But just going about your daily life shouldnt lead to a racing heartbeat.
Your heart performs an incredible daily balancing act thats crucial to keeping you alive and healthy.
No, not the pop in that keeps your lights on, although that would be interesting.
There are many reasons why it might feel like your heart rate won’t go down.
Sometimes, your body can signal your heart to beat faster, and the SA node responds.
Other times, signals start coming from other parts of the heart, causing it to speed up.
Between these rates, your heart can pump the oxygen-rich blood it needs to your vital organs.
What are the most common causes of a fast heart rate?
Here are a few common culprits to keep on your radar.
Focus on your breath and the rise and fall of your abdomen throughout.
(If youre looking for a more detailed exercise to try, check out theserelaxing deep breathing videos.)
Theyre revving themselves up.
Certain medications and health conditions may also make you more sensitive to caffeine, including being pregnant.
If that doesnt help, get in touch with your doctor.
Your heart is racing due to a cold and flu medication, particularly decongestants.
This can happen because the ingredients in these meds narrow the blood vessels.
Only a doctor can tell you for sure.
When you sleep, your body isnt doing as much, so your heart can slow down.
Sleep is your time to reset.
Excess adrenaline charging through your system during the day can lead to a faster heartbeat.
TheNational Sleep Foundationrecommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
If you have trouble clocking those restful minutes, check out these expert-approved tips onhow to fall asleep faster.
Theres also a chance youre dealing with something more than typical everyday stress like we talked about above.
Panic attacks are characterized by sudden, unexpected, often paralyzing bouts of fear.
If you think youre having panic attacks, dont suffer in silence.
No, we dont mean, Surprise!
Better rush out and get a pregnancy test because your racing heart is an early sign youre pregnant.
A racing heart isnt one of the usual first signs of pregnancy that people pick up on.
This wont be your only sign of anemia, though.
Although an arrhythmia sounds like a dire diagnosis fromGreys Anatomy, its actually not always serious.
Many arrhythmias are not life-threatening, Dr. Mills-Frazier says.
Obviously with higher-risk patients, they can be, but theyre often treatable.
Women are five times more likely to be diagnosed with this condition than men.
Ultimately, when it comes to an elevated heart rate, trust your gut.
It doesnt matter how healthy you are or how healthy you think you are, Dr. Doshi says.
If your heart doesnt feel right for you, its worth getting a check-up.
