What Causes a Rapid Heartbeat?

A normal heartbeat, known as a sinus rhythm, typically ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). When the heart rate exceeds 100 bpm, it is classified as tachycardia. This condition can occur for a variety of reasons and is generally categorized into two main types: physiological and pathological.

Physiological Tachycardia

Physiological causes are temporary increases in heart rate due to natural body responses. These can occur during situations such as:

• Fever or high body temperature
• Physical exercise or strenuous activity
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Startling or frightening experiences

In these cases, the increased heart rate is a normal reaction to external or internal stimuli and usually returns to normal once the trigger is removed.

Pathological Tachycardia

Pathological causes, on the other hand, involve abnormal heart rhythms that may require medical attention. Some common types include:

• Permanent junctional tachycardia
• Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)
• Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT)
• Atrial flutter
• Atrial fibrillation
• Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia

These conditions are often diagnosed through electrocardiograms (ECGs) and other cardiac evaluations. Treatment options vary depending on the patient's overall health and severity of the condition, and may include medications, catheter ablation, or other surgical interventions.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you experience persistent or unexplained rapid heartbeats, especially if accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and care.