If you notice your heart beating fast when sitting or lying down, it may be an indicator of an underlying cardiovascular issue. Tachycardia is the medical term for a heart rate of over 100 beats a minute. Tachycardia is not always a cause of concern; an elevated heart rate can be a result of many things, including exercise and stress. Dr. Tyler Ellington, cardiologist, explains what you should do if you have a racing heart and how to take care of tachycardia long-term.
If you’re experiencing a racing heart with chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, call 911 immediately.
To slow a racing heart, try some calming techniques:
- Deep breathing exercises. These can help even out quick heartbeats caused by stress.
- Splash cold water on your face or apply an ice pack. Actions like these stimulate your vagus nerve, which controls the heartbeat.
- Try gentle movement. Taking a slow, short walk or stretching can also help calm the heart.
A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute for adults. To help with long-term elevated tachycardia, stay hydrated and limit your intake of caffeine and nicotine. Smoking especially increases your risk of tachycardia and hypertension (high blood pressure).
You should see a cardiologist if you have concerns about your overall heart health.
