The heart’s rhythm is controlled by special “pacemaker” cells, which send electrical impulses from the upper chambers to the lower chambers, which take turns pumping blood. Several factors can affect the heart rhythm, including physical activity, stress, excitement, and dehydration. It also can be affected by certain drugs and caffeine from coffee and other drinks.
Excessive adrenaline
Your adrenal glands produce a hormone called adrenaline, which increases your heart rate and breathing rate in times of danger. This hormone is normal and helpful when facing dangerous situations, but if you feel your heartbeat racing too frequently or you have high blood pressure, you should see a healthcare professional.
Although the adrenal glands are essential to our survival, the release of adrenaline can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness, light-headedness, and changes in vision. Excessive levels of adrenaline in the body can damage the heart and affect our overall health.
Although adrenaline is beneficial for our health, persistently high levels of the hormone can damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks. It can also lead to symptoms such as anxiety, weight gain, headaches, and insomnia. The opposite of the fight-or-flight response, the parasympathetic nervous system promotes equilibrium in the body and promotes rest and digestion.
Excessive adrenaline can lead to panic attacks, which may be caused by a variety of different factors. People with panic attacks should talk to their primary care physician for proper treatment. A therapist may also be able to help. It’s best to seek treatment early to reduce the risk of an anxiety attack.
Excessive adrenaline can also be a side effect of blood pressure medications. Ask your doctor if your blood pressure medication affects your heart rate. Similarly, skipping meals can cause low blood sugar levels and you may experience weakness or shakiness. If you feel weak or cranky after eating, it’s possible that your blood sugar levels are low and that is what is causing your fast heartbeat.
Another physiology reason for having a fast heart is a viral infection. When you’re fighting a virus, you need to work harder, and this means your heart is beating faster. This helps the body fight off the infection and restore homeostasis. However, if you’re overworked, it can lead to heart palpitations. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend beta blockers.
Another common reason for a fast heartbeat is stress. The stress of a stressful situation can trigger a high level of adrenaline in the body, which can lead to panic attacks. Luckily, this doesn’t mean you should panic. It’s important to remember that your heart is part of a finely-tuned system that is designed to maintain a certain rhythm.
Decongestants
Many decongestants cause the heart to beat quickly. They do this by constricting the blood vessels in the mucus membrane in the nose. This can lead to an unsafe increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Because they can increase heart rate, decongestants should be avoided by patients with heart arrhythmia or high blood pressure. Also, be careful when taking antihistamines, since they may also contain decongestants.
Decongestants are commonly used by millions of Americans for congestion. These drugs are effective in clearing stuffy noses, but there are some side effects. They can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, and they may interact with some prescription or over-the-counter medications that treat heart disease.
People with heart failure and uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid decongestants for more than seven days. Alternatively, they can use nasal saline or acetaminophen. If decongestants are necessary, however, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking any medications.
Decongestants can increase blood pressure and cause atrial fibrillation, which can be fatal. If you’re using a nasal decongestant for an extended period of time, you may need to seek medical advice before using it. Some of these medications may cause rebound congestion or rhinitis medicamentosa.
Common OTC nasal decongestants contain vasoconstrictors that can cause heart problems when used in excess or for prolonged periods. These include mucinex and the popular Vicks Sinex 12-hour decongestant. Some also contain ephedrine, which can cause tachycardia and hypertension.
Stress
During stressful times, your heart will begin to beat faster. This is because the hormone adrenaline is released. Adrenaline, which is known as the “fight or flight” hormone, is produced to help your body cope with the situation. However, excessive stress can lead to long-term high blood pressure, which is dangerous for your heart and other organs.
The level of stress that you experience will differ between people, and you need to seek medical advice if you are experiencing chronic levels of stress. Stress can be caused by a number of factors, including a traumatic event, a lack of control over your life, and negative emotions. These can all negatively impact your heart, and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Chronic stress may also cause heart problems, including irregular heartbeat. For instance, if you’re caring for an ailing loved one, or going through a divorce, your heart may be under a lot of stress. In such cases, you should seek medical advice to find out if your heart is in need of immediate medical attention.
While most racing heartbeats can be caused by common situations, some are signs of serious heart disease. In such cases, you should visit a cardiologist for treatment and monitoring. The normal heart rate for a healthy adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. When the rate exceeds this range, it is called tachycardia.
Some simple changes in lifestyle can help you deal with stress and heart health. First, make sure that you get plenty of rest. You should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a day. You can also try meditation or yoga. This will help you relax and avoid negative thoughts. You should also make sure that you’re socially connected.
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that affects the flow of blood. It happens because the upper chambers of the heart beat unevenly. The irregular heartbeat can result in low blood flow, as the blood can pool inside the heart. The heartbeat of a person with this disorder typically varies between 150 and 350 beats per minute.
If you suspect that you are experiencing atrial fibrillation, you should talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you notice symptoms. Treatments for atrial fibrillation may include medications, therapy, or catheter procedures to block faulty heart signals. Some patients may also have atrial flutter, a different type of arrhythmia. Both types of the disorder require similar treatment. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation can last from a few hours to a week. Some episodes may resolve themselves on their own, but you should seek medical advice if you experience them on a regular basis.
The irregular heartbeat can lead to blood clots in the upper chambers of the heart, which can lead to a stroke. The earlier you detect this condition, the better your chances are of getting the best treatment for your condition. Keep a diary of your symptoms, and your doctor will be able to determine what treatment is best for you.
The first step in diagnosing atrial fibrillation is to take a pulse check. This will allow you to determine if your pulse is fast or irregular. You can also get an electrocardiogram to see if you have atrial fibrillation. It will also help determine if you have a thyroid problem or other conditions that could contribute to the symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
There are two main types of atrial fibrillation, valvular and nonvalvular, which both affect the heart and cause an irregular heartbeat. While they are not directly linked, both have the same risk factors. If you have either type of AFib, then you’ll need to take the appropriate medication for the condition.
The most common test to determine whether you have Afib is an electrocardiogram. This is a simple test that can be done in a doctor’s office within minutes. During the test, a doctor will analyze the heart rhythm and determine which medicines or lifestyle changes are needed.
