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When the heart beats more than 100 times per minute, it's called tachycardia, or fast heartbeat. For most adults, 60 to 100 beats per minute while resting is normal, while for an athlete, it may be 40 to 60 beats.
Causes
Sometimes rapid heart rate may be harmless. It can result from exercising, anxiety, stress or certain medications. It can also be caused by excess stimulants, such as caffeine, or simply be genetic.
Diseases
Rapid heartbeat can also be associated with serious or even life-threatening disorders. Among these are high-blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, a thyroid imbalance, or a problem in the electrical system that regulates the heartbeat. A heart rhythm disorder is called an arrhythmia.
Symptoms
During tachycardia, people often report feeling that the heart is fluttering or racing. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue.
Diagnosis
One way that a doctor may document your heart rhythm is by conducting an EKG or electrocardiogram to measure the electrical activity of the heart. An overall assessment of your health is also important.
Treatments
Depending on the cause, treatments can range from lifestyle changes to surgery. Doctors can also treat rapid heart rate with medications or implanted medical devices such as pacemakers to regulate the heart's rhythm.
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