Your resting heart rate is the rate at which your heart is pumping the minimum amount of blood your body requires to function during your day-to-day activities. In general, the heart rate of a healthy adult should be less than 100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest.
Many factors can affect your resting heart rate, including age, general physical conditioning, and medical conditions. Your heart rate also responds to changes in your body. This includes environmental conditions like heat, stress, and emotions, and physical conditions like exercise and exertion.
Reasons for a fast resting heart rate.
Pain, fever, and infection. When the body is under stress because of pain, fever, or general illness, the heart rate can go up considerably. This may be to provide blood to vital organs, or as a result of the release of stress hormones.
Stress/anxiety. Stress causes certain hormones to race through your blood, causing your heart rate to increase. Deep breathing, meditation and yoga can help to lower stress levels and heart rate over time.
Poor physical conditioning. If you are generally out of shape, your heart has to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood around your body. Physical activity can strengthen your heart and make it work more efficiently.
Overweight and Obesity. Studies have shown that carrying extra weight increases your resting heart rate. It also increases the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Losing weight can help reduce your heart rate and associated risks.
Decongestants. Decongestants may stop a runny nose, but they can also cause your heart to race as they may contain ingredients that can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. They can also interfere with the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medicines. Check with your pharmacist before taking a decongestant.
Caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can make your heart rate faster. If you are sensitive to caffeine, consider decreasing your intake.
Smoking. Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels which results in a rise in heart rate. Quitting smoking can help reduce a high heart rate.
Other reasons for a fast heart rate
Sometimes a fast resting heart rate can be a sign of a serious medical condition and it is worth getting it checked up with your healthcare provider.
Common conditions include:
Abnormal heart rhythms. If your heart races a lot and you notice it is irregular or it may be the result of an abnormal heart rhythm.
Heart disease. A high resting heart rate could be an indication of the start or progression of heart disease.
Anemia. Anemia can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Overactive thyroid. Having an overactive thyroid can increase your metabolism and cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
If your heart rate is consistently high, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Seek immediate medical assistance if you have shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or near fainting, and chest pain or discomfort.
https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/healthplus/article/heart-rate-what-is-normal-and-what-is-not
https://myheart.net/articles/fast-heart-rate-symptoms-causes-treatments/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1566070215300138
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180418141336.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/.
https://healthcare.utah.edu/cardiovascular/conditions/racing-heartbeat.php
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