Why Is My Heart Beating So Fast While Resting?

A racing heart can be alarming, especially when you're at rest. So, what could potentially be behind this?

Let’s dive right in!

Why Is My Heart Beating So Fast?

Here are the most common reasons as to why your heart rate is faster than normal, even when you’re resting:

1. Recent Exercise

During physical activity, the muscles require more oxygen to produce energy. The heart responds by increasing its rate and stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped with each beat) to meet this higher demand. Sometimes, it takes our body a little longer to recover from this state of exercise, which is why your heart could continue to beat fast even when you sit down to rest.

2. Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands. Adrenaline increases heart rate, enhances the force of heart contractions, and dilates the airways, preparing the body to respond to a perceived threat.

3. Caffeine

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some medications. It blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, which normally promote relaxation and sleepiness, leading to increased neuronal firing and the release of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. This results in an elevated heart rate and increased alertness.

4. Medications

Certain medications, such as decongestants (containing pseudoephedrine), beta-agonists (used in asthma inhalers), and some antidepressants, can stimulate the heart or interfere with its normal electrical pathways, leading to an increased heart rate.

5. Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcohol can affect the autonomic nervous system and influence the release of adrenaline, leading to a higher heart rate. Nicotine in tobacco acts as a stimulant, increasing the release of adrenaline and directly stimulating the heart to beat faster.

6. Fever

A fever increases the body’s metabolic rate, requiring the heart to pump more blood to meet the higher demand for oxygen and nutrients. The hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, signals the heart to beat faster as part of the body’s effort to combat infection. This could also be accompanied by a fever dream.

7. Dehydration

When the body is dehydrated, blood volume decreases, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently. To compensate, the heart beats faster to maintain adequate blood pressure and circulation to vital organs.

8. Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium are essential for maintaining the electrical stability of heart cells. Imbalances can disrupt the normal electrical signals that regulate heartbeats, potentially causing tachycardia.

9. Anemia

Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. To compensate, the heart beats faster to circulate the available oxygen more quickly throughout the body.

10. Hyperthyroidism

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone, which increases the metabolic rate of the body, including the heart. This leads to a faster heart rate, higher blood pressure, and sometimes irregular heartbeats.

11. Heart Conditions

Various heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation (an irregular and often rapid heart rate), heart valve disease, or heart failure, can cause tachycardia. These conditions can disrupt the heart’s normal electrical activity or increase the workload on the heart.

12. Infections

Severe heart infections, such as myocarditis or endocarditis, can directly impact heart function. The body’s response to infection, including fever and inflammation, also increases heart rate.

13. Pain

Pain can trigger the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which increases heart rate. The body’s natural response to pain is similar to the fight-or-flight response, preparing the body to deal with the cause of pain.

14. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation, can affect the cardiovascular system. For example, during pregnancy, increased blood volume and hormonal changes can lead to a higher heart rate to support the growing fetus.

15. Recreational Drugs

Drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy stimulate the central nervous system, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and sometimes dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. These substances can also cause the release of large amounts of adrenaline.

16. Temperature Extremes

In hot weather, the heart rate increases to help dissipate heat through sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. In cold weather, the heart may beat faster to maintain body temperature by increasing blood flow to vital organs.

17. Panic Attacks

Panic attacks cause a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort, triggering a surge of adrenaline. This leads to a rapid heart rate, along with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, and dizziness.

18. Postural Changes

Moving quickly from a sitting or lying position to standing can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). The heart compensates by increasing its rate to quickly restore blood flow to the brain.

19. Heart Structural Abnormalities

Congenital heart defects or structural abnormalities, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can disrupt the heart’s normal function and electrical activity, leading to episodes of tachycardia.

20. Adrenaline Rush

Situations that cause a sudden release of adrenaline, such as a scare or excitement, activate the sympathetic nervous system. This prepares the body for immediate physical activity, causing the heart to beat faster to ensure sufficient blood flow to muscles.

Next, let’s look at normal heart rate ranges according to age

What Is A Normal Heart Rate?

