High pulse at rest

Introduction

The pulse rate increases physiologically during increased activity, sports activities or acute excitement. An increased pulse rate at rest can be physiological in certain situations, but it can also indicate illness, stress, hormonal fluctuations and many other causes. However, a pulse rate that is elevated for only a short time has no disease value, but a pulse rate that is elevated for a long time should be clarified by a physician to avoid potential rare dangers and complications.

Causes

The causes for an increased pulse rate at rest are numerous. In most cases there are harmless, temporary causes such as a recent physical activity, a short period of excitement, a period of stress or the consumption of certain stimulants. Also so far unnoticed harmless illnesses such as allergies, colds and a flu can raise the activity level of the body and let the pulse beat faster.

These are reversible and temporary causes of the increased pulse. Furthermore, hormonal changes and diseases can also be behind it, which can be partly reversible and partly permanent. Typically, pregnancy, menopause or hyperthyroidism can lead to increased activity with increased pulse rate.

A medical diagnosis is advisable so that a therapy can be initiated if necessary. More rarely, the cause may also be in the cardiovascular system itself. In addition to cardiac arrhythmias and diseases of the excitation conduction system of the heart, more serious diseases such as shock situations, heart attacks, anaphylactic reactions, severe blood loss or infarctions and embolisms of the lungs can lead to sudden racing heartbeats.

The thyroid gland produces the vital thyroid hormones that can influence the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the psyche and numerous other organ functions. Hyperthyroidism can occur in various ways. A frequent cause is the autoimmune disease Graves’ disease.

So-called “autonomies”, malfunctioning areas in the thyroid gland can also produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. As a result, the throat can swell visibly, causing restlessness, sweating, trembling, hair loss, sleeping problems, weight loss and diarrhea. Typically, high blood pressure and tachycardia also occur with severe hyperthyroidism.

The therapy can be carried out with medication or surgically. It is not uncommon for the hyperthyroidism to be caused by an excessive intake of thyroid hormones as part of the treatment of hypothyroidism. A very common cause of an increased pulse rate at rest, which can have sometimes unexpected consequences, is stress.

Stress can manifest itself physically and psychologically and develop over a long period of time. In the long term, hormonal problems and physical manifestations similar to those of hyperthyroidism can develop. Typical symptoms are restlessness, trembling, sleeping problems, sweating and a racing heart.

Stress is considered a serious disease that sometimes needs professional treatment. An immediate avoidance of stress is the main focus of treatment. High blood pressure is often accompanied by an increased pulse rate.

Behind both symptoms can be an activation of the cardiovascular system, which can be based on acute causes such as stress, sports and acute heart diseases or long-term hormonal changes. In general, one speaks of an increased blood pressure from values of 140/90. The values should be measured and controlled in the long term.

Therapy must be initiated if the symptoms persist for a longer period of time, as an elevated blood pressure can lead to serious consequential damage to the vascular system of some organs over the years. Caffeine is a stimulant that can be found in various stimulants. It is consumed by many people on a daily basis to stimulate the circulation and make consumers more alert and efficient.

Caffeine is typically found in coffee, energy drinks, cola and various types of tea. Primarily, caffeine acts on the cardiovascular system and, in addition to an elevated pulse, leads to increased blood pressure, stress and restlessness. Frequent consumption of caffeine can also lead to stress symptoms and sleep problems.

The stimulant nicotine, which is mainly absorbed through cigarettes, can have different effects on the cardiovascular and vascular system.In low doses it can cause a release of adrenaline, which activates the cardiovascular system. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure and pulse, as well as stress and restlessness. Only in higher doses does it have a calming effect on the nervous system.

In the long term, cigarette consumption in particular causes severe consequential damage to the blood vessels, heart and lungs and numerous other organs. Alcohol consumption has various influences on the nervous system and cardiovascular function. In the short term, alcohol can dilate the vessels and even lead to a reduction in blood pressure.

As a reaction to this, the pulse rate can rise. The increased activity under the influence of alcohol can additionally promote a high pulse rate. Furthermore, alcohol has a diuretic effect on the kidneys, which can lead to a lack of fluid, which also increases the pulse rate.

In addition to these acute physical reactions, chronic damage to some organs can occur in the long term due to increased alcohol consumption. Pregnancy can lead to elevated blood pressure and increased pulse rates. Initially, this is not a disease, but a physiological adaptation reaction of the body to the increased nutrient and oxygen requirements of the maternal and child body.

In the course of pregnancy, the pulse can physiologically deviate from the normal value by up to 10-20 beats per minute. Diagnostically, however, it is important to distinguish between actual illnesses and pathological pulse increases. In addition to pregnancy, dangerous causes can also be responsible for the pulse rate increase. In case of further symptoms such as bleeding, strong increases in blood pressure or pain in the abdomen and chest area, an immediate presentation to the gynecologist should be made.