HEALTH

Heart beating fast or slow, when to worry

When the heart beats faster or slower, an arrhythmia, i.e. a disturbance of the normal heart rhythm, is occurring.

One should not always be alarmed when arrhythmias occur, especially when they are sporadic events. The latter can be triggered by specific episodes such as stomach distension after eating.

On the other hand, arrhythmias should be a cause for concern and require in-depth investigations when one has cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, or in the presence of breathlessness. (Source: Claudio Tondo, director of the Department of Arrhythmology at the Monzino Cardiology Centre in Milan)

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What is arrhythmia
When the heart beats faster or slower, an arrhythmia, i.e. a disturbance of the normal heart rhythm, is occurring. One should not always be alarmed when arrhythmias occur, especially when they are sporadic episodes. The latter can be triggered by specific episodes such as stomach distension after eating. (Source: Claudio Tondo, director of the Department of Arrhythmology at the Monzino Cardiology Centre in Milan)
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When to go deeper
Arrhythmias, on the other hand, should be a cause for concern and require further investigation when one has cardiovascular disease, hypertension, thyroid problems, diabetes, or in the presence of breathlessness. When the rhythm of the heartbeat is accelerated when one is at rest, for example, it would be better to consult the doctor to find out whether it is necessary to investigate further with appropriate tests.
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The number of resting beats considered normal
What is the number of heartbeats per minute, considered normal, when at rest? About 100, with a tolerance limit of up to 110. If you exceed 120 beats per minute, you reach the attention threshold, which should prompt you to investigate.
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Tests that can help you know if there are problems
The most frequent arrhythmia is extrasystole, which in most cases is however considered benign. Usually, a cardiac ultrasound and Holter scan are used to ascertain that everything is OK. A cardiac MRI is a more in-depth examination, which is prescribed when more information about the problem is needed.
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The influence of female hormones on some forms of tachycardia
As far as women's hearts are concerned, oestrogen may affect certain forms of tachycardia. According to a Swedish study published in the journal 'Science Advances', female hormones affect the ion channels on the membrane of heart cells.
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