Heart rate is controlled by electrical impulses that are sent across the tissues of the heart. A normal adult heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute, at rest, according to MayoClinic.com. A rapid heart rate, also called tachycardia, is when the beats per minute are rapidly increased due to abnormal electrical impulses. An increase in heart rate can signal increased times of stress or anxiety or it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a type of a heart rhythm disorder, called an arrhythmia, that is characterized by an irregular rapid heart rate. In those with atrial fibrillation, the heart's atria contract very quickly and non-uniformly, which results in the increase in heart rate along with the irregular rhythm. Because of this, the heart has to work harder in an attempt to pump a sufficient amount of blood to the rest of the body. Causes of atrial fibrillation include excessive alcohol consumption, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, certain medications and pericarditis, which is inflammation of the tissue around the heart, according to Medline Plus. Often, symptoms of atrial fibrillation go unnoticed. These symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness and fatigue. In most cases, atrial fibrillation can be corrected with the use of oral medications. In severe cases, emergency treatment may be needed. This involves sending electrical impulses to the heart to get the rhythm back to normal.
Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland is a gland located in the front of the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, or the way the body utilizes energy. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism has a number of possible causes, including Graves' disease, inflammation of the thyroid gland, ingestion of too much iodine and overmedication, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary between individuals, but the most commonly seen symptoms include a rapid heart rate, nervousness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, hand tremors, weight loss and goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland. Treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the underlying causes, but available treatments include medication, radioactive iodine therapy and surgery.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a condition characterized by an exaggerated immune response to an infection that results in widespread inflammation. The inflammation causes small clots to form in the small blood vessels in the body, which creates a potentially life-threatening situation. Sepsis usually follows three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis and sepsis shock, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms depend on the stage of sepsis and get progressively worse. Symptoms of sepsis include rapid heart rate, high fever, high respiratory rate and infection. Symptoms of severe sepsis include decreased urine output, confusion, decrease in platelet count, difficulty breathing and abnormal heart function. The symptoms of septic shock are identical to severe sepsis with the addition of low blood pressure. Emergency treatment is required for sepsis. Treatment options include intravenous fluids and medication, oxygen therapy and surgery to remove the infection.
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