Cell phones and cell phone signaling towers, microwave ovens, baby monitors, and cordless phones all emit radiation that can potentially cause the heart to beat too hard or too fast. Wi-fi isn’t the only source of trouble, of course. Since the boy is fine while he’s at home, they think the problem is due to the fact that he’s exposed to wi-fi all day long. On my last trip to the west coast, I met a young mother who told me that her son frequently suffers from a rapid heartbeat while at school.

Though the studies are still producing mixed results on the degree to which EMF can affect heart rate, specifically, I hear anecdotal evidence in support of the fact that it does, just about everywhere I go. Exposure to chemicals, poor air quality, specific foods and food additives, and EMF are all potential culprits.ĮMF, especially, is high on my list. When spontaneous surges in the heart rate aren’t related to emotions, I look for environmental causes. An honest answer to that question often will begin to resolve the heart rate issue. So if you’ve been experiencing a racing or pounding heart, first ask yourself if you’re harboring untended emotions. Our brains rationalize our guilt, shame, fear, and anger, but the heart always knows our truth-and sometimes it will beat in unusual ways to bring our attention to those issues.

You brush aside the stress and tell yourself, “It’s their life.” But then out of nowhere, while you’re doing something completely unrelated, your heart starts pounding.ĭespite what we tell ourselves about our lives, the heart never lies. Or maybe you’ve been struggling with one of your children. Why? Perhaps beneath your excitement, you’re also fearful about what the future holds and how you’ll cope with it. It’s a happy occasion still, your heart starts racing. A heart beating too fast or too hard can be a messenger telling us that we need to acknowledge and own stressful or negative emotions lurking just below the surface.įor example, say you’re out with friends to celebrate a big promotion or retirement. Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, our heart rate reflects our emotions.

While the episodes may seem to have nothing in common, it’s been my experience that most can be traced to two causes: Hidden emotions Why Your Heart Might Beat Too Hard or Too FastĪ sudden change in heart rate can occur under virtually any circumstance-whether you’re working outside or sitting at a desk, or laughing or crying-which is one reason an unexpected pounding or racing heart is such an attention-grabber. To accurately assess your risk, it’s important to understand what causes your heart to beat extra hard and fast, and what complicating factors could make it more than just a passing event. One minute you’re going about your business, and the next your heart is racing and you can’t control it!įortunately, most episodes of racing heartbeat are not dangerous. If there’s a type of heart palpitation that tends to cause more worry than others, it’s when the heart starts beating unusually hard or fast, seemingly without reason. If you have heart disease or heart failure, or if you have had a heart attack, be sure you understand the seriousness of a change in your heart rate or rhythm.By Stephen T. Heart rhythm problems that cause a fast heart rate include atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

A fast heart rate may cause palpitations, chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. A heart problem or other medical conditions may sometimes cause a fast heart rate. Heart rates decrease as children grow, and usually by the teen years the heart rate is in the same range as for an adult.Ī fast heart rate may be caused by a more serious health problem.

Cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines.īabies and children younger than 2 years old have higher heart rates because their body metabolism is faster.

Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, or other stimulants, such as diet pills.

When the dehydration is treated, the heart rate usually returns to normal. When the cause of the fever goes away, the heart rate usually returns to normal. This fast heart rate usually returns to normal range (60 to 100 beats per minute) with rest and relaxation. Heart rates of more than 100 beats per minute (tachycardia) can be caused by: A normal heart rate for a healthy adult is between about 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Fast heartbeat