Do you know that? Suddenly, out of nowhere, you notice that your heart is racing. What happened? Why is it like this? Heart palpitations can have several reasons, sometimes, but rarely, they are organic and are the result of heart disease or damage to the heart. Most of the time, however, heart palpitations are triggered by much more harmless or psychological reasons. This could be physical exertion such as exercise or carrying heavy weight, a drop in blood sugar levels or even emotions such as fear. Medications can also cause your pulse to suddenly become too high. Let's look at what a normal pulse should be, what exactly could be the causes of a sudden increase in pulse, when you should go to the doctor andwhat simple home remediesYou can use them to provide initial relief.
Pulse too high: When is the pulse too high? What are normal values?
Our heartbeat is always there, but we are usually never consciously aware of it. But sometimes, for example when it is elevated, it comes into our consciousness and we suddenly feel it. This alone can lead, regardless of the trigger, to wondering what is happening nowthe heartbeat in additionlet it rush forward. First of all, consciously stay calm, breathe deeply and have someone measure your heartbeat so that you have an objective value that you can later report back to your doctor.
Resting heart rate in adults and small children
An adult's heartbeat is between 60 and 100 beats per minute when at rest. If you measure over 100 beats per minute, it is objectively a racing heart or also known as tachycardia. It is normal for babies and toddlers to have a higher heart rate than adults. You will have oneRuhepuls alsHeart palpitations are defined as when they exceed 160 heart beats per minute. A resting heart rate is the heart rate that you have without having previously exerted yourself, i.e. measured from a resting state.
Possible causes of a high pulse
Heart palpitations can occur suddenly while you are resting or going about your normal activities. Most of the time it is harmless, but sometimes it requires medical attention. Possible causes for thisOccurrence of high pulseand heart palpitations can be:
- Emotionally related, worry, stress, fear or panic
- sporting activity
- pregnancy
- Caffeine
- Hyperthyroidism
- low sugar levels, low potassium levels, low oxygen levels
- Fever
- Dehydration
- anemia
- Medications: some cough medications, asthma inhalers, beta blockers, thyroid medications, antiarrhythmics
- Some nutritional supplements
- Blood loss
- Drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines
- Nicotine or alcohol
- Sometimes for unknown reasons
- Due to existing heart disease or damage
When you should go to the doctor
In most cases, palpitations are harmless, but in some cases they can indicate other underlying health problems. When should you seek medical help?
- If you experience a feeling of dizziness, confusion and light-headedness.
- You feel pain or pressure in the chest area.
- In case you have difficulty breathing.
- You lose consciousness.
When to call an ambulance
- If you experience severe pain in your chest, jaw joint, neck, arms, or upper back.
- For shortness of breath and unusual sweating.
- Strong symptoms that you did not know before.
Concentrate on breathing
If your increased heart rate is emotionally caused, you can normalize it very well through simple breathing and awareness exercises.The breathingand the heartbeat are permanent processes in our body, which we hardly ever notice consciously. Simply focusing on the increased heart rate can cause anxiety and in turn increase the heart rate even further. Calm down, focus on your breathing and breathe deeply and evenly. Yoga or meditation also helps normalize your heart rate.
Stimulation of the vagus nerve
Stimulating the vagus nerve can cause it to send signals that normalize the heartbeat. This may sound a bit complicated, but it basically covers a few simple things you can do.
- Cough. Coughing triggers stimulation of the vagus nerve.
- Immerse your face in cold water, or bring cold water or ice to your face.
- Bend down as if you were experiencing strong bowel movements.
- Carotid Massage: Gently massage in circular motions under your jaw for about 10 seconds.
A spoonful of honey
Heart palpitations are often caused by low blood sugar levels. Take a spoonful of honey or drink warm tea with honey. This should get your heart rate back to normal quickly.
Try acupuncture treatment
If you have this condition without a specific medical reason, you can try acupuncture treatment. Targeting specific nerves could improve your condition.
Things you should not do if you have a racing heart
- Do not drink coffee and especially no energy drink. Caffeine increases the heart rate and the synthetic substances in most energy drinks make the situation immensely worse.
- Don't smoke.
- Don't drink alcohol.
- Do not eat spicy food.
