A high pulse rate while resting, medically known as tachycardia, occurs when the heart beats faster than 100 beats per minute at rest. Several factors can cause this elevated resting heart rate: Common causes include:
- Stress or anxiety, which trigger adrenaline release and increase heart rate.
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), leading to excess thyroid hormone that speeds up the heart.
- Anemia, where low red blood cell count causes the heart to beat faster to deliver oxygen.
- Medications and substances such as caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and some drugs (including illegal stimulants like cocaine).
- Dehydration, fever, or low blood sugar.
- Physical conditions like high blood pressure, heart diseases (heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease), and structural heart problems.
- Lifestyle factors including smoking, obesity, and poor physical conditioning.
- Other causes include pain, hormonal imbalances, sleep apnea, and certain genetic or congenital heart conditions.
Mechanisms:
- The heart may beat faster to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery (e.g., anemia) or decreased blood volume (e.g., dehydration).
- Abnormal electrical pathways in the heart can cause rapid heart rhythms.
- Reflex tachycardia can occur if blood pressure drops suddenly, prompting the heart to speed up to maintain circulation.
Potential complications of sustained high resting heart rate:
- Insufficient blood and oxygen supply to organs.
- Increased risk of blood clots, fainting, heart failure, or in severe cases, sudden cardiac death.
Management and prevention:
- Address underlying causes like thyroid disorders or anemia.
- Lifestyle changes such as stress management, quitting smoking, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.
- Medical evaluation for heart conditions and medication adjustments if needed.
In summary, a high resting pulse rate can stem from a wide range of factors including stress, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices, and it warrants medical evaluation to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment
