Have you ever noticed a sudden surge in your heart rate while experiencing a fever? In most cases, the reason behind faster-than-normal heartbeat is some medical condition. For example, catching a flu, virus, or infection might leave your heart pounding briskly. This might have left you concerned, confused, or even curious. You may find yourself asking, does your heart rate increase when sick? And if so, why?
In this blog, we will learn why this happens, what causes it, and what you can do to normalize an elevated heart rate when sick.
Understanding Heart Rate: What’s Normal?
In combination with blood pressure and oxygen levels, heart rate is one of the most vital signs of the body’s functioning. Normally, adult resting heart rate ranges between 60-100 beats per minute. Hence, when your heart rate is consistently above this range, especially without any physical effort, it is considered elevated. This is also known as sinus tachycardia. But the question remains: what causes an elevated heart rate when sick? Let’s find out!
Why Does Your Heart Rate Increase When Sick?
During illness, your body undergoes several mechanisms to combat foreign bodies and fight off infections. Below, we detail all the reasons why an illness may lead to abnormal heart rate:
1. Fever and Infection:
Commonly, your body increases its temperature to fight off pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Research has shown that a 1 °C rise in body temperature in children increases pulse rate by 10 bpm. As your body heats up, your heart works harder to maintain normal functions, which include pumping blood into vital organs. This is why, if you’re running a fever, you’re likely to notice your heart rate rising in tandem. It’s simply a sign that your body is working overtime to regulate its internal temperature, leading to an elevated heart rate when sick.
2. Inflammation:
Sometimes, infectious diseases may also cause inflammation inside the body. Consequently, the body releases cytokines to seize these inflammatory responses. These signals tell your heart to pump more blood to help the body respond to inflammation, causing hypertension and a fast heartbeat. So, in this case, an elevated heart rate when sick is a direct consequence of your immune system’s response.
3. Dehydration:
Often, the symptoms of an illness may also include diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating. All of these contribute to dehydration, reducing blood volume and making blood circulation a chore. As a result, the heart has to exert greater force to meet the standards of healthy blood circulation. Eventually, the heart rate rises and so does the blood pressure.
4. Stress and Anxiety:
One of the answers to,’ Why does heart rate increase when sick” lies in the stress that comes with it. When you’re sick, especially with an unpleasant illness, it’s easy to feel stressed or anxious. This stress can trigger your body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which involves the release of adrenaline. Adrenaline, in turn, speeds up your heart rate. Simultaneously, this can cause your heart to race, even if your illness doesn’t directly explain the increase. Therefore, if you’ve been feeling particularly anxious about your symptoms, it could be contributing to your elevated heart rate when sick.
5. Medications:
At times, an elevated heart rate when sick may simply result from a medicinal side effect. If you’re taking over-the-counter or prescribed medication to treat your illness, you might be unknowingly stimulating your heart. For instance, decongestants, painkillers, antibiotics, and antimuscarinics can cause a spike in heart rate. Typically, this results from their stimulatory effects on the body. Occasionally, these side effects may also lead to pulmonary hypertension.
6. Post-Illness Recovery:
Even after the chronic stage of your illness has passed, it’s still possible to experience an elevated heart rate when sick. The process of healing requires increased blood flow and energy, and your heart works harder during this phase. Henceforth, you might notice that your heart rate stays elevated for several days or even weeks as your body rebalances.
When Should You Be Concerned About an Elevated Heart Rate?
While an elevated heart rate when sick often indicates a normal defensive response, you may want to keep it in check. Rarely, it may signal an underlying cause, especially if the heart does not fall below 100 bpm for an extended time. Here are some other signs that you may have to track to ensure it isn’t something more serious:
- Chest pain or discomfort: If you experience chest pain alongside a high heart rate, it could indicate a serious cardiovascular problem like hypokinesis.
- Shortness of breath or dizziness: These symptoms could be signs of dehydration or a more severe illness, like a respiratory infection or cardiovascular issue.
- Lightheadedness or fainting: If your heart rate is elevated and you feel faint or lightheaded, it might not be a good sign.
- Heart rate over 120 bpm: If your heart rate remains over 120 bpm, it’s essential to check in with a healthcare professional. This helps in ruling out any complications like heart failure or stroke.
Solutions to Manage an Elevated Heart Rate When Sick
We have almost figured out how and when a sickness may lead to an abnormal heart rate. Now, let’s see what we can do to keep it under control and avoid serious complications.
- Stay Hydrated: If dehydration is causing your elevated heart rate, make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
- Rest: While it may seem obvious, the best way to manage an elevated heart rate when sick is to allow your body to rest.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on your heart rate using a pulse monitor or smartwatch.
- Manage Stress: If anxiety or stress is contributing to your elevated heart rate, try some relaxation techniques.
- Consult a Professional: If your heart rate doesn’t return to normal, or if you’re feeling concerned, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. Moreover, if you suspect your elevated heart rate means something more complex, you may benefit from clinical trials.
Conclusion
Understanding why you experience an elevated heart rate when sick is crucial in ensuring your well-being during illness. Whether it’s due to fever, stress, dehydration, or the body’s natural inflammatory response, it’s often a sign that your body is working hard to fight an infection. In most cases, it’s not a cause for alarm, but it’s always essential to pay attention to your symptoms and seek medical help if necessary.
