how to control high heart rate - #20370
I am kinda freaking out about my high heart rate lately. Like, I’ve never really paid much attention to it before, but when I just sat down to rest after work yesterday, I noticed my heart was racing like I just finished a marathon or something. I mean, I work a desk job, and I didn’t really do anything crazy all day. I'm pretty active usually but sometimes I stress a lot—probably more than I should. Anyway, I thought maybe it was just some coffee I had earlier or the anxiety from a deadline but then tonight while watching TV, my heart rate shot up again! I checked my pulse, and it was above 100 beats per minute. My doc did say I have “mild” tachycardia during my last check-up, but I brushed it off. Now I’m wondering how to control high heart rate before it gets worse. Should I change my diet? Or is it more about managing stress? I googled how to control high heart rate but everything I read seems so complicated or just not practical. Do you think I should try meditation or yoga? And why do I feel dizzy sometimes too?? Like, is that normal? Really looking for any tips on how to control high heart rate when it spikes unexpectedly. I don’t want to end up in the ER or something, right? Any advice would be super appreciated!
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Doctors' responses
Sure, let’s break down a few strategies to help you manage your high heart rate. Since you’ve mentioned stress and anxiety, these are often significant contributors to elevated heart rates. Incorporating stress-reducing practices into your daily routine is a good starting point. Meditation and yoga can indeed be effective, as they promote relaxation and help slow your heartbeat. You might also want to explore deep-breathing exercises—it can be as simple as taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth, repeating for a couple minutes. This can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps decrease heart rate. Regarding your diet, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake is beneficial since they can both ramp up your heart rate. Staying hydrated is crucial too—dehydration can lead to a faster heart rate. Don’t overlook regular exercise; since you’re already active, ensure you’re getting balanced physical activity that isn’t too intense, which could also lead to an elevated heart rate. If you’ve been feeling dizzy, it’s essential to take note. Dizziness, especially if frequent, alongside tachycardia can indicate underlying issues like dehydration, anemia, or even more serious heart-related problems. Since you mentioned it happens at rest or low-stress activities, it could be worthwhile to have your electrolyte levels checked or discuss further with your healthcare provider. Not disregarding the importance of lifestyle modifications, it’s crucial to evaluate them considering your full health picture. If this condition persists or worsens, or you experience additional symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention promptly. A visit to your doctor can help determine if this is an idiopathic event or if further tests, like an EKG or a Holter monitor, are necessary. Keep in mind that addressing heart rate concerns means evaluating your personal habits, medical history, and stressors, and might involve a combination of lifestyle changes and medical management.
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