What Does A High Pulse Rate Mean?

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Ray Hueston Profile
Ray Hueston answered
High pulse rate is termed as tachycardia in medical terminology. It refers to an abnormally fast beating heart. The normal pulse rate for human beings , in resting condition, is about 60-100 beats per minute (BPM). The pulse rate falls to about 40 BPM while the person is sleeping. When the pulse rate exceeds 100 BPM, the heart is said to be beating at a rapid rate.

What is High Pulse Rate
Pulse rate above 100 BPM is termed as a high pulse rate or tachycardia. High pulse rate is directly concerned with the inability of the heart to pump the blood efficiently. Tachycardia is classified into two forms, depending upon it's occurrence in the heart. If it starts in the ventricles, it is termed as ventricular tachycardia, or simply V-tach. If the rapid pumping occurs above the ventricles, in the upper part of the heart, it is termed as supra-ventricular tachycardia (SVT) . SVT is the most common form of tachycardia and has less potential of inducing harmful effects. However, cases of persistent SVT should be reported to the physician.

There are several causes of high pulse rates. Although, most reasons for high pulse rate are temporary in nature, a few other factors may elevate the pulse rate for a longer time. Most people who complain of high pulse rate often suffer from some or the other heart disease . Heart ailments such as coronary heart diseases, high blood pressure , pericarditis etc. Are likely to give rise to high pulse rate. The hardening of arteries or the faulty heart valves lead to difficulty in pumping, thereby increasing the pulse rate.

-An over-active thyroid gland is known to have some relation with the high pulse rate. Thyroid gland is responsible for controlling the metabolism, in the body. Hence, its over performance often interferes with the normal metabolism of the body. This, in some way causes the heart to increase its pumping rate, which eventually leads to a higher pulse rate. Other metabolism related disorders are also likely to cause higher pulse rate.
-Faulty Upper Heart Chamber
Microscopic irregularities or any kind of damage in the upper chamber of the heart, results in higher pulse rate. These irregularities weaken the muscles of the upper heart chambers, thereby putting a lot of strain on the heart.
-Emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is yet another cause of high pulse rate. In emphysema, the tissues of lungs become non - elastic, which affects the normal pumping capacity of the heart. This eventually results in rapid heart beating.

There are also several other factors that can elevate the pulse rate for a temporary duration: Intake of stimulating substances such as (tea, coffee, tobacco etc), eating a heavy meal, or certain medications. Fever, anaemia, and vitamin deficiency can also be responsible, as can heavy exercise or emotional stress such as fear, anxiety or nervousness. These factors stimulate the heart to beat at a faster rate only for a short period of time. Once the cause is eliminated, the heart resumes its normal pace.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I have high blood pressure. And some times my pulse rate goes above 100 what does that mean?
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I am 17 years old and my resting pulse ranges from 120 to135 per minute. Is this dangerous
Bill Profile
Bill answered
Most common explanation is you are running a fever, your immune system is working overtime to fight an infection, blood is being pumped faster to get more immune cells to the battlegrounds and also to help cool the fever.
Allie or Al Ranslett Profile
A high pulse rate usually indicates that your blood pressure is also high. I would recommend that you go to the nearest drug store and do the blood pressure test that they have there, to find out if it's serious enough to go to your doctor for.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Hey.. Let me kno wht your doc said.. I too have a pulse rate between 100 to 115
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Well my heart feels like its going to jump right out of me and today my pulse was 115 I was just sitting down in the doctors office doing nothing my doc freaked and sent me for more test so I hope its not 2 serious..wish me luck
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
My moms blood pressure has been up quite high this morning. Her pulse has been higher also than its ever been. 122. I now have her blood pressure down, but the pulse rate has stayed the same. Are we o.k. Yet or still in danger?

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