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What causes a high pulse rate in young adults?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 23-year-old male who is fit and active. I do not drink alcohol or take drugs. I smoke about 15 cigarettes a day and drink some coffee and tea, about two or three cups a day. I do not like energy drinks, so I never take them. I am not on any medication.

About three weeks ago, I started a new job. As one of the requirements of the job is to get a medical test done, I failed it as my heart rate was 140 bpm at rest. My doctor checked it thrice to ensure it was right. He checked my heart rate again over the next week and looked at my blood test results, too. The lowest my heart went was 85 bpm, but mostly it stayed at 100 to 95 bpm. He said he could hear a heart murmur. I did not have this previously.

I do not know if this is related, but I was told I sometimes wake up at night gasping for air, in a sudden manner. I do not have any nightmares as far as I can remember. Other than that, I feel sick often. I do get stomach cramps about two to three times a week.

My doctor sent a letter to the hospital for more tests. He does not know the reason for the high heart rate. I might have to wait for a long time to get the tests done. Is there anything I could do while I wait? Also, my father had a heart attack when he was 45. Could this be a sign that a heart attack is waiting in later years? Should I even be worried, or is this just a normal routine check?

Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your main concerns appear to be an increased resting heart rate and the presence of heart murmurs. The combination of tea, tobacco, and caffeine can elevate your heart rate. It seems that your father's heart attack is weighing on your mind, contributing to persistent stress and anxiety. As a precautionary measure, I suggest eliminating all four risk factors, which should help normalize your heart rate.

Additionally, you may want to undergo the following tests: Free T4 (thyroxine), T3 (triiodothyronine), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), echocardiography, a treadmill test (TMT), and a lipid profile. It is also important to implement lifestyle modifications, such as incorporating whole grains, fresh fruits, green vegetables, legumes, and fish into your diet, opting for low-fat milk, avoiding fried foods, walking for at least half an hour every day, and practicing breathing exercises for 10 minutes daily.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At June 7, 2017
Reviewed AtMarch 9, 2026

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