Why Your Heart Rate Feels Faster Than Normal

A fluttering feeling in the chest, or a feeling as if the heart is “running,” is not just a physical feeling but can be a significant source of anxiety. While an increase in heart rate is often a temporary reaction to stress or exercise, it can, in some rare cases, be an indication of a condition called tachycardia. It is important to identify such conditions early, as the heart is the engine of the body, and it is crucial to identify any irregularities to prevent the wearing out of the heart.

What is Tachycardia?

The term ‘tachycardia’ refers to an increased heart rate that is excessively rapid. A normal heart rate for most adults at rest should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A heart rate that surpasses 100 bpm at rest is described as tachycardia. It occurs when the signals that control the heartbeat are impaired.

Types of Tachycardia

Not all cases of tachycardia are the same. They are differentiated based on the location of the onset of the heart rate in the heart: 

1. Atrial Fibrillation (Afib): The atria of the heart have a quivering action instead of a normal contraction. This can cause blood to stagnate, greatly increasing the risk of thrombi and subsequent strokes. 
2. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): A fast heart rate due to an electrical short circuit in the areas of the heart above the ventricles. The fast heart rate usually starts and stops suddenly. Although startling, this condition is not life-threatening at the moment. 
3. Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach): A critical heart condition that originates in the ventricles and interferes with the heart's ability to fill with blood. This condition is a medical emergency because, if not treated, cardiac arrest can result. 
4. Sinus Tachycardia: A normal heart rhythm that is increased to over 100 beats per minute. This may result from various factors, including fever, caffeine, and stress. The intrinsic conduction system of the heart is normal; the heart is just responding to the body's needs.

Signs & Symptoms of Tachycardia

When the heart rate goes too fast, the heart becomes inefficient at pumping blood to the body's tissues. This results in a variety of physical symptoms, ranging from discomfort to loss of consciousness.

Aside from a racing pulse, you might experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Chest pain (Angina)
• Heart palpitations (a "flopping" or pounding feeling)
• Fainting (Syncope)

What Are The Common Causes of Tachycardia?

Think of your heart like an engine. Usually, it runs at a steady pace, but certain things can act like a "gas pedal," making it rev much faster than it needs to.

• Emotional Stress: When one is scared or nervous, the body secretes a hormone called adrenaline. This is a natural trigger for the heart to beat faster, even if one is not physically active.
• Stimulants: Too much caffeine, nicotine, or cold medicines can be considered “rocket fuel.” These substances overexcite the heart’s electrical system, forcing it to beat faster.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: The heart needs certain minerals, like magnesium and potassium, to trigger each heartbeat. Dehydration due to low levels of these minerals can make the electrical impulses irregular.
• Underlying Conditions: Sometimes, a fast heartbeat can be a symptom of another medical condition, such as an overactive thyroid gland or iron deficiency. The heart beats faster because it has to work overtime to keep the body functioning.

Risk & Complications

It is important to understand your risk factors, as a heart that is working too hard for too long will eventually fail. If your heart is racing too quickly, it will cause significant problems in your overall bodily functions if not corrected.

• Risk Factors: Your age, family history, and stress levels are risk factors for your heart. These risk factors will serve as a multiplier, making your heart rhythm more prone to going off-beat.
• Blood Clots: If your heart is beating too fast or trembling too much, this will cause your blood to congeal or form clots. If this clot goes to your brain, this will cause a stroke.
• Heart Failure: This is similar to your engine running too fast for too long. Your heart will fail and will not be able to pump enough blood throughout your body.
• Fainting Spells: Your racing heart will cause your blood pressure to drop significantly, causing frequent fainting spells, which is dangerous if driving or walking.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors use a few simple tests to record the electrical signals of your heart and precisely locate the site of any rhythm disorder.

• ECG/EKG: This is the most common test, where electrodes placed on the chest record the rapid tracing of the electrical activity of the heart.
• Holter Monitor: Since the racing of the heart might not be continuous, this portable EKG is used to record irregular rhythms over one to two days of routine activities.
• Stress Test: This test measures the functioning of the heart as you walk on a treadmill to check how the heart responds to exercise and whether it causes tachycardia.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Tachycardia

In Ayurveda, an irregular heartbeat is viewed as an imbalance of the natural rhythm of the body, particularly the heart, which is believed to be the seat of the life force (Prana). An imbalance of the internal energies is much like a calm lake turned turbulent, forcing the heart to work harder to maintain balance.

Vata Imbalance: This is the transfer of the wind element to the heart, causing an irregular, rapid, and nervous heartbeat. It is often triggered by working too hard, not getting enough sleep, or being frightened, resulting in a feeling of the heart fluttering.

