What can cause elevated heart rate?

Are you feeling your heart beating faster than a rat after seeing a piece of cheese? Not to worry, sometimes it can be due to something as simple as anxiety or caffeine. But on the other hand, elevated heart rate can indicate an underlying serious health issue. In this article, we will explore some of the causes of elevated heart rates and what you need to know about them.

The Heart and Its Functions

Before diving into anything further, let’s take a look at our star player: The Heart! It is one muscle that beats over 1000 times per day pumping blood throughout our body. It has four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). Blood gets pumped in through veins from all parts of our body into the right atrium which then pushes it down to its respective ventricle – readying itself for oxygenation thanks to buddy lungs!

The process works like clockwork though still isn’t flawless — just ask my ex; she breaks hearts like crazy #noregrets. Sometimes things don’t run so smoothly with our dear friend ‘the heart’ – resulting in awkward chest palpitations or rapid breathing accompanied by excessive sweating.

Now that we understand how the pump works — Oh no! I forgot we’re not supposed to put words together using ‘NOW THAT’. My apologies readers- meanwhile back at ranch…

Tachycardia: Abnormal Increase in Pulse

  • Definition
    Tachycardia refers to an abnormal increase in heartbeat above resting pulse (>100 bpm).

  • Causes
    Elevated pulse rates occur due to physiological reasons such as exertion during exercise or unhealthy lifestyle choices i.e smoking/drinking excessively.
    However tachycardias are also caused by various illnesses e.g:
    Medical conditions

    • Malignant tumors
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Anemia
    • Inflammatory conditions
      Cardiac issues
    • Arrhythmias
    • Valvular problems
    • Coronary artery disease

So if you belong to the category that hits a gym and does away with cheeseburgers regularly but still feel your heart racing like F1 GrandPri, I will say consider getting yourself checked out by your MD; no need to fuel those fears!

Bradycardia: Abnormal Decrease in Pulse

  • Definition:
    Bradycardia is when the heart rate falls below 60 bpm for adults.

  • Causes
    While some athletes adore low resting rates accompanied by toned Greek like bodies — having a prolonged state of lowered pulse can’t be good. #aintnobodygottimeforthat! Like tachycaedia, bradychadia may be normal due to intense physical activity or lifestyle choices however they are greatly impacted by medical conditions such as:
    Cardiovascular System Disorder

  • Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
  • Arrythmias.
    Respiratory Disorders
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    Other Medical Conditions
    • Hypothyroidism
    • Sleep Apnea

If one has concerns regarding their lingering low pulse– it’s recommended they consult their health care provider full stop. Don’t wait until Mr.Grumps attacks whilst doing an everyday task before heading over!

Anxiety induced Tachycardia: Feeling The Heat

Anxiety – this funny sensation which arises from something that hasn’t even happened yet gets its hands on almost everyone at least once throughout their lifespan- whether human or beastly being. Have family origins dating back prehistoric times left you fidgeting? Is impending doom around every corner? Stay calm my friends!
Anxiety causes our body’s sympathetic nervous system to activate, leading to higher . heart rates and flooding our veins with adrenaline! By spending more time being conscious of breathing patterns, practicing yoga or other mindfulness discplines – this uninvited feeling can be reigned in. Though I will admit sometimes the mental image of your less attractive co-worker au naturel just has to suffice — deep sigh!

Medications that Induce Tachycardia

In some cases, increased heartbeat is a side effect caused by medications. Such drugs include
• Antidepressants (SSRI’s)
• Bronchodilators
• Decongestants
It’s essential to read up on all side effects before taking any medication which was prescribed AND those bought over the counter- because no one wants their arteries ripped apart like Bruce Lee squeezed his water bottle after ingesting pills.

Foods and Stimulants Involving Tachycardia

Feeling jittery? Drinks such as tea, coffee, alcohol or carbonated ones are sources for triggering anxiety level spikes-as well as avoiding necessary sleep implying under-eye bags like map outlines! Nutrition has an important role impacting health conditions–obese individuals have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular diseases than those who take nutritional balancing seriously.
Unsure if the items you’re eating could sprout mind numbing palpitations?
Check out some culprits:
• Chocolate
• Energy drinks

While these foods or substances may not present major problems individually in most people — excessive consumption may lead towards fatigue, weight gain and even worse complications.

General ways to regulate Heart rate

The night best meant for rest is unfortunately seldom properly dedicated towards amassing enough snooze cycle hours–even though catching quality zzzs’ entails minimizing potential tachy/bra dysfunction incidences . Lifestyle changes help daily- staying away from smoking , improving food intake whilst increasing fitness regimes & following instructions issued regarding hypertension treatments throughout consultation sessions work wonders literally!

And there you have it folks – when your body is trying to express its dissatisfaction towards the life-road or physical lifestyle choices…via a beat-box, take heed as that’s it telling you — time for amendment, else get ready to slap on some extra heart-shaped supplements from next week.

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