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A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute. To measure your heart rate, simply check your pulse.
Bradycardia (brad-e-KAHR-dee-uh) is a slow heart rate. The hearts of adults at rest usually beat between 60 and 100 times a minute. If you have bradycardia, your heart beats fewer than 60 times a minute. Bradycardia can be a serious problem if the heart rate is very slow and the heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Causes. Tachycardia is an increased heart rate for any reason. If a fast heart rate is caused by exercise or stress, it's called sinus tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia is a symptom, not a condition. Most heart conditions can lead to different forms of tachycardia. Irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, are one cause.
A heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart damage that can trigger some heart arrhythmias. Types. In general, heart arrhythmias are grouped by the speed of the heart rate. For example: Tachycardia (tak-ih-KAHR-dee-uh) is a fast heartbeat. The heart rate is greater than 100 beats a minute. Bradycardia (brad-e-KAHR-dee-uh) is a slow heartbeat.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a type of irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia. It's a very fast or erratic heartbeat that affects the heart's upper chambers. SVT also is called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The typical heart beats about 60 to 100 times a minute.
Diagnosis. To diagnose bradycardia, a health care provider will usually perform a physical exam and listen to your heart with a stethoscope. He or she may ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. Your health care provider may recommend tests to check your heart rate and see if you have a heart problem that can cause bradycardia.
A left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction of about 50% to 70% is categorized as normal. A mildly reduced LV ejection fraction is usually between 41% and 49%. A reduced LV ejection fraction is usually 40% or less. Even if you have a normal ejection fraction, your overall heart function may not be healthy.
Symptoms. In some people, an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) causes no signs or symptoms. Others may have these signs and symptoms of cardiomegaly: Shortness of breath, especially while lying flat. Waking up short of breath. Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) Swelling (edema) in the belly or in the legs.
Heart murmurs are sounds — such as whooshing or swishing — made by rapid, choppy (turbulent) blood flow through the heart. The sounds can be heard with a device called a stethoscope. A typical heartbeat makes two sounds like "lubb-dupp" (sometimes described as "lub-DUP") when the heart valves are closing. Heart murmurs can be present at ...
Often the cause of heart palpitations can't be found. Common causes include: Strong emotional responses, such as stress, anxiety or panic attacks. Depression. Strenuous exercise. Stimulants, including caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, and cold and cough medications that contain pseudoephedrine. Fever.