Pitta Imbalance: This imbalance creates an excess of heat or acidity in the blood, causing the heart muscle to be over-activated. Increased stress, anger, or the consumption of spicy foods can accelerate this energy, forcing the heart to beat faster in an attempt to cool down the body.

Jiva Ayurveda Treatment Approach For Tachycardia

In Ayurveda, tachycardia is not just seen as an increased heart rate, but also as a dissonance in the internal biological humors or Doshas, which results in an unregulated or overactive heart rate. The aim of treatment goes beyond the regulation of the heart rate to the regulation of the internal environment that controls heart rate.

• Vata Pitta Balancing: When Vata predominates, the heart rate will become irregular and nervous. When Pitta predominates, the blood will become "hot" and overstimulate the heart muscle. Treatment will seek to balance Vata and reduce Pitta heat to provide a stable and tranquil heart rate.
• Hridaya Shakti (Heart Strength): Ayurveda makes use of specific cardiotonic plants like Arjuna to strengthen the heart walls and valves. This will make the heart more efficient in that each heartbeat will be strong, thus eliminating the need to have rapid heartbeats.
• Removing Ama (Toxins): When digestion is poor, Ama or toxic substances can build up in the micro-channels of the heart. By eliminating Ama, the heart's electrical signals or Prana Vayu will not be interfered with, thus eliminating unnecessary accelerations in heart rate.
• Manovaha Srota (Mind-Heart Connection): In Ayurveda, the heart is said to be the seat of the mind. Therefore, the nervous system also plays a critical role in heart rate. By calming the mind using specific oils or herbs, the brain will not send signals that will unnecessarily accelerate the heart rate.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Tachycardia

Ayurvedic herbs work by supporting the heart muscle and counteracting the electrical impulses caused by an imbalance of the Doshas. Here is a brief description of the herbs:

• Arjuna: The primary cardiac tonic, which strengthens the heart muscle and regulates blood pressure to avoid overworking the heart.
• Brahmi: A strong nervine calmer that stops the brain from sending warning impulses to the heart, making it an effective herb for stress-related tachycardia.
• Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb that increases Ojas (life force) and protects the heart from overworking due to chronic stress or exhaustion.
• Punarnava: Helps in the clearance of toxins (Ama) and excess fluid, making the blood lighter and easier to pump by the heart.
• Shankhpushpi: Regulates an overheated Pitta-dominated brain and acts as a natural heart rate calmer to maintain a regular heartbeat.

While these herbs are highly effective, they are potent natural medicines. To ensure they are balanced for your unique body type and current health status, these herbs must be taken under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

Ayurvedic Therapies To Treat Tachycardia

These therapies are not just soothing agents; they are tools that can physically and energetically calm the heart's rhythm. 

• Hrid Basti: A pool of medicated oil at a constant temperature is placed over the heart area within a ring made of dough. Deep heating the heart area helps to nourish the heart muscles and calm the nervous Vata energy, which leads to palpitations. 
• Shirodhara: In this, oil is poured in a constant flow onto the forehead, which corresponds to the “third eye.” Shirodhara directly influences the nervous system, causing a calming effect that decreases the stress chemicals that cause the heart to race. 
• Pranayama: Regulated breathing techniques, including Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing), act as a natural regulator. They help to balance the flow of Prana, or life energy, and create a synchronization of the heart with a slow and constant rhythm.

Diet To Control Heart Rate

How We Assess Tachycardia Patients at Jiva Ayurveda

At Jiva Ayurveda, practitioners perform a detailed evaluation to understand the causes of Tachycardia (rapid heart rate). This assessment usually includes:

• Current symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, breathlessness
• Medical history: Previous heart issues, thyroid problems, medications
• Lifestyle factors: Stress, caffeine intake, smoking, sleep patterns
• Diet habits: Foods affecting heart rhythm and metabolism
• Prakriti and Nadi Pariksha: To detect body constitution and dosha imbalance
• Existing conditions: Other health issues affecting heart function

Based on this evaluation, doctors create a personalized Ayurvedic treatment plan to support heart health and restore balance. 

Our Step-by-Step Care Process 

At Jiva Ayurveda, every process of the treatment is carried out in an organized and structured manner to give you the best personalized experience of Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid and digestive issues. 

1. Share Contact Details: After submitting your details, you can also reach out to us directly at 0129 4264323 to start the consultation process and get your metabolic issues treated.

2. Appointment Confirmation: An appointment with our experienced and well-trained Ayurvedic doctors specializing in thyroid and digestive issues is arranged for you. You can choose to consult with our doctors in the mode that best suits you:

• Clinic: We have over 80 Jiva clinics in different cities, and you can come to the nearest clinic to consult with our doctor face-to-face.
• Video Consultation (Rs. 49): In case you are not able to locate our clinics in your city, you can also consult with our doctor online, which will be available to you at a discounted price of Rs. 49 (regular price: Rs. 299). Simply give us a call at 0129 4264323 to connect with our experts from home itself.

