Heart Beating Too Fast? Know When to See a Doctor and How You Can Keep it on Pace
Many have felt their heart racing. It’s called Tachycardia and it can be scary.
It occurs for many reasons, such as a person is anxious, going through menopause, exercising, has underlying health conditions, or the heart is alerting the body that something is wrong. Medications may even cause one’s heart to beat too fast.
It should not be ignored. About 2 million Americans have atrial fibrillation, and 90,000 others are diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia each year. Up to 450,000 Americans die annually from ventricular arrhythmias that cause sudden cardiac death, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The heart feels like it is racing when it beats more than 100 times per minute. It will often return to your normal heart rate on its own, but you may need to see a doctor.
There are three main types of tachycardia, according to Health.com.
Sinus tachycardia happens when the heart’s natural pacemaker (the sinus node) sends signals faster than usual.
Supraventricular tachycardia occurs when abnormal electrical signals from the atria (the heart’s upper chambers) make the heart beat too quickly. This can prevent the chambers from filling between beats and reduce blood flow.
Ventricular tachycardia occurs when the electrical signals in the ventricles (the heart’s lower chambers) fire faster than normal. It can weaken blood flow and may be life-threatening if not treated.
Symptoms
Some people will not experience any symptoms. Others will have heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, or fatigue.
Sweating, nausea and low blood pressure can also be felt.
Diagnosis
If your heart rate is too high, contact your health provider. Your heart can give important information about the overall status of your health, so it’s essential to seek a proper diagnosis and start treatment early.
Be prepared to discuss your lifestyle, medical history and symptoms, as well as take a physical exam.
Treatment may consist of medication, changes in your lifestyle, or even surgery.
Live healthy
Though there are no guarantees, there are ways to encourage better health, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Eat a nutritious, heart-healthy diet that includes foods such as fish, eggs, lean meats and nuts.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking. Instead, focus on staying hydrated.
Practice time-honored relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Just as importantly, make sure you have a Medicare health plan that helps you accomplish healthy living. The experienced team at UROne Benefits™ can help you find the right plan for your needs.
