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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #14066
10 days ago
27

how to control pulse - #14066

Advait

I am really freaked out right now. Lately, I've been feeling my heart racing for no reason, and I don't get it! Like, a couple of weeks ago, I was just chilling at home, watching a movie, and all of a sudden, my pulse started going crazy. I don’t know, maybe it was the caffeine or stress from work? I kept thinking about how to control pulse because it just felt so erratic. I started checking my heart rate, and it was like 100 beats per minute sitting still! Then, when I walk or even move a little, it goes even higher. I went to the doc, and they did some tests, everything came back okay, but they mentioned maybe anxiety or too much coffee. I just wish someone would tell me how to control pulse properly. Is it diet? I mean, I do love my spicy food which probably doesn’t help, haha. Or is it more about rhythm and breathing techniques? I tried meditation for a few days but didn’t feel much difference. Has anyone found something that works for them? Just looking for ideas on how to control pulse before I end up worried I can't chill out ever again, you know? Thanks in advance!

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Doctors’ responses

When it comes to managing a racing pulse, it’s really important to get to the root of what’s causing it. Since you’ve been medically cleared for more serious conditions, let’s focus on lifestyle factors that might help. First off, caffeine is a common culprit, and cutting back can make a big difference. You might want to gradually reduce intake to see how your pulse responds. Stress management is another key element. You’ve mentioned trying meditation, which often takes time to show effects, so consistency is essential. Consider incorporating breathing exercises—deep, slow breaths can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps lower heart rate. Plus, guided breathing apps might offer structure if meditation feels tough to stick with. Diet might also play a role, but it’s more about balance and not specifically avoiding spicy foods unless they trigger palpitations for you. Focus on reducing high-sodium processed foods, and increasing potassium-rich ones like bananas or spinach, as they’ve been shown to benefit heart health. Regular physical activity, like moderate walking or yoga, can also improve heart rate regulation. It’s always important to listen to your body—if certain activities spike your pulse, you might need to ease into them more gradually. Keeping a symptom diary could help identify triggers you might not suspect otherwise. If these adjustments don’t help or if symptoms worsen, reassessment by a healthcare professional would be wise. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about anxiety management strategies if stress continues to be a factor; sometimes, cognitive behavioral therapy can be a useful adjunct to lifestyle changes. Keep committed, and with some patience, you’ll likely find the strategy that works best for you.

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