart beats faster to regulate body temperature.
  • Caffeine and Stimulants – Coffee, tea, nicotine, and certain drugs can elevate heart rate.
  • Dehydration – Low blood volume forces the heart to pump faster.

2. Pathological Causes (Medical Conditions)

  • Cardiac Conditions
    • Atrial fibrillation
    • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
    • Ventricular tachycardia
    • Heart failure
  • Endocrine Disorders
    • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
    • Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor)
  • Infections and Sepsis – The body increases heart rate in response to infection.
  • Anemia – The heart compensates for reduced oxygen levels.
  • Lung Diseases – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary embolism.

When to Seek Medical Help

  • Sudden, unexplained rapid heart rate
  • Chest pain, dizziness, fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular heart rhythms

A persistently high heart rate can indicate an underlying condition requiring medical evaluation. If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek immediate medical attention.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Tachycardia

  1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
  2. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
  3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
  4. https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/algorithms/algorithmacls_tachycardia_200612.pdf
  5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmias

  1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
  2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
  3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
  5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84

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