The heart is built to beat 60 to 100 beats per minute, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the body undergoes physiological changes, the heart rate can increase. This is called tachycardia. An increased heart rate is nature's way of ensuring that the body receives all the oxygen and nutrients necessary for survival. There are multiple reasons for an increased heart rate.
Exercise
Exercise increases the heart rate. When the muscles start working hard, as they do in physical activity, they require more oxygen and nutrients. It is the body's natural defenses for survival that will increase the heart rate during physical activity. The heart pumps faster in order to deliver a steady stream of oxygen to the muscles. The coronary arteries are the first to receive the ejected blood from the hard working heart. The coronary arteries keep the heart muscle alive by delivering blood rich in oxygen and nutrients, according to CardioVascular Consults.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia of the heart. This abnormal rhythm can cause the heart to speed up secondary to the multiple signals it receives from the atrium, according to the Mayo Clinic. The patient may feel heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Because the rhythm is fast and chaotic, it does not allow the heart to pump out all the blood that it receives Pooling of blood can occur in the left ventricle, and blood clots can form in this pooled blood. Many patients with atrial fibrillation need to take some kind of anticoagulation to prevent clotting. Atrial fibrillation also may require other medicines, such as digoxin, to help control the heart rate.
Dehydration
Dehydration can cause an increased heart rate. The rate increases in response to the decreased amount of blood that is brought to the heart via the vena cava. The left ventricle is sensitive to the amount of blood it receives. If it senses that the fluid is decreased, it pumps faster in order to continue to provide the body with oxygenated blood. Causes of dehydration can be fever, diarrhea, sweating, overexertion and vomiting.
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