A person’s resting heart rate is the number of times their heart beats per minute when they are at rest. The normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, some people have resting heart rates that are persistently higher than 100 beats per minute. This is considered a dangerously high heart rate.
What is considered a dangerously high resting heart rate?
Doctors consider a resting heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute to be abnormally rapid and potentially dangerous if it persists. Here are some key points about dangerously high resting heart rates:
- A resting heart rate consistently over 100 bpm is considered tachycardia, which means an abnormally rapid heart rate.
- For adults, a resting heart rate between 100-120 bpm is classified as inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
- A resting heart rate consistently over 120 bpm is considered severely elevated.
- In general, the higher the heart rate, the more serious the concerns.
So in summary, a resting heart rate over 100 bpm starts to be considered dangerously high. The higher the rate, especially if it’s consistently elevated, the more worrisome it is.
What health problems can it cause?
A persistently high resting heart rate can potentially lead to a number of health complications:
- Heart disease: The rapid heart rate puts extra strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart problems like arrhythmia, heart failure, and heart attack.
- Stroke: The increased heart rate can cause damage and thickening of heart chambers, increasing clot risk. Clots can travel to the brain, causing stroke.
- Sudden cardiac arrest: Very high resting heart rates may lead to sudden cardiac arrest in some cases.
- Anxiety and depression: The ongoing physical effects can contribute to mental health problems in some individuals.
- Death: If underlying causes are not addressed, dangerously high heart rates can ultimately lead to death in severe cases.
The risk of these potential health complications rises along with the person’s resting heart rate. That’s why it’s critical to get an evaluation if your resting rate is consistently above normal.
What are the causes?
There are various medical conditions that can cause persistently elevated resting heart rates. Common causes include:
- Heart conditions: Such as heart failure, congenital heart defects, or damage to the heart’s electrical system.
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland.
- Anemia: Reduced ability of blood to carry oxygen.
- Fever: Higher body temperature increases resting heart rate.
- Dehydration: Being dehydrated reduces blood volume, making the heart beat faster.
- Medications: Some drugs like decongestants can increase heart rate.
- Excessive alcohol or caffeine: These stimulants make the heart beat faster temporarily.
- Drug abuse: Illicit stimulant drugs like cocaine can dramatically increase heart rate.
If the high heart rate persists after stopping stimulants like caffeine, treating a fever, or addressing dehydration, it’s important to follow up with a doctor to check for underlying conditions.
What tests may be done?
If you have an abnormally high resting heart rate, your doctor will want to run tests to determine the cause. Some common tests include:
- Physical exam: Checking for fever, thyroid enlargement, or heart murmurs.
- Blood tests: To check thyroid hormone levels, anemia, electrolyte levels, and to look for heart damage.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): Records electrical signals in the heart to check for abnormalities.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound that allows visualization of the heart’s structure and function.
- Stress testing: Looks at how the heart responds to controlled exercise.
- Heart monitor: A Holter or event monitor that records the heart rhythm over an extended time.
The doctor will analyze the results of these tests to try to pinpoint the cause of the rapid resting heart rate.
How is it treated?
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the dangerously high heart rate:
- Medications that lower heart rate, like beta blockers.
- Treating hyperthyroidism or anemia if present.
- Medical procedures such as ablation to treat heart arrhythmias.
- Implantable devices like pacemakers may be options in some cases.
- If a medication is causing the rapid heart rate, stopping or switching medication may help.
- Lifestyle changes like avoiding stimulants, exercising, and losing weight may also help lower an elevated heart rate.
The specific treatment will depend on the cause. Bringing the heart rate down to a safer level is the ultimate goal of treatment.
What lifestyle changes can help?
Making certain lifestyle adjustments may help lower your heart rate or prevent it from rising further. Some changes to consider:
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Limit stress and practice relaxation techniques.
- Stay well hydrated by drinking enough water.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet low in sodium.
- Reach or maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly at a moderate intensity.
- Get enough restful sleep each night.
Your doctor can provide specific guidelines on lifestyle changes tailored to your health status. Make sure any new exercise program is approved by your doctor first.
How can you monitor your heart rate at home?
It’s relatively easy to monitor your resting heart rate at home. Options include:
- Taking your pulse by hand – Place your index and middle fingers on your wrist or the side of your neck to feel your pulse. Count the beats for 60 seconds.
- Using a heart rate monitor device – Wearable fitness trackers with heart rate monitoring capabilities can provide accurate measurements.
- Checking an EKG app – Some smartphone apps use the phone’s camera and flash to approximate an EKG and measure your pulse.
Take your resting heart rate first thing in the morning before getting out of bed for the most accurate resting measurement.
Tracking your heart rate over time at home can provide helpful data for your doctor about your condition. But be sure to follow up with a medical professional for any concerning readings.
What is a normal resting heart rate?
Normal resting heart rates for most healthy adults fall into this range:
| Age | Normal Resting Heart Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Newborns (birth to 3 months) | 70 to 190 beats per minute |
| Infants (3 months to 2 years) | 80 to 130 beats per minute |
| Toddlers (2 to 5 years) | 75 to 115 beats per minute |
| Children (5 to 15 years) | 60 to 105 beats per minute |
| Youth (15 to 20 years) | 60 to 100 beats per minute |
| Adults (over 20 years) | 60 to 100 beats per minute |
For well-conditioned athletes, a slightly lower resting heart rate around 40 to 60 bpm can be normal. But the key is that the heart rate is stable and does not represent a change from your usual rate.
