A resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when your body is at rest. For most adults, a normal resting heart rate typically falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Various factors, including age, activity levels, and overall health, can influence this rate. When unwell, your heart rate commonly increases as your body works to overcome illness.
Understanding Elevated Heart Rate During Illness
When your body fights an illness, your heart rate often increases due to physiological responses. Your immune system activates, requiring more blood and oxygen to be pumped throughout your body, causing the heart to work harder. This heightened effort is a normal response to infection.
Fever, a common symptom of many illnesses, directly contributes to an elevated heart rate. As your body temperature rises, your metabolic rate increases, prompting the heart to beat faster to meet the body’s demand for oxygen and regulate temperature. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit increase in body temperature, your heart rate can rise by approximately 10 beats per minute.
Dehydration is another factor that can significantly impact heart rate when you are sick. Illnesses often lead to fluid loss through fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, reducing your body’s blood volume. To compensate for this decrease, your heart must pump faster to circulate the reduced blood volume and ensure oxygen and nutrients reach your organs.
Additionally, inflammation, a natural part of the immune response, can also cause your heart to beat faster. When the immune system releases white blood cells to combat infection, this process can lead to inflammation, which in turn affects heart function. Certain medications, including some over-the-counter cold remedies containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine, can also stimulate the heart and increase its rate.
When a High Heart Rate Signals Concern
While an elevated heart rate is a common response to illness, certain accompanying symptoms can indicate a more serious situation. If your resting heart rate remains consistently above 100 beats per minute, especially at 120 bpm or higher, even when not physically active, this warrants attention. Persistent elevation, particularly after a fever subsides, can be a red flag.
Be watchful if a high heart rate is accompanied by other specific symptoms. These include shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Fainting spells also necessitate immediate medical evaluation.
Other concerning signs include sudden weakness, unusual sweating, or an irregular or fluttering heart rate. These symptoms, in combination with a high heart rate, could suggest an underlying issue requiring professional medical assessment.
Steps to Take and When to Seek Care
When experiencing an elevated heart rate due to illness, self-care measures can help support your body’s recovery. Prioritizing rest allows your body to conserve energy and focus on fighting infection. Staying well-hydrated is also important; drinking plenty of fluids like water can help prevent dehydration, which contributes to a faster heart rate. Avoid caffeinated beverages or other stimulants, as these can further increase your heart rate.
Monitor your symptoms closely. Keep track of your heart rate and any accompanying symptoms, noting if they worsen or persist. Trying relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, may help calm your system and potentially lower your heart rate. If you have a fever, cool compresses can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the strain on your heart.
Seek medical attention if your heart rate remains elevated above 100 beats per minute, or consistently at 120 bpm or higher, especially when accompanied by concerning symptoms. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting alongside a high heart rate. These signs suggest your body may be struggling beyond a typical illness response, requiring professional medical evaluation.