Often, the scene of a ferocious bear chasing a group of people in the latest movie, can make the heart beat extremely fast. Tachycardia refers to a medical condition in which the heart beats more than 60 beats per minute. The Mayo Clinic says that symptoms of a fast heartbeat include dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. Simply coughing or dunking the face in ice cold water can help decrease the heart rate. Medications can also be used. Learn about the complications of an increased heart rate if it is left untreated.
Angina Pectoris
An increased heart rate can lead to intermittent chest pain, medically known as angina pectoris. The heart must work more when the heart is beating faster, in order to supply more blood to the heart. Sometimes, not enough oxygen arrives at the heart and this chest pain ensues.
A few types of angina exist. The American Heart Association reports that stable angina is unpredictable and can appear at any moment. Typically, this type of chest pain occurs during times of physical and emotional stress. Rest and medications, such as nitroglycerin (dilates the heart's blood vessels), can be given.
Unstable angina arrives when people least expect it. This form of chest pain occurs at rest. People who suffer from unstable angina have an increased risk for a heart attack, cardiac arrest (heart stops beating) and death. Medications do not treat this condition.
Variant angina (Prizmental's angina), occurs when the heart's blood vessels begin to spasm. This chest pain typically occurs between midnight and 8 a.m., says the American Heart Association.
Heart Failure
A fast heart rate that is left untreated can lead to heart failure. This refers to a potentially life-threatening medical problem in which the heart can no longer distribute enough blood to the body. MedlinePlus says that specific symptoms of heart failure include a cough, shortness of breath, weight gain, an irregular pulse, indigestion, a poor appetite, fatigue and weakness. Heart failure also causes feet and ankle swelling, stomach swelling, indigestion and a poor appetite. Additional symptoms include decreased urination, nausea and vomiting and decreased concentration.
Treatment for heart failure involves limiting salt consumption and taking medications, such as captopril, to dilate the blood vessels to allow more blood to the heart. Also, people must take diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide to rid the body of excess water and salt. Other medications include digitalis glycoside, medications such as losartan and beta-blockers like carvedilol. All these medications help reduce heart failure symptoms.
Stroke
An irregular heartbeat, such as a fast heartbeat, can elevate the risk for a stroke. Symptoms of a stroke include numbness or tingling on one side of the body, slurred speech, visual problems and a headache. The Mayo Clinic says that dizziness, lack of coordination and unsteadiness are other stroke symptoms.
Treatment includes taking such medications as aspirin or tissue plasminogen activator to dissolve any clots. Also, surgical procedures, such as a carotid endarectomy, angioplasty and clipping or coiling, can help treat stroke at its source.
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