What is Heart Palpitations?
When the person is at rest, the heartbeat suddenly accelerates and becomes irregular in an uncomfortable way, and the person feels this situation is called “heart palpitations” in the simplest sense. While the heart rate varies from person to person, some individuals may have around 80 beats per minute, while others may have around 100 pulses per minute. While on the move or during any physical activity, this number can reach 120 levels. A heart rate >100/min is called “Tachycardia” in medical language. Being palpable is defined as heart palpitations and usually manifests itself when the pulse rate rises above 140.
Heart palpitations are also seen in people who do not have any heart disease. In conditions such as hot weather, stress, insomnia, excessive caffeine consumption, healthy people also experience heart palpitations. When you experience heart palpitations, you should determine how many pulses per minute are in your home or environment by using a heart rate measuring device (pulsemeter) or by pressing the inside of your wrist.
What is Tachycardia?
A heart rate above 100 beats per minute is called tachycardia (heart palpitations). This may take a few seconds or it may take hours. When the heart beats rapidly in this way, it cannot fill with enough blood that normally fills with blood between beats. In this case, the heart may not be able to provide sufficient oxygenation and blood supply to the whole body.
The heart’s electrical signal normally originates in the sinoatrial node. These signals from the sinoatrial node control how fast the heart should beat per minute. In some emotional states; For example, in situations of excitement, anxiety, or fear, the heart beats faster for a short time. A picture in which the rhythm is regular but only the heart rate is above 100 beats per minute is called sinus tachycardia. When the person calms down, the heart rate returns to normal. Mood states are not the only cause of sinus tachycardia. Other conditions that can cause sinus tachycardia are as follows:
- Caffeine ingested in excess by consuming too much tea or coffee
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages, substance use
- High fever
- Emotions such as anxiety, fear, worry, and excitement
- Anemia (Anemia)
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
- high thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism)
- Pain
- stress and exercise
However, not every tachycardia is as innocent as sinus tachycardia. Many irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can cause tachycardia. Even if tachycardia does not cause any cause or complication, if left untreated, it can result in serious health problems such as heart failure, stroke and even sudden cardiac death.