A rapid heart rate is also called tachycardia. Most people experience it from time to time without it being a cause for concern. For example, it can be a positive response to exercise.
However, a rapid heart rate may sometimes indicate a serious underlying issue. It can even warrant a visit to the hospital for immediate medical management.
What is tachycardia?
The American Heart Association (AHA) explains that tachycardia is when your heart beats more than 100 times per minute.
There are many different types of rapid heart rate, including:
- Atrial tachycardia: A rapid heartbeat originating in the atrium, which is one of the two upper chambers in your heart. The rhythm in atrial tachycardia is often regular. Various factors can cause it, including structural heart issues or abnormalities in the heart’s electrical pathways.
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): SVT is a rapid heart rhythm that originates at or above the atrioventricular (AV) node, located near the base of your heart’s upper right atrium. The AV node is part of the heart’s electrical pathway.
- Sinus tachycardia: This type originates in the sinus node, your heart’s natural pacemaker. Sinus tachycardia is an expected response to situations like physical activity and stress when your heart rate increases to meet the body’s demand for more oxygen-rich blood.
- Ventricular tachycardia: This type of rapid heart rate originates in the ventricles, your heart’s bigger, lower chambers.
- Atrial fibrillation: This is the leading heart–related cause of stroke. It is when the atria beats out of sync with the ventricles, often causing irregular and rapid heartbeats.
Many of these tachycardias can prevent your heart’s chambers from filling properly between heartbeats. This can prevent your body’s tissues and organs from getting the blood and oxygen they need.
When to go to the hospital
Sometimes, a rapid heart rate may be a sign of an underlying heart problem or complication like stroke, heart attack, or cardiogenic shock.
You should seek immediate emergency medical assistance if you experience a rapid heart rate along with heart attack and stroke symptoms, which include:
- chest pain or discomfort
- shortness of breath
- dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- pain or numbness radiating to the arm or jaw
- trouble focusing, speaking, or staying conscious
- low blood pressure
- inability to move or feel one side of the face
Even if you don’t experience these symptoms, you may still need emergency treatment from a healthcare team. For example, rapid heartbeats like sinus tachycardia can be a symptom of serious medical conditions, including:
- tissue and organ damage from infection (sepsis)
- too low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or hypocalcemia)
- too low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- acid buildup in the body (metabolic acidosis)
So, if you experience unexplained, recurrent, or severe rapid heartbeat, it’s best to seek medical attention right away.
When isn’t it an emergency?
A rapid heart rate may not require immediate medical attention when it is temporary, you have no other symptoms, and you can link the fast heart rate to common causes like:
- physical activity
- stress or anxiety
- pain
- stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine
However, while regular or unexplained rapid heartbeats are not always a medical emergency, they can still be symptoms of medical conditions. For instance, they can have links to:
- heart disease
- thyroid hormone imbalances (hyperthyroidism)
- too few hemoglobin or red blood cells (anemia)
- dehydration
- pregnancy
- medication side effects or withdrawals
These conditions often require medical treatment. So, if you experience a rapid heart rate that’s not due to common causes like exercise or stress, consider seeking medical attention.
Treatment and prevention
The management of a rapid heart rate depends on the cause.
If you experience an episode of rapid heart rate with concerning symptoms like chest pain or dizziness, you should seek immediate medical care. In a hospital setting, healthcare professionals can conduct tests like electrocardiograms (ECGs) or blood tests to determine the cause and best treatments.
Some tachycardias improve with medications, such as:
- Beta-blockers:
- carvedilol (Coreg)
- metoprolol (Lopressor)
- metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
- Calcium channel blockers:
- Antiarrhythmics:
- amiodarone (Pacerone)
- digoxin (Lanoxin)
- dofetilide (Tikosyn)
Meanwhile, lifestyle modifications may improve non-emergency tachycardia:
- Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to improve your cardiovascular health. This can reduce your heart rate at rest.
- Limit stimulants: If applicable, consider limiting or avoiding stimulants that can affect your heart rate, like nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol, if you have recurring tachycardia.
- Stress management: Some people find that stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga help them manage anxiety and stress levels. You may also consider seeking support from a mental health professional.
- Hydration: Drink enough water to prevent dehydration.
- Balanced diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall heart health and prevent electrolyte imbalances.
A healthcare professional like a general practitioner or a cardiologist can explain which lifestyle changes or treatments suit your lifestyle and health.
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