Your heart rate is referred to the number of times your heart beats per minute. A normal heart rate differs from one person to another depending on their respective age.

Heart rate is considered to be fast or too high when the resting heart rate is faster than 100 beats per minute especially for adults. For most adult their resting heart is considered normal when it is in the range of 60-80 beats per minute. It becomes a matter of concern when an unexpected heart rate is measure for a certain level of physical activity.

Monitoring your heart rate is important for your health. Aging bring about changes and regularity of your heart rate which may demand medical attention.

Several factors can actually cause an increase in your heart rate. Not all causes call for medical emergency, some causes can actually be corrected by simply changing your lifestyle. Getting over a fever or recovering from surgery can increase your heart beat a bit which is totally normal. Noticing the change in heart rate at this period is important but do not panic if their actually an increase in the rate of your heart beat.

Likely causes of high heart rate also known as tachycardia

• Hypertension, a heart-related medical condition also known as high blood pressure.
• Panic attack or strong emotional stress such as anxiety or fear.
• Strong or vigorous physical activity.
• Heart-related dieses than can lead to poor blood supply to the heart muscle such as, heart failure, heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy),artery disease (atherosclerosis), heart valve disease, ), tumors, or infections.
• Drinking large amount of alcohol, caffeinated beverages, illegal drug abuse like cocaine or Medical conditions, including thyroid disease, a low blood sugar,low blood pressure, anemia, fever, and dehydration.
• Hormonal changes in woman during menstrual cycle, pregnancy or during Perimenopause.

Some of the symptoms to look out for

• Heavy heart pounding that may cause pain or discomfort.
• Feeling anxious or stressed out.
• Feeling chest pain in addition to palpitations and mild discomfort.
• Patient with lung diseases may experience shortness of breath while at rest or when engage in any form of activity.
• Having any unusual swelling in your feet and legs.

What to do

You need to check with your doctor when you feel any abnormal heart rate that is of a big concern. The following tips can help you keep your heart rate low before you visit your doctor.

• Exercise more often: Exercising increases the rate of your heart beat but slows it down afterward. Exercising everyday gradually slow down your resting heart rate.
• Reduce stress: Going through a relaxation meditation is another way to reduce your heart rate.
• Reduce weight: Sometimes over-weight can cause problem of rapid heart rate. Loosing few pounds may just be the solution you need.

Blood pressure measurements, EKGs, and ultrasounds are the common test and treatment for a fast heart rate. However, the most effective treatment for a fast heart rate will vary based on the cause. Note that, it is strongly recommended you should visit your doctor or health care professional about any medical condition you are experiencing and get treated.