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The number of heart beats in a minute is referred to as heart rate. It is denoted as beats per minute (bpm) and is around 70 in males and 75 in females. The level varies between individuals and is much lesser in athletes. It is as high as 100 to 130 bpm in toddlers and 90 to 110 bpm in older children. Pulse is one of the ways to determine heart rate. It is not completely effective, as it is not accurate. Stethoscope is the best way to determine heart beat and this procedure is referred to as ausculation.
Fast heart rates are referred to as tachyarrhythmia. When the heart rate is higher than 100 bpm, it is tachycardia. When the range is above 350 bpm, it is fibrillation. Increase in heart rate is attributed to an array of factors, namely, stress, anxiety and arousal. It is at times common, when the individual performs exercise. It is considered abnormal and life threatening in the case of cardiac arrhythmias.
Rapid heart beat or palpitations are commonly associated symptoms of tachycardia. Dizziness, fainting, breathlessness and chest pain are the other typical symptoms. Tachycardia is dangerous and life threatening, as it affects the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. The myocardium has less time to relax and rest, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of blood pumped. The heart's requirement for nutrients and oxygen increases with increase in heart rate. This results in breathlessness. Angina is also common in individuals suffering from ischemic heart disease.
Hyperthyroidism is yet another cause of tachycardia. Tachycardia is classified on the basis of its origin. There is ventricular tachycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, junctional tachycardia and so on. Treatment of arrhythmia involves the use of anti arrhythmic, heart rate control drugs and by electrical conversion. Electrical conversion and anti arrhythmics are of great use in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia. In the case of sinus tachycardia, the aetiology is identified.
Tachycardia at rest is harmful. It is also seen in individuals with myocardial infarction or heart attack. Congenital defects, lung disease and coronary artery disease are the other causes of tachycardia or increase in heart beat. A healthy and balanced diet with regular exercise proves beneficial. Low fat diet with complex carbohydrates, as in fruits, vegetables, grains and cereals are helpful. A healthy lifestyle devoid of smoking and alcohol is recommended. Avoid stress and related factors. Obesity is overcome by weight maintenance.
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