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.
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.
