The only time you are likely to pay attention to your heartbeat is when there is a problem of some type. Changes in your heart rate may be completely normal or they could signify that something more serious is wrong. If you notice rapid heart rate changes under any circumstances it is best to visit your doctor to determine the cause.
Causes
Rapid changes in your heart rate may be caused by any number of factors. You could have an abnormal electrolyte balance in your blood such as low potassium. You may have heart disease, anemia, fever or a heart valve problem. Vigorous exercise can also affect your heart rate, as can an overactive thyroid gland. Panic attack and anxiety can cause fluctuations in heart rate, and 80 percent of sufferers include irregular or rapid heart beat as a symptom, according to the Anxieties website.
Heart Rate
Most people have a heart rate somewhere between 60 and 100 beats per minute. An athlete or someone on certain medications may experience lower than 60. When your heart rate gets up over 100 beats per minute, it is known as tachycardia. A slow heart rate is called bradycardia and the occasional extra beat is known as extrasystole.
Symptoms
When you experience heart palpitations, even if you know the cause, it can be uncomfortable and distressing. Your heart feels as though it is racing and pounding and it can be felt in your chest and sometimes your neck. Many heart palpitations cause a fluttery feeling in the chest that is not painful, but will let you know something is not as it should be.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia refers to irregular beating of your heart. Your heart has its own electrical system that helps it to contract in an orderly fashion. A malfunction in this electrical system is often the cause of arrhythmia. Your heartbeat may be slow, fast or irregular when you suffer from arrhythmia. Severe arrhythmia may require urgent care such as shock treatment.
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