At what heart rate should you seek emergency care?
In general, you should seek emergency medical care if your heart rate remains above 120 bpm for more than 10 minutes when you have not been engaged in physical activity and have tried resting.
Other circumstances when you should seek emergency care for an elevated heart rate include:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling faint or actually fainting
- Confusion
- Heart palpitations – feeling like your heart is skipping beats
Extremely high heart rates above 150 bpm can be dangerous, so seek medical help right away if your resting rate is consistently at that level or higher. Rapid heart rates combined with concerning symptoms require emergency evaluation.
Can you have a high heart rate but a normal blood pressure?
Yes, it’s possible to have a high resting heart rate over 100 bpm along with a normal blood pressure. For example, conditions like inappropriate sinus tachycardia can accelerate the heart rate without necessarily affecting blood pressure.
Normal blood pressure is considered less than 120/80 mm Hg. So you could have a resting heart rate of 110 bpm with a normal blood pressure reading like 115/75 mm Hg, for instance.
However, persistently high heart rates can potentially lead to high blood pressure over time in some cases. That’s one reason getting an elevated heart rate evaluated and treated when necessary is important.
Is a heart rate of 90 dangerous?
A resting heart rate of 90 beats per minute is at the upper end of the normal range and not necessarily dangerous in isolation. However, if it represents a significant change from your typical heart rate or persists for you, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your doctor.
Some key points about a heart rate of 90 bpm:
- Up to 100 bpm can be normal, but it’s less common in well-conditioned adults.
- If 90 bpm is your consistent new norm, look for potential underlying causes.
- Check for associated symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or breathing difficulty.
- Monitor your heart rate over time to see if it remains frequently elevated.
- Consider cardiac risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or family history.
A heart rate of 90 bpm itself is not necessarily dangerous. But consider talking to your doctor if it’s abnormally high for you or does not resolve on its own.
Can anxiety cause a high resting heart rate?
Yes, anxiety is one of the potential causes of an elevated resting heart rate. Acute anxiety activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, which can temporarily speed up your heart rate.
But sustained anxiety due to conditions like generalized anxiety disorder can also lead to consistently higher resting rates. The physical effects of chronic stress hormones may cause damage that raises the resting rate.
Relaxation techniques, anti-anxiety medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes can all help reduce anxiety and lower associated elevations in resting heart rate.
How can you lower your heart rate naturally?
Here are some effective ways to naturally lower your heart rate if it is elevated:
- Take slow, deep breaths to engage the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Use relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Go for a light walk which may lower adrenaline.
- Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol or stimulants.
- Listen to soothing music and reduce stressors.
- Try using essential oils like lavender that are calming.
- Take a warm shower or bath which can relax you.
Natural methods like these can complement medical treatment. But be sure to check with your doctor before making major lifestyle changes.
Is exercise safe with a high heart rate?
If your resting heart rate is persistently elevated, you should talk to your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise program. They can help assess if exercise would be safe or recommended for your specific situation.
Some tips on exercise if you have an elevated resting rate:
- Start very gradually at low intensity if approved.
- Avoid high-intensity exercise until the rate is treated and lowered.
- Take frequent breaks during exercise to monitor your body’s response.
- Stay well hydrated and listen to warning signs to stop if concerned.
- Avoid exercise if you have severe symptoms like chest pain or fainting.
With your doctor’s guidance, gentle to moderate exercise may be incorporated safely. But take caution if your resting rate is significantly elevated.
Should you go to the ER for a high resting heart rate?
In general, you should go to the ER if your heart rate is over 120 bpm and not improving with rest after 10 minutes. Severely high heart rates above 150 bpm also warrant emergency care.
Other reasons to go to the ER include:
- Rapid heart rate along with chest pain, palpitations, or fainting
- Persistently elevated rate above 100 bpm after stopping medications or stimulants
- A significant recent increase of more than 20 bpm from your normal rate
- Associated worrisome symptoms like breathing difficulty orconfusion
Use your best judgment based on your symptoms. It’s better to seek emergency care if concerned about a sudden and significant jump in your heart rate.
When to see a doctor for a high resting heart rate?
You should see your doctor promptly if:
- Your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 bpm.
- You have symptoms like dizziness, chest discomfort, orpalpitations.
- You have risk factors for heart conditions like hypertension.
- Your heart rate has suddenly increased by 20 bpm or more.
- You have a heart rate above 120 bpm that hasn’t improved after 10 minutes of rest.
Seeking medical care can help identify the cause and ensure proper treatment to bring your heart rate back down to a normal level.
Conclusion
A dangerously high resting heart rate is generally considered to be a persistent reading over 100 bpm. The higher the heart rate and longer it stays elevated, the greater the health risks. An abnormally rapid heart rate can impact heart health and potentially lead to complications if left untreated. See a doctor promptly if your resting rate is consistently above normal to get to the root cause and proper care. With evaluation and treatment, an elevated heart rate can often be improved to safer levels.