What are the possible causes of a high heart rate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 23-year-old male with no symptoms and not currently taking any medications. Three years ago, I went to the hospital once because I felt my heart was beating very fast. They performed EKG scans and a blood test, which came back normal. They also gave me a Holter monitor, and when they reviewed the results, they said everything was normal.

I do not smoke or drink alcohol regularly, perhaps three times a year, I might have a drink. I used to smoke shisha, but I stopped three years ago. Since that hospital visit, I have not sought medical attention regarding my heart. However, I have noticed that my heart rate has been slightly higher than others, although I do not experience headaches or other symptoms. I used to experience a lot of stress, but things have improved significantly, and my stress levels have decreased. Occasionally, I wake up during the night but can fall back asleep easily. I have been doing gym workouts and dance classes for over a year and feel fine during exercise.

A week ago, I went to my GP because my girlfriend had concerns about my heart rate. During the visit, my heart rate was measured at 98 bpm, which the doctor said was within normal limits. However, my girlfriend remains worried and fears that something might happen to me. She has been researching online and has come across terms like arrhythmia and tachycardia. She also mentioned that the normal heart rate range is 60 to 100 bpm and wonders why mine is at the higher end of the spectrum.

She is seeking medical advice for reassurance. I have also read about the prevalence of heart disease and understand that it is quite rare for someone my age. Should I be concerned? Is there anything more that needs to be done to ensure my heart health?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Palpitations, or the sensation of a fast heartbeat, are an extremely common symptom. I understand that your GP has conducted the usual tests and reassured you. However, I would need a bit more information about your history:

Have you ever fainted?
Have you had your thyroid function tested?
Is there any family history of sudden death, such as during sleep?
Is your blood pressure normal?

If none of the above issues are present, it is likely that your symptoms are benign. Just keep an eye out for fainting episodes. The heart rate you mentioned is within the normal range. To help lower your heart rate, regular exercise is highly effective; athletes often have very low resting heart rates. Additionally, addressing and managing your stress levels is crucial. Take proactive steps to reduce stress through techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or lifestyle changes. Further tests are generally only needed if the palpitations persist and become disabling.

Thanks and regards.