COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a respiratory illness with a wide array of symptoms affecting various bodily systems. The body’s response to this infection involves many physiological adjustments. Understanding these responses, particularly those impacting the cardiovascular system, offers insight into how the illness presents.
High Heart Rate as a COVID-19 Symptom
An elevated heart rate, medically termed tachycardia, is a common symptom during the acute phase of COVID-19. Individuals may experience this as a racing heart or palpitations, which can feel like fluttering or pounding in the chest. While it can occur in milder cases, it is often more pronounced with fever and severe illness. Nearly 12% of people with mild to moderate COVID-19 have reported cardiovascular symptoms, including palpitations.
Understanding How COVID-19 Affects Heart Rate
Several physiological factors contribute to an elevated heart rate during COVID-19 infection. Fever, a common response to infection, causes the body to work harder to dissipate heat, leading to an increased heart rate. The systemic inflammatory response triggered by the virus also plays a role, as the immune system releases inflammatory markers that can affect cardiovascular function.
Dehydration, often from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, can reduce blood volume, causing the heart to beat faster to maintain adequate blood flow. The virus may also directly impact the heart muscle, known as myocarditis, or the nervous system regulating heart rate, potentially leading to injury or electrical imbalances. The body’s general stress response to fighting the infection can also activate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Heart Rate Changes
While a temporary increase in heart rate during illness can be normal, certain heart rate changes warrant medical consultation. It is advisable to contact a healthcare provider if a resting heart rate is persistently high, for example, consistently over 100-120 beats per minute without exertion. Seeking medical attention is also important if the elevated heart rate is accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Changes in heart rhythm, such as irregular beats, should also prompt a medical evaluation. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should monitor closely and consult their doctor for any concerning or worsening symptoms. Smartwatches indicating a higher or erratic heart rate can also be a reason to seek evaluation.
Heart Rate Changes After Acute COVID-19 Infection
Persistent or new heart rate issues can emerge after the acute phase of COVID-19, often associated with “Long COVID” or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). This phenomenon can involve symptoms similar to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), where the heart rate significantly increases upon standing. POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and blood pressure.
Patients with Long COVID frequently report symptoms such as persistent fatigue and exercise intolerance, which can be linked to these heart rate changes. This can lead to a reduction in functional capacity. These post-acute symptoms can persist for weeks or even months after the initial infection, impacting overall quality of life. Medical evaluation for ongoing symptoms is important to rule out other conditions and explore appropriate management strategies.