Troy Madsen talks about some potentially se Varicose veins can appear as we get older, seem unsightly, and also be quite painful. If you experience varicose veins that are uncomfortable and interrupting your everyday life, it may be time to consult your doctor. Call or Request an Appointment Refer a Patient. What Causes a Racing Heart? These can include the following: heavy exercise stress, fear, anxiety, or panic attacks low blood sugar or low blood pressure fevers, anemia, and dehydration pregnancy or menstruation too much alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine illegal drugs like ecstasy, methamphetamines, or cocaine If you notice that your heart is beating faster than normal, look for obvious explanations first: Are you stressed out?
Have you had more caffeine than usual? Is your blood sugar low? Atrial Fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is one of several heart conditions that can cause an irregular heartbeat. A-Fib may also increase your chances of having a stroke. Arrhythmia Arrhythmias also cause fast or irregular heartbeats, or can make your heart beat too slowly.
Atrial fibrillation is one type of arrhythmia. When to Call a Doctor Right Away Call your doctor or right away if you have a fast or irregular heartbeat and you also have: chest pain fainting dizziness shortness of breath These symptoms may be signs of a heart attack or stroke. Next Steps Many times, fast or irregular heartbeats are caused by normal life situations, like drinking too much caffeine or having anxiety. Make an appointment with a cardiologist.
Hear From Our Specialists Oct 21, Jun 09, May 19, What you eat is key to keeping your heart healthy. Here are the 6 best diets for heart health. A study shows that children who develop bad health habits at a young age may suffer from poor cardiovascular health later in life. The average resting heart rate is usually between 60 and 80 beats per minute, but some athletes have resting heart rates considerably lower. What is sinus rhythm? Learn how it differs from heart rate and what different rhythms could mean.
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M. What's a normal rate? What is a dangerous rate? Check your own heart rate What increases heart rate? How to check your own heart rate.
What factors increase heart rate? Seeing a doctor. What you can do for your heart rate. Understanding Heart Palpitations After Eating. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.
Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. The 6 Best Diets for Heart Health. Poor Heart Health Can Start During Childhood A study shows that children who develop bad health habits at a young age may suffer from poor cardiovascular health later in life.
This can starve your organs and tissues of oxygen and can cause the following tachycardia-related signs and symptoms:. Some people with tachycardia have no symptoms, and the condition is only discovered during a physical examination or with a heart-monitoring test called an electrocardiogram.
A number of conditions can cause a rapid heart rate and tachycardia symptoms. It's important to get a prompt, accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. See your doctor if you or your child has any tachycardia symptoms. If you faint, have difficulty breathing or have chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, get emergency care, or call or your local emergency number.
Seek emergency care for anyone experiencing these symptoms. Tachycardia is caused by something that disrupts the normal electrical impulses that control the rate of your heart's pumping action. Many things can cause or contribute to a fast heart rate. These include:. In a typical heart rhythm, a tiny cluster of cells at the sinus node sends out an electrical signal.
The signal then travels through the atria to the atrioventricular AV node and into the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood. To understand the causes of heart rate or rhythm problems such as tachycardia, it helps to understand how the heart's electrical system works.
Your heart is made up of four chambers — two upper chambers atria and two lower chambers ventricles. Your heartbeat is normally controlled by a natural pacemaker called the sinus node, which is located in the right atrium. The sinus node produces electrical impulses that normally start each heartbeat. From the sinus node, electrical impulses travel across the atria, causing the atrial muscles to contract and pump blood into the lower chambers of the heart ventricles.
The electrical impulses then arrive at a cluster of cells called the atrioventricular AV node — usually the only pathway for signals to travel from the atria to the ventricles. The AV node slows down the electrical signal before sending it to the ventricles. This slight delay allows the ventricles to fill with blood. When electrical impulses reach the muscles of the ventricles, they contract, causing them to pump blood either to the lungs or to the rest of the body.
When anything disrupts this complex system, it can cause the heart to beat too fast tachycardia , too slow bradycardia or with an irregular rhythm. Growing older or having a family history of tachycardia or other heart rhythm disorder makes you more likely to develop tachycardia. Any condition that puts a strain on the heart or damages heart tissue can increase your risk of tachycardia. Such conditions include:.
Lifestyle changes or medical treatment for related health conditions may decrease your risk of tachycardia. Complications of tachycardia depend on the type of tachycardia, how fast the heart is beating, how long the rapid heart rate lasts and if you have any other heart conditions.
The most effective way to prevent tachycardia is to maintain a healthy heart and reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If you already have heart disease, monitor it and follow your treatment plan to help prevent tachycardia. If you already have heart disease, you can take steps to help prevent tachycardia or another arrhythmia:.
Tachycardia care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
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