Tachycardia or rapid heart rate may be in response to metabolic demands of the body or may occur for no obvious reason. Exercise can raise the heartbeat to 160 or more and is not a medical problem. When it occurs not in response to metabolic need, it usually ranges from 150 to 300 beats per minute. These rapid rates can interfere with the pumping action of the heart and can produce situations where the heart or its blood supply cannot keep up with the metabolic demands put on it. Types of tachycardia include atrial fibrillation, sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia.
Causes of Heartbeat, Rapid
Episodes of rapid heart rate can occur without any identifiable cause. They can occur from hyperthyroidism and the excessive use of stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine. Chronic diseases of the heart can lead to atrial fibrillation and flutter. These rapid rates of the atria are conveyed to the ventricles. Disease of the hearts blood supply, the heart muscle and heart attacks can all lead to episodes of unexpected tachycardia. Recent heart of lung surgery can produce tachycardia. Infections of the heart, the sack in which the heart resides, the pericardium, and infections of the heart valves can all lead to rapid heart rates. Anemia and pulmonary disease can also lead to rapid heart rates as the body tries to carry sufficient amounts of oxygen to its organs.
Signs and Symptoms of Heartbeat, Rapid
Rapid tachycardia, not in response to metabolic needs, will produce a pounding heart, palpitations, pulse at the wrist or neck will be 100 to 180 beats per minute, faintness, feeling of impending death, chest pain, involuntary cough, and breathlessness.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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