Dangerous heart rate: Tachycardia, bradycardia

The article was consulted with Master, Doctor Tran Hong Nhat - Interventional Cardiologist - Cardiovascular Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Heart rate is unique, it can be different for each person, but what is considered normal? And when is a heartbeat considered dangerous? Join the following article to learn more about heart rate.

For adults, tachycardia is usually defined as a heart rate above 100 beats per minute.
There are different types of tachycardia, their classification is based on the location of the abnormality.
Some possible causes of tachycardia may include:
Underlying health conditions Anxiety or stress Fatigue Consuming a lot of caffeine Drinking a lot of alcohol Electrolyte imbalance Fever Exercise or activity intense physical or strenuous physical exertion Side effects of smoking Smoking Using certain drugs such as cocaine.

Bradycardia is usually defined as a heart rate below 60 beats per minute. For athletes and those who exercise regularly, a heart rate below 60 beats per minute is normal and even healthy.
Some possible causes of bradycardia include:
Medication side effects Electrolyte imbalances Difficulty breathing while sleeping Underlying health conditions.

As mentioned, both tachycardia and bradycardia can be signs of an underlying health condition. If you are experiencing one of these problems, you may have an underlying medical condition that requires medical evaluation and treatment. Tachycardia can be caused by an underlying medical condition such as:
Anemia Congenital heart disease Heart disease that affects blood flow Hyperthyroidism Heart injury, such as from a heart attack Bradycardia can be caused by the following conditions: Damage to the heart, possibly due to aging, heart disease or a heart attack) Hypothyroidism Inflammatory diseases, such as lupus or rheumatic fever Myocarditis , heart infection If you experience irregular rhythms If the heart rate is too high or too low for a long time, it can lead to many potential serious health complications, including:
Blood clots Heart failure Recurrent fainting Neuropathy Sudden cardiac arrest.

You should see your doctor if your heart rate is consistently above 100 beats per minute or below 60 beats per minute when you're not an athlete. In addition to heart rate, you should pay attention to other symptoms such as:
Short of breath Fainting Feeling dizzy or lightheaded Feeling dizzy or palpitations Pain or discomfort in the chest

Your doctor may use a variety of diagnostic tools to help diagnose your condition, including:
Electrocardiogram . Also known as an ECG or EKG, this is a diagnostic tool that uses tiny electrodes to record the electrical activity of the heart. Your doctor can use the information collected to determine if heart abnormalities are causing your condition. Imaging tests. Imaging tests can be used to evaluate if there are any structural abnormalities in your heart that may be contributing to your condition. Possible imaging tests may include an echocardiogram, a CT scan, and an MRI scan. Laboratory tests. Your doctor may order blood tests to determine if your condition is caused by an electrolyte imbalance or thyroid disease. Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will work with you to plan your treatment and manage your condition. Depending on findings from diagnostic tests, your doctor may refer you to a doctor. Cardiology specializes in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the heart and circulatory system.

You should always aim to take good care of your heart by doing things like exercising regularly, eating a heart-healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- In addition, you should plan to visit your doctor regularly for health check-ups. Not only is this a good habit, but it can also help detect things like high cholesterol or abnormal blood pressure.
- If you already have heart disease, you should carefully monitor your condition and stick to the treatment plan. Take all medications as directed by your doctor and be sure to promptly report any new or worsening symptoms.
- Some additional preventive health tips to help keep your heart healthy and happy include:
Find ways to reduce stress. Examples of ways to do this might include things like yoga or meditation. Limit the amount of caffeine you consume. Using too much caffeine can lead to increased heart rate. Drink alcohol or alcohol in moderation. Women and men over 65 should only have one drink per day. Men under 65 should only drink two drinks a day. Stop smoking. Smoking increases your heart rate and quitting can help lower it. Note the side effects of the drug. Some medications can affect your heart rate. Therefore, always be aware of possible side effects before taking the medicine. Both tachycardia and bradycardia can be signs of other health conditions. If left untreated, they can lead to dangerous health complications. If your heart rate is consistently too high or too low, you should make an appointment with your doctor to have your condition evaluated.
If you have a need for consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals under the national health system, please book an appointment on the website for service.

Reference source: healthline.com