How to Lower Heart Rate in Women

An irregular heart rate in women may be an indication of an overactive thyroid, anxiety or anemia, which increases the risk of heart disease in the long run, according to the National Institutes of Health. While the heart normally beats within the range of 60 to 100 beats per minute, irregularly fast heartbeats over 100 beats per minute should be closely monitored to determine the cause the fast beating. Call 911 If your heart remains at a high level for a prolonged period of time, as it is considered a serious medical emergency that requires professional treatment.

Instructions

• 1

  Limit caffeine consumption. Drinking more than two cups of coffee daily or other beverages that contain caffeine can affect your heart rate. Drink no more than one, eight ounce cup of coffee to normalize your heart rate.

• 2

  Reduce exercise. Cardiovascular activity increases your heart rate, and should be performed for no more than 30 minutes a day if your heart is beating faster than usual. Consult your doctor to determine what is a suitable exercise specifically for you.

• 3

  Practice breathing exercises. Inhale through your nose, hold it for five seconds, and exhale through your mouth to lower your heart rate. When you feel anxious your heart beats faster, and can be controlled by forcibly calming yourself down.

• 4

  Change your diet. Eat low-fat fruits, vegetables and whole-grains including bread and pasta, as they reduce cholesterol levels and allows your heart to pump blood efficiently, according to the American Heart Association.

• 5

  Quit smoking. Smoking constricts your blood vessels, which reduces your body's ability to pump blood to the heart and causes the heart to work harder.

• 6

  Limit alcohol. More than one drink daily affects your heart, and limiting yourself to 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of wine increases your high-density lipoproteins, the good cholesterol that provides healthy heart functioning.