How fast can a heartbeat

In doing so, it allows time for the ventricles to fill with blood. When the ventricular muscles receive the electrical signals, they contract, pumping blood either to the lungs or to the rest of the body. A problem with the electrical signals can result in a faster-than-normal heartbeat. This is tachycardia. Depending on the type and cause of tachycardia, the following factors may trigger it:.

Heart block affects heart rhythms and slows the heartbeat. Learn more about it here. If there is no clear underlying cause, it may take some time to find a suitable treatment option. There are several ways to slow a rapid heartbeat during an episode. The following sections will look at these in more detail. Some techniques, or maneuvers , can affect this nerve and help slow the heartbeat.

Such techniques include:. A healthcare professional may also apply gentle pressure to the eyeballs while the person has their eyes closed. A doctor can administer antiarrhythmic drugs either orally or intravenously. These drugs aim to restore a normal heart rhythm and control the heart rate.

Some examples of antiarrhythmic drugs include amiodarone Cordarone , sotalol Betapace , and mexiletine Mexitil. This affects the electrical impulses in the heart and may restore a normal rhythm. Some measures can help prevent and manage tachycardia. The following sections will discuss these measures in more detail. Medications that can help people manage tachycardia include:. An electrophysiologist can insert catheters into the heart through the blood vessels. Electrodes at the ends of the catheter can ablate, or damage, small sections of the heart that are responsible for the abnormal heartbeat.

Sometimes, a doctor will recommend surgery to make repairs or changes that can help reduce the risk of tachycardia. They will only do this if other therapies have not worked or if the person has another heart condition.

Depending on the type and cause of tachycardia, the following symptoms may occur:. However, many people have no symptoms and only find out that they have tachycardia during a routine examination. Ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation occurs when rapid, chaotic electrical impulses cause the lower heart chambers ventricles to quiver instead of pumping necessary blood to the body.

This can be deadly if the heart isn't restored to a normal rhythm within minutes with an electric shock to the heart defibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation may occur during or after a heart attack.

Most people who have ventricular fibrillation have an underlying heart disease or have experienced serious trauma, such as being struck by lightning. Mayo Clinic electrophysiologist Fred Kusumoto, M. When your heart is beating too fast, it may not pump enough blood to the rest of your body.

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.

It's becoming hard to breathe with activity. Severe trouble breathing means: The child cannot eat or talk because he or she is breathing so hard. The child's nostrils are flaring and the belly is moving in and out with every breath. The child seems to be tiring out.

The child seems very sleepy or confused. Moderate trouble breathing means: The child is breathing a lot faster than usual. The child has to take breaks from eating or talking to breathe. The nostrils flare or the belly moves in and out at times when the child breathes. Mild trouble breathing means: The child is breathing a little faster than usual.

The child seems a little out of breath but can still eat or talk. A few examples are: Asthma medicines. Decongestants and cold medicines. Illegal drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines. Some heart and blood pressure medicines. Some medicines for depression and anxiety. Thyroid medicine. Call Now Based on your answers, you need emergency care. Seek Care Now Based on your answers, you may need care right away. Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.

If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour. You do not need to call an ambulance unless: You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you. You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down. Seek Care Today Based on your answers, you may need care soon.

Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today. If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning. If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care. Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks. If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment. If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. Home Treatment Home treatment can help relieve some problems that cause changes in your heart rate. When you think you have a change in your heart rate or rhythm: Sit down and take your pulse for 1 minute.

If you become light-headed , sit or lie down to avoid injuries that might occur if you faint and fall. Take a few deep breaths and try to relax. This may slow down a racing heart rate. Be careful not to breathe too fast, which can cause hyperventilation. Cut back or eliminate caffeine including coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate. Some non-prescription medicines such as Excedrin contain caffeine.

Caffeine may increase your heart rate. Cut back or eliminate alcohol and tobacco, which also contain substances that can increase your heart rate or cause irregular rhythms. If your doctor has told you that you have panic attacks , use home treatment measures to calm yourself.

What were you doing when your heart rate or rhythm changed? Were you active or resting at the time? Were you straining to urinate or have a bowel movement? Were you in a stressful or fearful situation? Were you walking, standing, sitting, or lying down? How long did the change in heart rate or rhythm last? How many times did you have palpitations or a sense of a fast heart rate or irregular rhythm?

Did you have any other symptoms? List what you did that helped your heart rate or rhythm to return to normal, such as lying down, deep breathing, or coughing.

Did your heart rate or rhythm return to normal on its own? Try "tapping out" the heart rhythm with your fingers and write it down so you can discuss it with your doctor. Symptoms to watch for during home treatment Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment: You continue to have changes in your heart rate or rhythm.

Light-headedness develops. Other symptoms develop when your heart rate or rhythm changes. Your symptoms become more severe or frequent. Prevention You often can reduce or prevent changes in your heart rate or rhythm. Prevent fatigue by getting plenty of sleep and rest. If you become overtired, your changes in heart rate or rhythm may be more severe or occur more often. Cut back or eliminate caffeine, including coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate. Some non-prescription medicines, such as Excedrin, contain caffeine.

Cut back or eliminate alcohol and tobacco, which also contain substances that increase heart rate and can cause irregular rhythms. Stop using medicines that increase heart rate, such as cough and cold remedies, nose drops, or allergy relief medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, epinephrine, or ephedrine.

If stress affects your heart rhythm or rate, try relaxation exercises and deep breathing techniques. A healthy exercise program can help reduce stress. For more information, see the topic Stress Management. If you find your heart suddenly racing, is that cause for concern? Whether to worry or not depends on other symptoms and how long the racing lasts.

Emergency room physician Dr. 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.