3. Detailed Diagnosis: Our experienced doctor will consult with you to understand your thyroid issues, digestive problems, and “Agni” (metabolic fire) to diagnose the root cause of the problem in your body.

4. Root Cause-Based Treatment Plan: A personalized plan of treatment will be prepared for you with the use of herbal medicines that will stimulate the thyroid and enhance the motility of the gut.

Tachycardia Healing Timeline with Ayurvedic Care

The improvement timeline for Tachycardia may vary depending on the underlying cause and consistency of treatment.

First Few Weeks: Patients may notice reduced palpitations, better stress control, and improved energy levels.

1–3 Months: Heart rhythm may begin to stabilize, and symptoms like dizziness or breathlessness may reduce.

3–6 Months: With consistent Ayurvedic care and lifestyle changes, patients may experience improved heart health, better circulation, and reduced frequency of rapid heart rate episodes. 

What Results Can You Expect?

With Ayurvedic care for Tachycardia, the focus is on supporting heart function and restoring overall balance in the body. Patients may experience:

• Reduced episodes of rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Improved heart rhythm and circulation
• Better stress management and emotional balance
• Increased energy levels and reduced fatigue
• Improved overall cardiovascular health and well-being 

Estimated Cost of Treatment at Jiva Ayurveda for Tachycardia

Understanding the financial investment required for your health is important. At Jiva Ayurveda, we ensure transparency in our service costs so you can choose the most suitable option for your medical needs.

Treatment Cost

For patients who seek standard, ongoing care, the monthly cost of medicine and consultation typically ranges from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 3,500.

Please note that this is an estimated baseline. The final cost depends on the exact nature and severity of the patient's condition.

Protocol

For a more comprehensive, structured approach, we offer specialized package protocols. These plans are designed to address both physical symptoms and overall lifestyle correction. The package includes:

• Medicine
• Consultation
• Mental Well-Being Sessions
• Yoga and Meditation
• Diet
• Therapy

The cost for this protocol involves a one-time payment ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 40,000, which covers the full 3 to 4-month duration of treatment.

Jivagram

For patients requiring intensive and immersive care, our Jivagram centres offer a holistic healing environment. It provides:

• Authentic Panchakarma therapies
• Sattvic meals
• Modern healing services
• Comfortable accommodation
• Many other quality-of-life facilities

An immersive wellness stay at Jivagram typically costs around Rs. 1 Lakh for a 7-day duration, ensuring continuous personalized care to help restore balance and support heart health.

Why Patients Trust Jiva Ayurveda

Our method is centered around personalized, root cause-based treatment that works to heal the body from the inside out. 

• Root Cause-Based Treatment: Our treatment strategy is to treat the root cause of the imbalance, not just the symptoms, whether they are constipation, fatigue, or other issues. 
• Customized Care Plans: Our patients receive personalized care plans that are tailored to their individual Prakriti (constitution), diet, and lifestyle. 
• Protocol-Based Analysis and Treatment: Our treatment protocols are evidence-based, Ayurvedic approaches to treating hormonal and digestive imbalances. 
• Authentic Medicines: Our Ayurvedic medicines are genuine and made in licensed facilities to ensure safety and efficacy. 
• Proven Scale & Expertise: Our physicians have seen over 8,000 patients daily and have extensive experience in treating complex chronic diseases. 
• High Success Rate: Our patients have seen significant improvements in their health, with over 90% reporting positive changes in their health. 
• Reduced Dependency: 88% of our patients can stop or greatly reduce their dependency on conventional medications.

Ayurvedic vs Conventional Approach for Tachycardia

When To Consult A Doctor

If you feel that you are having tachycardia symptoms, such as rapid heartbeats, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, discomfort in the chest, or unusual fatigue, it is essential to seek medical advice from a doctor. In addition, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately in case of sudden onset, prolonged periods, or in combination with fainting spells or severe chest pain. This will help in the early diagnosis of the cause of tachycardia, thus ensuring the prevention of further complications and maintaining heart health.

Conclusion

Tachycardia can affect daily life if not managed properly, but with the right care and lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to maintain a healthy heart rhythm and overall well-being. A balanced routine, stress management, proper diet, and timely medical guidance play an important role in supporting heart health.

If you are experiencing symptoms of Tachycardia such as a rapid heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, or breathlessness, it is important to seek proper medical guidance. You can consult certified doctors at Jiva Ayurveda for personalized Ayurvedic treatment and lifestyle recommendations to support your heart health.

Call today: 0129-4264323