Tachycardia is a heart rate that is too fast, occurring when the heart beats above its normal resting rate. While a rapid heart rate can be a natural response to exercise, stress, or excitement, it can also signal an underlying health concern. This guide clarifies when a fast heart rate requires evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Understanding Tachycardia
For most adults, a normal resting heart rate falls within 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Tachycardia is defined as a resting heart rate consistently exceeding 100 bpm. This threshold applies to adults, as children’s normal heart rates can be higher depending on their age.
A temporary increase in heart rate is often a physiological response, such as during physical activity, intense emotions like fear or anxiety, or in the presence of fever or pain. However, if the heart rate consistently remains above this resting threshold without clear triggers, or increases disproportionately to activity, it may indicate an issue with the heart’s electrical system or another medical condition.
Recognizing Accompanying Symptoms
A fast heart rate can be accompanied by other symptoms that prompt concern. These often reflect the heart’s reduced ability to efficiently pump blood throughout the body. Common sensations include palpitations, described as a racing, pounding, or fluttering feeling in the chest.
Individuals might also experience lightheadedness or dizziness, resulting from decreased blood flow to the brain. Shortness of breath, fatigue, or unusual weakness can also manifest, indicating that the body’s organs and tissues may not be receiving adequate oxygen supply. While these symptoms suggest a need for medical evaluation, their presence alone does not always signal an immediate emergency.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Certain symptoms occurring alongside a rapid heart rate indicate a medical emergency. If you experience severe chest pain or pressure, this could signify a serious cardiac event such as a heart attack. This pain may feel like a heavy weight or tightness and can spread to the jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm.
Sudden and severe shortness of breath, especially at rest, warrants emergency medical help. If a rapid heart rate is accompanied by fainting or loss of consciousness, it suggests a significant disruption in blood flow to the brain. Other alarming signs include sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, or an extremely fast heart rate that persists.
If these severe symptoms occur, call emergency services immediately. If the person loses consciousness and does not have a pulse, performing hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until medical professionals arrive can be life-saving. Do not attempt to drive yourself or someone else to the hospital if these symptoms are present.