What Causes Increased Heart Rate?
November 1, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
An increased heart rate, also known as tachycardia, can be caused by various factors, including physiological responses to stress or exercise, as well as underlying medical conditions. Some common causes of an elevated heart rate include:
- Physical activity and exercise: One of the most common causes of an increased heart rate is physical activity. During exercise, the heart pumps more blood to meet the body’s increased oxygen and energy demands, resulting in a higher heart rate. This is a normal and healthy response.
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress, anxiety, or panic can stimulate the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which can temporarily raise the heart rate. This is often referred to as the “fight or flight” response.
- Fever and illness: Infections, fever, and other illnesses can lead to an elevated heart rate as the body works to fight off the infection and regulate temperature.
- Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake or excessive loss of fluids through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may cause the heart rate to increase as the body attempts to compensate for the loss of blood volume.
- Caffeine and stimulants: Consumption of caffeine, as well as other stimulants like certain medications or recreational drugs, can lead to an elevated heart rate.
- Anemia: Anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or low hemoglobin levels, can lead to an increased heart rate as the heart works harder to supply oxygen to tissues.
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid function, known as hyperthyroidism, can stimulate the metabolism and result in an elevated heart rate.
- Medications: Some medications, such as bronchodilators, decongestants, and certain prescription drugs, can cause an increased heart rate as a side effect.
- Smoking: Smoking and the use of other forms of tobacco can lead to an elevated heart rate and increased blood pressure due to the stimulating effects of nicotine.
- Low blood pressure: In some cases, a drop in blood pressure due to various factors, including orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing), can trigger a compensatory increase in heart rate to maintain blood flow.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as arrhythmias, heart disease, and heart valve disorders, can lead to a persistent and abnormal increase in heart rate.
If you experience an unexplained, persistent, or severely elevated heart rate, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Identifying the underlying cause of the increased heart rate is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.