A rapid pulse may be a minor symptoms of some stimuli or a sign of a major medical condition. Sometimes, a high pulse rate is simply caused by something you ate or drank. Other times, it may signal that something is wrong internally and it's best to get to a doctor right away for treatment. If you have an abnormal heart rhythm, analyze why and make an informed decision from there.
Caffeine
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. When you drink caffeinated beverages, your body produces additional neurotransmitters. The extra neurotransmitters trigger your heart to beat faster. Oddly enough, even the thought of drinking caffeine may increase your heart rate. A 2007 study, published in the “University Of Wisconsin La Crosse Journal Of Undergraduate Research” revealed, an increase in pulse rate for students who thought they were drinking caffeinated coffee, but actually consumed a decaffeinated version of the beverage. An elevated heart rate due to caffeine stimulus is not something to worry about as the effects will wear off soon.
Hyperthyroidism
People with hyperthyroidism have an overactive thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland produces too many hormones, it can cause an increase in pulse rate. Hormones from the hyperactive thyroid push your heart to work harder. Physicians frequently prescribe beta-blocker medications to regulate the pulse rate in patients who suffer from hyperthyroidism. Beta-blocking medications prevent the thyroid from producing excessive amounts of hormones.
Heart Disease
Heart disease describes a myriad of conditions including arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy. Both of the aforementioned conditions can alter your pulse rate. People with heart arrhythmia have an abnormal pulse. Their heart beats either too fast or too slow. Cardiomyopathy suffers experience thickening of the heart muscle. As the heart muscle thickens, it produces a rapid pulse.
Alcohol
Abusing alcohol can affect your pulse rate. Men who binge on alcohol experience rapid heart rates more often than female binge drinkers. Heavy drinking causes the upper quadrant of your heart to pump faster. During the holidays and weekends, people often show up in the emergency room with a case of “holiday heart.” Physicians coined this term to describe the influx of patients experiencing rapid pulses after heavy holiday or weekend alcohol consumption. Cardiologist Dr. Laurence Sperling suggests, drinking in moderation to avoid a high pulse rate.
Electrolyte Imbalance
When your body lacks the proper balance of electrolytes, you may experience a high pulse rate. Fever, vomiting, dehydration, eating disorders and diuretic medication can cause an electrolyte imbalance. Replace lost electrolytes with water or sports drinks infused with salts and minerals. Extreme cases of electrolyte imbalance require administration of intravenous fluids.
References
- “University Of Wisconsin La Crosse Journal of Undergraduate Research “; Caffeine and College: The Perceived Effects of Caffeine on Heart Rate and Alertness; Sarah Olbrantz, Meagan Peterson; 2007
- “Scientific American”; How Does Caffeine Affect The Body?; Neal J. Smatresk; February 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- National Institutes of Health: Hyperthyrodism
- Mayoclinic.com: Heart Disease: Symptoms
- “CNN Health”; If You Drink, Watch Out For Your Heart; Judy Fortin; November 2006
- Mayoclinic.com: Dehydration: Treatment and Drugs
