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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.
High Resting Heart Rate: What Does It Mean?
Introduction
A high resting heart rate (HR) is when your heart beats faster than normal while at rest. Typically, a normal resting HR for adults ranges between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). If your resting HR is consistently above 100 bpm, this condition is called tachycardia.
Causes of High Resting Heart Rate
Several factors can contribute to an elevated HR: 1. Physiological Factors: - Stress or anxiety - Dehydration - Lack of sleep - Excessive caffeine intake 2. Medical Conditions: - Fever - Anemia - Hyperthyroidism - Heart disease, such as arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation) 3. Lifestyle Factors: - Smoking - Excessive alcohol intake - Physical deconditioning (lack of exercise)
Possible Complications
A consistently high HR can strain the heart over time, increasing the risk of: - Heart failure (if the heart works too hard for too long) - Stroke (especially if linked to arrhythmias) - Hypertension (high blood pressure) - Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
When to See a Doctor
You should seek medical attention if: - Your HR is consistently above 100 bpm without an obvious cause. - You experience symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. - You have other risk factors, such as a history of cardiovascular disease.
How to Lower Resting Heart Rate
- Exercise regularly (cardio exercises can improve heart efficiency).
- Stay hydrated (dehydration leads to increased HR).
- Practice stress management (meditation, deep breathing techniques).
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol/caffeine intake.
- Ensure good sleep hygiene (consistent sleep schedule, 7-9 hours per night).
Conclusion
A high resting HR can indicate underlying health issues or simply lifestyle choices. Monitoring and maintaining a healthy HR through regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications is essential for long-term heart health.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Rate Management
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/target-heart-rates
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/all-about-heart-rate-pulse
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Tachycardia and Heart Rhythm Disorders
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2015-heart-rhythm-society-expert-consensus-statement-diagnosis-and-treatment-postural-tachycardia
- https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/EHRA-2022-cutting-edge-science-in-heart-rhythm-disorders
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(23)02246-4/fulltext
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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:
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