Why Is My Heart Beating Fast When I’m Not Exercising?

While you are seated the tension is not felt. You are certainly not exercising. However, your heart rate is elevated. Are you concerned? 

Having a rapid heartbeat while at rest can feel strange and maybe even frightening. Sometimes it is not a big deal, but, for other reasons, it is your body giving you the signal to look deeper. 

Let us explore some reasons for this possibility and when you should see a doctor. 

What is a Normal Heart Rate? 

The resting heart rate for most adults falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. People who exercise and/or are active often have slower resting heart rates, falling much closer to 40 or 50. Your heart rate normally increases with physical activity, strong emotions, or a stressful situation. However, it can be a little concerning when your heart rate increases while doing absolutely nothing.

Possible Causes of Fast Resting Heart Rate 

Your heart rate is elevated while sitting or lying down, it’s called tachycardia. This means your rate is over 100 beats per minute, and you don’t know why it happens.

Here are some possible reasons why it might happen:

1. Stress and worry

Even though you might feel calm, you might not be; stress can get the better of you. Chronic stress and anxiety can keep your body in a state of alertness and spontaneity. Your heart burns calories and moves your blood faster even though you don’t recognize the symptoms right away; but you notice that your heart rate has increased.

2. Dehydration

Depending on how dehydrated you are you can have lower blood volume, which makes your heart work harder to move blood and results in a faster rate even while being at rest.

3. Illness or Fever

When you are fighting an infection or have a fever, your heart could be running faster than normal to help with the healing. Even if you do not have strong symptoms like a fever or chills, for example, you can have a slow unknown infection (such as an internal infection) and still raise your heart rate. 

4. Stimulants or Medications

Stimulants such as caffeine and tobacco or some medications (like an asthma inhaler, cold medicines, or thyroid medication) can also affect heart rate. So can when drinking energy drinks or certain diet pills.

5. Low Red Blood Cell Count

If you have a low blood count in red blood cells, then you may not be carrying enough oxygen in your body. Your body has to compensate for this, and your heart has to work harder to raise your pulse while reducing oxygen consumption.

You may also feel weak, out of breath or fatigued. 

6. Thyroid Gland Problems

If you have too many thyroid hormones and your thyroid is overactive, your body can feel sped up. This also applies to your heart. You can also notice other signs such as weight loss or tremors in hands and/or legs, racing thoughts, or anxiety.

7. Heart Rhythm Problems

Sometimes it is not the heart rate that  is fast, it is the heart beat rhythms not working right. A few rhythm problems are atrial fibrillation or SVT; and the rhythms can happen at rest.

When to be concerned about a rapid heartbeat?

If your heart races occasionally and then resolves, it might not be serious. But there are just some signs not to ignore.

Be cautious of:

• Heart rate over 100 beats per minute at rest
• Potential pain or pressure in the chest
• Dizziness or faintness
• Problem with breathing, something that feels like you might pass out
• Tachycardia or pounding heartbeats

If you have these symptoms, it is a good idea to see a doctor.

Your doctor may recommend tests to learn more about why your heart is racing: 

• An electrocardiogram (ECG), and/or 
• Wearing a heart monitor for one or two days, and/or 
• Blood tests to check for low red blood cells, thyroid problems, etc. 
• An ultrasound (or “echocardiography”) to assess the heart structure. 

These tests should clarify the mechanism, and help determine treatment.

Easy Ways to Try at Home

You can also do the simple things above to help manage your pulse rate, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

• Drink enough fluids  
• Eat less caffeine, energy drinks, or similar items. 
• Less or no stress may lead to a lower heart rate.
• Stay in a regular sleep cycle 
• Aim for 6-8 hours of sleep each night and be in bed on time.
• Practice breathing or remain calm 
• Try breathing exercises or yoga, or other activities that encourage calmness.
• Don’t eat a heavy meal after dinner 
• Eat your heaviest meal in the afternoon or early evening.
• Exercise daily, even if it is only walking, or light workouts.

if your quick heart rate keeps occurring or occurring with other symptoms, do not guess. Speak to a medical doctor.

When to See a Cardiologist.

If your heart is racing frequently without a known cause, and you feel you should consult a cardiac expert, then you should act sooner than later. At Sugam Hospital, our heart specialist in Chennai who can test your heart rhythm and direct you to the right care. Regardless if it is related to your lifestyle preferences, stress, or a medical condition involving your heart more seriously, the sooner you initiate care the better.

A racing heart is not always dangerous but it is not something to ignore. Be aware of what your body is signaling to you  and ask for help when you need to.