Here are the typical resting heart rate ranges for different age groups:

AGE GROUP	HEART RATE, beats per minute (bpm)
Newborns (0-1 month)	100 - 205
Infants (1-11 months)	100 - 180
Toddlers (1-2 years)	98 - 140
Preschool children (3-5 years)	80 - 120
School-age children (6-7 years)	75 - 118
Older children and adolescents	60 - 100
Adults (18 years and older)	60 -100

 

NB: Well-trained athletes typically have lower heart rates, between 40 - 60 bpm. Other factors that influence your heart rate include temperature, body position, emotions, medications, and overall health.

In the next section, let’s consider whether heart palpitations are more common at night, or if something else could be behind this.

Are Heart Palpitations More Common At Night?

Not really. Your resting heart rate should be fairly the same during the day and even at night. However, most people don’t notice their heart rate due to busyness when working or going about their day. To manage this feeling of a fast heart rate at night, consider:

• Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and stress, potentially lowering the incidence of palpitations.
• Avoid Stimulants: Limit the intake of caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before bedtime.
• Regular Sleep Schedule: Maintaining a consistent sleep routine can help regulate your heart rate.
• Stay Hydrated: Ensure proper hydration throughout the day, but limit excessive fluid intake right before bed to avoid frequent awakenings. 

What about weighted blankets? Could they help your heart rate slow down when resting? Let’s talk about this next!

Can I Use A Weighted Blanket?

Unless advised otherwise by your medical professional, you can use a weighted blanket when you feel anxious and your heart is beating fast. Weighted blankets are designed to provide deep pressure stimulation (DPS), which can have calming effects on the body. Here’s how they might help:

1. Calming Effect: The gentle pressure from the weighted blanket mimics the feeling of being hugged or held, which can stimulate the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well-being and relaxation.

2. Reduced Anxiety: By promoting the release of serotonin and reducing cortisol (a stress hormone), weighted blankets can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, which might be contributing to your rapid heartbeat.

3. Improved Sleep: Weighted blankets can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Better sleep can, in turn, help regulate your heart rate.

4. Parasympathetic Nervous System Activation: The pressure from the blanket can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" system, which helps slow down the heart rate and promotes a state of calm.

Our Cotton Napper is a weighted blanket made of 100% cotton, ensuring that you feel an evenly-distributed gentle pressure as you rest. Unlike traditional weighted blankets, our Napper is knitted to allow for breathability. This means that you can enjoy all the benefits of the weight without worrying about feeling too hot.

In the next section, we share tell-tale signs that your heart palpitations warrant a visit to your doctor’s office.

When To See A Doctor

It’s essential to know when to seek medical attention for a fast heart rate. Here are some situations in which you should see a doctor:

1. Persistent or Frequent Episodes: If you experience a rapid heartbeat regularly or for extended periods, seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause.

2. Chest Pain or Discomfort: If your fast heart rate is accompanied by chest pain, it could indicate a heart problem, such as angina or a heart attack.

3. Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing along with a rapid heart rate may suggest a more serious condition, such as heart failure or pulmonary issues.

4. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or dizzy can indicate that your heart is not effectively pumping blood, which requires immediate attention.

5. Fainting or Near Fainting (Syncope): Sudden loss of consciousness or feeling like you might pass out could be a sign of a serious heart rhythm problem.

6. Fatigue or Weakness: Persistent fatigue or weakness, especially if it occurs alongside a fast heart rate, could indicate an underlying health issue.

7. Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially if it's cold and clammy, along with a rapid heart rate, can be a sign of a heart attack.

8. Known Medical Conditions: If you have a history of heart disease, hypertension, or other cardiac conditions, it's crucial to monitor your heart rate and seek medical advice if it increases unexpectedly. For instance, rapid heart rate in individuals with high blood pressure can indicate cardiovascular stress.

9. Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart conditions, and a fast heart rate should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

10. New Medications: If you’ve recently started a new medication and notice a rapid heart rate, consult your doctor to see if it could be a side effect.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to heart health. If in doubt, seeking medical advice can help ensure that any potential issues are identified and managed early.

Conclusion

Understanding the various reasons for a fast heart rate while resting can help you manage your symptoms and know when to seek medical advice. Whether it’s due to lifestyle factors, medical conditions, or other influences, staying informed and proactive about your heart health is crucial.