The amount of times your heart beats each minute is known as your pulse rate or heart rate. Although it might change from minute to minute, a typical resting heart rate should range from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
It’s vital to keep in mind that a ‘normal’ pulse might differ from person to person depending on factors like age and overall health.
What does a rapid heartbeat mean?
At rest, a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute is regarded as rapid.
Tachycardia, or a fast heartbeat, may indicate a variety of medical issues. Your heart rate will likely rise as you exercise or while your body is battling an illness.
Consult your doctor if your heart rate has increased suddenly and you are also experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, or palpitations (a sense that your heart is hammering or beating erratically).
What does a sluggish heartbeat mean?
When at rest, a heartbeat that is slower than 60 beats per minute is referred to as having bradycardia.
For certain persons, such as athletes, physically fit young adults, or those using beta-blockers, a slower heart rate may be typical. For instance, a person who exercises often is likely to have a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute or lower.
However, if your sluggish heart rate is out of the ordinary for you, particularly if it makes you feel ill, this may point to a heart condition. Consult your GP if you feel faint, exhausted, or dizzy, if your heart rate is slower than normal, or if any of these symptoms persist.
Is it typical for my heart rate to increase while I work out?
When you exercise, your heart works harder to pump more oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, so it’s normal for your heart rate to rise to 130 to 150 beats per minute or more.
What may affect my heart rate?
There are several additional factors than exercise that might cause an abrupt shift in your heart rate. Dehydration, nervousness, drugs, and other medical issues are a few of the frequent causes.
Dehydration
Your blood volume falls and your heart has to work harder to circulate blood throughout your body when you are dehydrated. Your heart rate may increase, and you may get palpitations (the sensation that your heart is hammering or beating erratically).
The key to controlling your heart rate and for many other reasons is to stay hydrated. Men should strive for 8-10 glasses (or 2 litres) each day, while women should aim for 6-8 glasses (or 1.6 litres).
Fever or infection (including Covid-19)
Your pulse rate often rises in reaction to an illness or fever. This occurs when your heart works harder to circulate immune cells and oxygen throughout your body to combat the illness. Your heart rate could go up if you have a viral illness like the flu or Covid-19.
Medication
Your heart rate may fluctuate as a result of certain drugs. For instance, some asthma treatments may increase your heart rate, while cardiac medications (such as beta blockers) may decrease it.
It is recommended to talk to your GP if your pulse rate increases suddenly after taking a new medicine and you are not feeling well.
Heart problems
In certain circumstances, an issue with your heart’s electrical conduction system might be the root cause of an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Your heart may beat more slowly, more rapidly, or irregularly as a result of this. Arrhythmias vary in severity, and some may be linked to more severe cardiac diseases.
Additional health issues
Other medical illnesses, such as infection, anemia, and thyroid disorders, which are not heart or circulation diseases, might also alter your heart rate.
Learn how to take your pulse.
You may be able to spot changes in your heart rate or rhythm if you know how to take your pulse.
Why should I monitor my heart rhythm?
You can determine if your heart rhythm is regular or irregular by examining your pulse. The most prevalent heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke, may induce an erratic heartbeat. Other heart rhythm disorders can also cause irregular heartbeats. Blood clots are more likely to develop in the heart of someone with atrial fibrillation, and if one escapes the heart and gets to the brain, it might cut off the blood flow and result in a stroke. Drugs that prevent clotting may lower that risk.
You may undertake a self-check at home or ask your doctor to examine your heart rhythm. Inform your doctor if you have any new symptoms or if you think your pulse is erratic.
When should I consult my doctor?
It’s crucial to keep in mind that not every fluctuation in your heart rate indicates a problem. It is recommended to go to your GP if you do notice that your heart rate is persistently rapid, sluggish, or irregular, particularly if you feel faint or dizzy. They’ll be able to measure your heart rate and, if further testing is required, arrange for it.