rapid heartbeat

A rapid heartbeat is defined as a heart rate that is faster than normal. The heart normally beats fewer than 100 times per minute in adults. In children, the heart can beat slightly faster than 100 times per minute and still be considered normal.

 

At rest, a person's heart rate usually stays within a standard range. This range is usually 50 to 100 times per minute in adults and slightly faster in children. With increased physical activity, stress, or other conditions, however, the heart rate may increase above the normal level.

 

A person with a rapid heartbeat may have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

 

There are many possible causes of a rapid heartbeat, including: exercise, heavy lifting or other activity that requires exertionfear, pain, anxiety, stress, anger, or nervousnessfever dehydration. This may be caused by too little intake of fluids, loss of blood, diarrhea, vomiting, or medications such as diuretics, sometimes called "water pills."low blood pressure, also called hypotensionhyperthyroidism, which is a level of thyroid hormone in the body that is too highcongestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectivelyirregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. These may be caused by salt imbalances, heart attack, and other conditions.anemia (a low red blood cell count) medications or drugs. Albuterol (i.e., VoSpire ER, AccuNeb, Proventil, ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA), which is commonly used to treat asthma, as well as some over the counter and prescription decongestants can cause rapid heartbeat. Cocaine abuse and alcohol withdrawal are other causes of rapid heartbeat.excessive caffeine intakesome herbal therapies such as ephedra, also called ma huanginfections. These may include such as a serious blood infection called sepsis and pneumonia.nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, that affects the nerves attached to the heart. This is often due to diabetes, a condition that results in a high level of blood sugar.low oxygen in the blood, also called hypoxia. There can be many causes for this, such as asthma and emphysema.

Prevention is related to the cause. Many cases cannot be prevented. In most people, regular exercise is advised even though it causes a rapid heartbeat. In this case, prevention is not an issue. Avoidance of cocaine or alcohol can prevent cases from these drugs. Getting enough fluids can prevent many cases due to dehydration.

The speed of the heartbeat usually can be measured by checking the pulse or listening to the heartbeat with a stethoscope..Diagnosis of the cause starts with a history and physical exam.