High Pulse Rate - Causes of High Pulse Rate

High pulse rate is termed as tachycardia in medical terminology. It refers to an abnormally fast beating heart. The normal pulse rate for human beings, in resting condition, is about 60-100 beats per minute (BPM). The pulse rate falls to about 40 BPM while the person is sleeping. When the pulse rate exceeds 100 BPM, the heart is said to be beating at a rapid rate.

What is High Pulse Rate
As mentioned above, pulse rate above 100 BPM is termed as a high pulse rate or tachycardia. It is directly concerned with the inability of the heart to pump the blood efficiently. Tachycardia is classified into two forms, depending upon its occurrence in the heart. If it starts in the ventricles, it is termed as ventricular tachycardia, or simply V-tach. If the rapid pumping occurs above the ventricles, in the upper part of the heart, it is termed as supra-ventricular tachycardia (SVT). SVT is the most common form of tachycardia and has less potential of inducing harmful effects. However, cases of persistent SVT should be reported to the physician.

What Causes High Pulse Rate
There are several causes of this condition. Although, most reasons for high pulse rate are temporary in nature, a few other factors may elevate the pulse rate for a longer time. Following are a few high pulse rate causes.

Heart Diseases
Most people who complain of high or rapid pulse rate, often suffer from some or the other heart disease. Heart ailments such as coronary heart diseases, high blood pressure, pericarditis etc. are likely to give rise to high pulse rate. The hardening of arteries or the faulty heart valves lead to difficulty in pumping, thereby increasing the pulse rate.

Thyroid Malfunction
Overactive thyroid gland is known to have some relation with the elevation of pulse rate. Thyroid gland is responsible for controlling the metabolism, in the body. Hence, its over performance often interferes with the normal metabolism of the body. This, in some way causes the heart to increase its pumping rate, which eventually leads to a higher pulse rate. Other metabolism related disorders are also likely to cause higher pulse rate.

Faulty Upper Heart Chamber
Microscopic irregularities or any kind of damage in the upper chamber of the heart, results in higher pulse rate. These irregularities weaken the muscles of the upper heart chambers, thereby putting a lot of strain on the heart.

Emphysema
Emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is yet another cause of high pulse rate. In emphysema, the tissues of lungs become non - elastic, which affects the normal pumping capacity of the heart. This eventually results in rapid heart beating.

Temporary Causes of Higher Pulse Rate
Apart from factors, that are responsible for chronic rapid heart rate, there are several other factors which elevate the pulse rate for a short duration:

• Intake of stimulating substances such as tea, coffee, tobacco etc.
• Heavy Meal.
• Emotional stress, fear, anxiety, nervousness.
• Certain medications.
• Fever, anemia.
• Vitamin Deficiency.
• Physical exertion.

These factors stimulate the heart to beat at a faster rate only for a short period of time. Once the cause is eliminated, the heart resumes its normal pace.

High pulse rate is very common for people who have survived one or more heart attacks. However, people who have no health issues and yet experience an abnormally fast beating heart, should immediately report to their physician.