It’s a scary feeling when we experience that our heartbeat suddenly accelerates and then our heart skips a beat. Dr. Ilona Stancsikthe cardiologist, anesthesiologist, and intensive therapist of the KardioKözpont drew attention to the fact that even occasional heart rate spikes should not be taken lightly.
What could be the cause of the pulse jump?
Among other things, special muscle cells called myocytes are responsible for operating the heartbeat as a process. When these muscle cells receive a signal from the brain that the heart needs to “upshift,” they immediately start moving. The result of their work is that the heart will contract several times per minute, i.e. the heart rate will increase.
But what is it that makes the brain decide that the heart needs to work harder? Increase in oxygen demand. In other words, if we experience a sudden increase in our heart rate, there is certainly a reason for it.
Here are 6 common reasons
- Physical activity, sports
It is clear that when we move more intensively, the heart has to pump blood faster to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells. The more intense the movement, the higher the heart rate. At the same time, you should also be aware that not only real sports activities can raise the heart rate, since for a patient living with heart failure, even climbing one flight of stairs can be considered a very intense exercise. - Consumption of sugar, refined carbohydrates
Eating too much sugar and carbohydrates can make your heart beat faster, even seemingly “innocent” foods like cornflakes and buttered popcorn can cause heart palpitations. The insulin response triggered by refined carbohydrates also disrupts the harmonious functioning of the excretory organs and endocrine glands. Adrenaline levels rise, which further increases the heart rate. - Alcohol consumption
Alcohol definitely affects the heart, and the high sugar content alone is enough to speed up the heart. In addition, according to German researchers, the risk of cardiac arrhythmia increases with the increase in blood alcohol level. The research was carried out with EKG and breathalyzers among visitors to the Oktoberfest in Munich. - Emotional stress
It is no coincidence that when delivering bad or upsetting news, it is often recommended that the affected person sit down. As a result of a sudden fright or even an event that causes enthusiasm, the rapid stress reaction is triggered, as part of which, among other things, the heart rate rises, even causing sickness. - Medicines and drugs
Certain medications (mainly diet pills, nasal decongestants, asthma inhalers) and certain drugs, such as ecstasy and cocaine, can also cause the heart rate to increase for a short time.
- Hormonal changes
Changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can temporarily increase the heart rate.
Cardiology examination is therefore important
- An examination should definitely be ordered if you experience a jump in your pulse more than once and you cannot attribute it to an obvious cause. It is important to find out whether there is an underlying disease, emphasizes Dr. Ilona Sztancsik, cardiologist, anesthesiologist, intensive therapist at KardioKözpont.
- An increase can be caused, for example, by iron-deficiency anemia, certain heart valves, problems affecting the heart, thyroid gland abnormalities, serious bleeding or serious diseases of certain organs. That is why the examination must first clarify the underlying causes, as this is the only way to know whether we “only” need to reduce the heart rate, or whether we need to treat the underlying cause as well. It is not recommended for anyone to choose a heart rate regulator on their own, or perhaps on the recommendation of a neighbor, since all circumstances must be taken into account for safe treatment, and only a doctor is prepared for this.
Source: Cardio Center
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
