highrestingpulse

Hi Anon,

Welcome to EmpowHER and thank you for your question. Rapid pulse are also known as Palpitations. Palpitations are usually not serious.
However, it depends on whether or not the sensations represent an abnormal heart rhythm ( arrhythmia). The following conditions make you more likely to have an abnormal heart rhythm:
Normally the heart beats 60 - 100 times per minute. In people who exercise routinely or take medications that slow the heart, the rate may drop below 55 beats per minute.

If your heart rate is fast (over 100 beats per minute), this is called tachycardia. A slow heart rate is called bradycardia. An occasional extra heartbeat is known as extrasystole.

Palpitations are usually not serious. However, it depends on whether or not the sensations represent an abnormal heart rhythm ( arrhythmia).
Heart palpitations can be caused by:
Anemia
Anxiety, stress, fear
Caffeine
Certain medications, including those used to treat thyroid disease, asthma, high blood pressure, or heart problems
Cocaine
Diet pills
Exercise
Fever
Hyperventilation
Low levels of oxygen in your blood
Heart valve disease, including mitral valve prolapse
Nicotine
Overactive thyroid
However, it's important to have your symptoms checked with your physician.

Thanks,
Daisy

Hi Anon,

Welcome to EmpowHer!

It sounds like you may be experiencing Supraventricular Tachycardia, or SVT.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) means that from time to time your heart beats very fast for a reason other than exercise, high fever, or stress.

During an episode of SVT, the heart’s electrical system doesn't work right, causing the heart to beat very fast. The heart beats at least 100 beats per minute and may reach 300 beats per minute. After treatment or on its own, the heart usually returns to a normal rate of 60 to 100 beats a minute.

Some people with SVT have no symptoms. Others may have:
Palpitations, a feeling that the heart is racing or pounding.
A pounding pulse.
A dizzy feeling or may feel lightheaded.
Other symptoms include near-fainting or fainting (syncope), shortness of breath, chest pain, throat tightness, and sweating.

There are different things that can trigger SVT. To find your triggers, keep a diary of your heart rate and your symptoms. You might find, for example, that smoking or caffeine causes your SVT episodes.

Please keep in mind that this is not a diagnosis, just a possibility. If you would like a diagnosis please consult with your doctor as soon as possible, particularly because of your shortness of breath.

Best,

Rosa