Having heart palpitations when you are completely at rest is a scary feeling. No matter what you seem to do or how relaxed over all you may feel, it just keeps going. It can cause an uncomfortable tightness in your chest and if the heart rate stays elevated for some time, can become tired and feel sore like any other muscle in the body.

A resting heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute in adults is called tachycardia. This is faster than the heart is supposed to beat normally. The problem with a fast heart beat is that at the elevated levels on a consistent basis the heart is not able to efficiently continue to pump an adequate supply of oxygenated blood to your entire body. While this may remain hidden due to being A-symptomatic, in some people it may present itself in the following ways:

* Dizziness

* Rapid heartbeat or “palpitations” * Angina (chest pain)

* Shortness of breath

* Lightheadedness

* Indigestion

* Fainting

* Sudden weakness

And in extreme cases

* Unconsciousness

* Cardiac arrest

What causes Tachycardia?

* High blood pressure

* Coronary artery disease

* Heart valve disease

* Heart failure

* Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)

* Tumors

* Infections

* Thyroid issues

* Certain lung diseases

* Electrolyte imbalance

* Alcohol or drug abuse or over use

* Emotional stress

* Drinking large amounts of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages

* Smoking

Treatment Options if you have Tachycardia

* If you smoke, stop

* Cut down on or stop alcohol consumption

* Cut down on or stop caffeine consumption

* Work on lowering your stress levels

* Consult with your doctor in regard to all medications you are taking

* Do not consume recreational drugs of any kind

* Get more rest

* Your physician may recommend trying: Valsalva Maneuver – taking in a deep breath and bearing down while holding your breath.

If you are experiencing a fast or irregular heart beat Tampa Cardiovascular Associates invite you to call us at 813-975-2800 or contact us through the web. https://tampacardio.com/contact-us/. If you feel it is an emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest ER.