It might be confusing when your heart starts beating fast for no reason, but there are many potential causes of this occurrence. Some irregular heartbeats are caused by serious cardiac disorders like atrial fibrillation, while the majority of racing heartbeats are a result of everyday settings, such as stress or fevers.
Common Causes of Irregular Heartbeat
Here are a few common causes of irregular heartbeat:
Caffeine and Stimulants
Excessive levels of caffeine or other stimulants, including nicotine or some over-the-counter cold remedies, can also make your heart beat faster. Your heart rate rises as a result of these drugs stimulating your neural system.
Dehydration
Another common cause is dehydration. Your pulse rate will be greater if your body is dehydrated because your heart will have to work more to pump blood throughout your body. Water plays a vital role in maintaining your heartbeat, particularly after exercising.
Stress and Anxiety
These two conditions are the most common causes of rapid heartbeats. Your body releases the hormone adrenaline whenever you experience stress, which sets off the “fight or flight” reaction and causes your heart rate to increase. Even though you might not be conscious of your anxiety, underlying tension might have an effect on you.
Heart Disease
The heart beats quickly with little to no warning due to a number of heart diseases, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter. Medical tests and management are often required for these diseases.
Thyroid Condition
An elevated pulse is one of the indications of hyperthyroidism, an overworked thyroid that speeds up metabolism. Your whole body’s metabolism is controlled by the thyroid gland. All of your body’s processes, including your pulse, often speed up if it generates more hormones.
Inadequate Sleep
The body cannot regulate the stress chemicals that cause a rapid pulse when there is a lack of sleep. A healthy heartbeat requires a good night’s sleep. So, make sure you sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours every night.
Low Blood Sugar Level
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, causes your heart to work harder to balance your blood sugar levels, which raises your pulse rate. Consuming a snack high in carbohydrates is a rapid approach to increasing blood sugar levels.
When to Consult a Cardiologist?
Your heart is working too hard when it beats more quickly than usual. It is concerning because it does not have enough time to pump blood to the rest of your body or fill its chambers. Regardless of your current level of health, it is good to have a routine cardiac test if your heart doesn’t feel right.
If you have a rapid heartbeat along with dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and fainting, get medical attention right away. These could indicate a heart attack, stroke, or other severe cardiac problems. Treatment delays can lead to serious problems and irreversible harm.
Ending Note!
The heart doesn’t beat fast for no reason. There is always an underlying cause for it. Sometimes, the cause might not be serious; it may be because of exercising, or it can be an emotional response to something. However, there is a possibility of a serious underlying issue.
Don’t ignore your rapid heartbeat. Consult our specialists at Memorial Cardiology now. We are available at four convenient locations in Texas. Call (713) 464-6006 for Memorial City and Bellville or (281) 398-4944 for Katy West. For Greater Heights, call (713) 861-2424.