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What Are the Dangers of a Fast Heartbeat?

An arrhythmia is when your heart rate is outside of the normal range of 60 to 100 beats per minute. A fast heart rate is called a tachyarrhythmia or a tachycardia. When your body needs more oxygen, your heart must pump faster to meet the need. But if your heart rate increases when your body does not demand more oxygen, serious problems can arise.

  1. Cause

    • An increased resting heart rate is often caused by a problem with your heart itself or your heart's conductor system. The conductor system generates electricity and allows the electricity to travel down your heart muscle, causing your heart to beat.

    Symptoms

    • A fast heart rate can involve palpitations, rapid thumping or pounding in your chest or throat, fatigue, light-headedness, fainting, shortness of breath and chest pain. These symptoms can be signs of a more serious condition.

    Complications

    • Any complications from a fast heartbeat depend on the type of problem causing the increase, how high the rate is and the duration of the episode. Possible complications include blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, fainting spells and permanent damage to the heart muscle.

    Treatment

    • Most arrhythmias are harmless and are left untreated. If your fast heartbeat needs to be treated, your doctor may prescribe a medication like a beta blocker. The goal of treatment is to keep your heart rate within a normal range to reduce your risk for blood clots and strokes.

    Prevention

    • Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol and caffeine consumption. Eat low-fat food and exercise regularly. Manage chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

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