The Effects of Rapid Heart Rate

The Effects of Rapid Heart Rate
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Rapid heart beat, or tachycardia, is a medical condition where the individual experiences a faster-than-normal heart rate. The heart of a person at rest beats at a rate of 60 to 100 times a minute. In individuals with tachycardia, the heart of an individual usually beats faster than the normal rate when the heart produces rapid electrical signals. In some individuals, it may be responsible for some of the effects listed, as reported by MayoClinic.com and the University of Illinois Medical Center.

Dizziness

MayoClinic.com says dizziness can result from a rapid heart beat. The individual may feel light-headed. The person may also feel faint. He may experience unsteadiness and loss of balance.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is another symptom of tachycardia, states MayoClinic.com. Due to the lack of adequate supply of oxygen to the lungs, the person may find it difficult to breathe. The University of Illinois Medical Center reports that the person may also experience pain in the chest.

Heart Palpitations

MayoClinic.com reports that heart palpitations may be an effect of a rapid heartbeat. The individual feels as if the heart is racing. The sensation is felt like a flopping in the chest, as stated by MayoClinic.com. The heartbeat of the individual may feel uncomfortable or irregular. The University of Illinois Medical Center states that palpitations are felt as sensations in which the individual is unusually aware of the heartbeat. The pulse rate of the individual may also race rapidly.

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating can be experienced by an individual with rapid heartbeat, reports the University of Illinois Medical Center. As the heart beats rapidly, there is excessive pressure on the heart, which must work harder than normal. This can make the individual sweat excessively. There is also no other obvious reason for the excessive sweating.

Fatigue

The University of Illinois Medical Center says an individual with a higher-than-normal heart rate experiences excessive tiredness. The individual gets excessively tired while performing the usual daily activities. The individual is not able to accomplish the usual tasks as quickly and as easily as in the past and can also experience an unexplained weakness.

References

Article reviewed by demand12324 Last updated on: Jul 31, 2010

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