I am in distress and have a racing heart. Is this normal?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am going through a breakup and have barely eaten anything in four days. I have been very emotional, distressed, and heartbroken. I also suffer from bad anxiety.

Today, I noticed that if I just stand up from sitting and standing still, my heart rate hits 120; the second I sit down, it goes back into the 60s.

I went on a walk for some air, and it hit 165 to 175, and I was wondering if this is normal? I am in a lot of distress right now, very emotional, and have barely left my bed. I do not have any other symptoms.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am sorry you are going through this; it sounds incredibly overwhelming both emotionally and physically. The elevated heart rate you are experiencing when standing (jumping to 120 bpm (beats per minute)) and during walking (reaching 165 to 175 bpm) is likely due to a combination of acute emotional distress, anxiety, dehydration, and lack of nutrition over the past several days.

When your body is under stress and not receiving enough food or fluids, it can lead to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, causing your heart to race even with minor movement. This response can also be intensified by anxiety, which you are understandably experiencing right now. The fact that your heart rate returns to normal (60s) when you sit and you are not having symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath is reassuring.

What you are describing is not unusual in this setting, and it should improve as you start eating small, regular meals, hydrating well, and allowing your body to recover. I would recommend trying to take in fluids with electrolytes, bland but nourishing foods like soup or toast, and incorporating gentle movement, like stretching or walking indoors, as tolerated.

If these symptoms persist despite rehydration and nutrition, or if you develop new symptoms, then it would be appropriate to get checked with a physical exam and possibly basic heart monitoring. Right now, your body is reacting to physical and emotional strain, and with some self-care and support, this should settle down gradually.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.