What causes rapid heart rate

Excessive heart rate may be caused by physiological factors, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, drug effects, and anemia. Common symptoms include palpitations, chest tightness, or dizziness.

1. Physiological factors:

Intense exercise, emotional excitement, or consumption of caffeinated beverages can temporarily accelerate heart rate. This type of situation usually does not require treatment and can be relieved on its own after rest. Long term staying up late or excessive stress may also lead to sustained excitation of the sympathetic nervous system, causing sinus tachycardia.

2. Cardiovascular diseases:

Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia can directly cause heart rate abnormalities. May be related to myocardial ischemia and lesions in the cardiac conduction system, often accompanied by chest pain and difficulty breathing. The diagnosis needs to be confirmed through electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound and other examinations. Commonly used antiarrhythmic drugs include propafenone, amiodarone, etc.

3. Endocrine disorders:

Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones during hyperthyroidism can stimulate beta receptors in myocardial cells, leading to tachycardia. Patients often experience symptoms such as weight loss and hand tremors. Thyroid function needs to be tested, and treatment includes antithyroid drugs such as methimazole or radioactive iodine therapy.

4. Drug action:

Bronchodilator salbutamol, antidepressant venlafaxine, and other drugs may cause an increase in heart rate. Some cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine can also stimulate the heart. Usually, symptoms disappear after stopping medication, and if necessary, consult a doctor to adjust the medication plan.

5. Anemia and hypoxia: When hemoglobin is insufficient, the body compensates for oxygen deficiency by increasing heart rate. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common, which may be accompanied by fatigue and pale complexion. It is necessary to improve blood routine examination, supplement iron supplements such as ferrous succinate, and increase intake of iron rich foods such as red meat and animal liver.

It is recommended to maintain a regular daily routine and avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol. Relaxation techniques such as abdominal breathing can be practiced to regulate autonomic nervous system function. Patients with moderate to severe anemia should increase their intake of high iron foods such as beef and spinach, combined with vitamin C to promote iron absorption. If the resting heart rate continues to exceed 100 beats per minute or is accompanied by symptoms such as fainting and chest pain, it is necessary to seek medical attention from a cardiologist in a timely manner to screen for organic lesions.