Heart Racing? Why Tachycardia Happens & Medically Approved Steps to Take

A racing heart can feel alarming. You might notice pounding in your chest, fluttering in your throat, or a sudden awareness that your heart is beating faster than normal. In many cases, this is temporary and harmless. In others, it may be a condition known as tachycardia.

Understanding what tachycardia is, why it happens, and what steps to take can help you respond calmly and appropriately.

---

What Is Tachycardia?

Tachycardia is the medical term for a heart rate that is faster than normal.

For most adults, a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute (BPM) is considered normal. Tachycardia generally refers to a resting heart rate above 100 BPM.

However, context matters. Your heart naturally beats faster during:

• Exercise
• Emotional stress
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Caffeine use

This type of increase is normal and usually not dangerous. Tachycardia becomes a medical concern when:

• It occurs at rest without a clear reason
• It causes symptoms
• It is linked to an abnormal heart rhythm

---

Types of Tachycardia

There are several forms of tachycardia. The type depends on where in the heart the fast rhythm begins.

1. Sinus Tachycardia

This is when the heart's natural pacemaker (the sinus node) sends signals faster than normal.

Common causes include:

• Anxiety
• Fever
• Pain
• Dehydration
• Blood loss
• Thyroid disorders

Sinus tachycardia is often a normal response to stress on the body.

---

2. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

This type starts in the upper chambers of the heart (atria). It often causes sudden episodes of very fast heartbeats.

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden racing heart
• Lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath

If you're experiencing sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat and want to better understand your symptoms, Ubie offers a free AI-powered Supraventricular Tachycardia symptom checker that can help you determine whether you should seek medical attention.

---

3. Ventricular Tachycardia

This begins in the lower chambers (ventricles). It is more serious and can interfere with the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

This form of tachycardia requires immediate medical attention.

---

Why Tachycardia Happens

Tachycardia usually occurs for one of three main reasons:

1. The Body Is Under Stress

Your heart speeds up when your body needs more oxygen-rich blood.

Common triggers:

• Exercise
• Fear or panic
• Fever or infection
• Anemia
• Low blood pressure
• Dehydration

In these cases, the faster heart rate is often temporary and improves when the trigger resolves.

---

2. Electrical Signals in the Heart Are Disrupted

The heart beats because of precise electrical signals. If those signals misfire or travel abnormally, tachycardia can occur.

Causes may include:

• Heart disease
• Previous heart attack
• Congenital heart conditions
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Certain medications
• Stimulant drugs

---

3. Hormonal or Metabolic Imbalances

Hormones strongly influence heart rate. Conditions such as:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Adrenal disorders
• Severe anxiety disorders

can contribute to persistent tachycardia.

---

Symptoms of Tachycardia

Not everyone with tachycardia feels symptoms. Some people discover it during a routine exam.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Racing or pounding heartbeat
• Fluttering sensation in chest
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort
• Fatigue

More serious warning signs include:

• Fainting
• Severe chest pain
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Weakness on one side of the body

If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

---

Is Tachycardia Dangerous?

It depends on the type and cause.

Short-term sinus tachycardia triggered by stress, caffeine, or exercise is usually not dangerous.

However, untreated or persistent tachycardia can:

• Weaken the heart over time
• Increase the risk of stroke (especially in some rhythm disorders)
• Lead to heart failure in severe cases

The key is identifying whether your fast heart rate is normal and temporary or a sign of an underlying issue.

---

Medically Approved Steps to Take

If you notice your heart racing, here are practical steps you can take.

1. Pause and Breathe

Slow, controlled breathing can help calm the nervous system.

Try:

• Inhale slowly for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale for 6 seconds
• Repeat for several minutes

This can help if anxiety or stress is the trigger.

---

2. Hydrate

Dehydration is a common cause of tachycardia. Drink water and see if your heart rate improves over 30–60 minutes.

---

3. Limit Stimulants

Cut back on:

• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Energy drinks
• Decongestants containing stimulants

These can provoke tachycardia in sensitive individuals.

---

4. Try Vagal Maneuvers (Only If Advised by a Doctor)

For certain types of SVT, doctors may recommend techniques that stimulate the vagus nerve, such as:

• Bearing down as if having a bowel movement
• Splashing cold water on your face

Do not attempt these if you have not discussed them with a healthcare professional.

---

5. Track Your Symptoms

Write down:

• When episodes occur
• How long they last
• What you were doing beforehand
• Any associated symptoms

This information helps your doctor identify the cause.

---

6. Seek Medical Evaluation

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 BPM
• Episodes occur frequently
• Symptoms interfere with daily life
• You experience chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath

A doctor may recommend:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG)
• A wearable heart monitor
• Blood tests
• Thyroid testing
• Imaging studies

---

Treatment Options for Tachycardia

Treatment depends entirely on the cause.

Possible treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Treating underlying conditions (thyroid, anemia, dehydration)
• Medications to control heart rate
• Catheter ablation (a minimally invasive procedure to correct abnormal electrical pathways)
• Implantable devices in severe cases

Many people with tachycardia live normal, healthy lives with proper management.

---

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Call emergency services immediately if tachycardia is accompanied by:

• Chest pressure or pain
• Fainting
• Severe shortness of breath
• Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
• Sudden confusion

These could signal a life-threatening condition.

---

The Bottom Line

Tachycardia simply means a fast heart rate — but the reason behind it matters.

Sometimes it's your body responding appropriately to stress, dehydration, or exercise. Other times, it may reflect an underlying heart rhythm issue that needs medical care.

Stay aware of your symptoms, avoid triggers when possible, and don't ignore persistent or severe episodes.

If you're concerned about recurring episodes of rapid heartbeat originating in the upper chambers of your heart, using a free online symptom checker for Supraventricular Tachycardia can help you assess your symptoms and understand whether you need to consult a healthcare provider.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor about any symptoms that are persistent, worsening, or potentially life-threatening. Early evaluation can provide reassurance when things are benign — and timely treatment when they are not.

A racing heart can feel frightening. But with the right information and medical guidance, you can take control of your health calmly and confidently.