A fast heart rate is sometimes a normal response to stimuli or activity such as exercise or stress. Other times it's not so normal and requires medical intervention. Gaining control over a fast heartbeat often entails a combination of actions and possibly taking medications. If you've started experiencing a fast heartbeat in situations in which you haven't before, have your doctor confirm whether or not the heart rate is something to worry about.
Step 1
Give yourself enough time to cool down after exercising. You may be stopping vigorous exercise too abruptly, leaving yourself with a fast heartbeat even as you exit the gym or field to go to the locker room. Penn State University says cooling down must be a gradual process and suggests walking briskly right after exercising, reducing your speed over a few minutes. Remember to stretch afterward, too.
Step 2
Follow general heart-protective measures. These include quitting smoking, eating well and controlling high blood pressure. Reduce the amount of stimulants you ingest such as caffeine.
Step 3
Discuss any supplements you take. Clear any new supplements with your doctor before taking them. Some supplements can increase blood pressure and heart rate. If you think a prescription medication may be to blame, ask your doctor about comparable medications or adjust the dose.
Step 4
Take up yoga or tai chi. Consider other meditative practices. Stress and anxiety can increase your heart rate, and creating a calmer state of mind can help slow it down.
Step 5
Get evaluated for abnormal heart conditions. These include atrial flutter, an abnormally fast heartbeat caused by heart disease. Stress can cause it as well, but your doctor is the only one who can diagnose that. You may have to take medications such as beta-blockers and antiarrhythmics to chemically slow your heart rate.
Step 6
Ask about the Valsalva maneuver. It involves plugging your nose and mouth and trying to exhale. Penn State Children's Hospital says the Valsalva maneuver can sometimes slow down a heart rate, but do this only if your doctor agrees it can help you.
Member Comments