What Causes a Rapid Heartbeat at Rest?
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The heart usually beats faster when someone is exercising, doing strenuous activity or experiencing emotional stress. But what if it feels as though the heart is racing while the body is sitting calmly or lying down?
This condition should be monitored, particularly if it occurs repeatedly without an obvious reason. A rapid heartbeat at rest can be related to everyday habits, certain health conditions or a disorder of the heart’s electrical system.
What heart rate is considered too fast?
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).
If a person’s heart rate consistently exceeds 100 bpm while at rest, the condition may be classified as tachycardia.
However, a rate above 100 bpm does not necessarily mean that someone has a heart problem. Heart rate can rise temporarily because of stress, fever or caffeine consumption.
It is therefore important to consider whether the increase lasts only briefly or recurs when the body is truly calm.
- Stress and anxiety
Emotional states such as stress, fear and anxiety can activate the body’s response to a perceived threat. As a result, adrenaline levels rise and the heart beats faster.
- Caffeine and nicotine
Caffeine in coffee, tea and energy drinks can stimulate the nervous system and increase heart rate. Nicotine from cigarettes can have a similar effect.
- Dehydration
When the body lacks fluids, blood volume can fall. This means the heart has to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body, which can increase its rate.
When the body has a fever or infection, metabolism increases and the need for oxygen rises. The heart then beats faster to help meet that demand.
- Anaemia
Anaemia occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen. As a result, the heart may beat faster to help supply oxygen to the body’s tissues.
- Thyroid disorders
An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, can cause the gland to produce too much hormone. This can increase the body’s metabolism and speed up the heart rate.
- Heart rhythm disorders
Problems with the heart’s electrical system can cause it to beat too quickly or irregularly. One example is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which can begin suddenly even when someone is resting.
In addition to these factors, some medicines, including certain treatments for asthma, colds and allergies, can also affect heart rate.
If your heart feels as though it is beating faster while you are resting, stop what you are doing and sit comfortably. Give yourself a few minutes to calm down.
Make sure you drink enough fluids, limit caffeine, avoid smoking and try to get enough sleep. Managing stress through breathing exercises and relaxation activities may also help.
However, do not take medicine to slow your heart rate without first knowing the cause.
When should you see a doctor?
A resting heart rate repeatedly above 100 bpm should be checked, particularly if it is not linked to physical activity or a temporary trigger.
A doctor may carry out tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), to determine whether there is a heart rhythm disorder.
If a rapid heartbeat is accompanied by chest pain, severe shortness of breath, severe dizziness or fainting, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Identifying the cause of a rapid heartbeat is important in determining the right treatment. Do not focus only on the number of beats; also pay attention to how you feel and any other symptoms.