What it is
Increased heart rate encompasses physiological and pathological tachycardia.
Emerging evidence
Increased Heart Rate
A faster than normal heart rate, typically defined as more than 100 beats per minute at rest. May be felt as palpitations, pounding, or fluttering in the chest. Can be a normal physiological response or indicate an underlying condition.
CategoryCardiovascular
Reviewed by Ian Henderson · Advisor
26 March 2026
At a glance
Increased Heart Rate at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- Heart beating noticeably faster than usual
- Pounding or thumping sensation in the chest
- Palpitations (awareness of heartbeat)
- Associated light-headedness, breathlessness, or anxiety
- Heart rate elevation triggered by exertion, stress, or stimulants
Evidence context
Emerging evidenceSee the evidence snapshotSafety
See staying safeContext
Patterns of Increased Heart Rate
An increased heart rate (tachycardia) at rest can result from physical exertion, fever, dehydration, stimulant use, anxiety, pain, or hormonal states such as hyperthyroidism or pregnancy. It can also signal cardiac arrhythmias, anaemia, or infection. Sustained resting tachycardia — particularly above 100 bpm — warrants investigation to identify the underlying cause. The autonomic nervous system plays a central regulatory role; chronic stress, poor sleep, and elevated cortisol all increase resting heart rate over time. Holistic practitioners assess nervous system regulation, thyroid function, nutritional status, and lifestyle factors comprehensively rather than treating heart rate as an isolated metric.
Could this be you
People commonly experience
Increased Heart Rate shows up differently for everyone. Browse by how it tends to be felt — these are common experiences, not a checklist or a diagnosis.
In the body5 common experiences
- Heart beating noticeably faster than usual
- Pounding or thumping sensation in the chest
- Palpitations (awareness of heartbeat)
- Associated light-headedness, breathlessness, or anxiety
- Heart rate elevation triggered by exertion, stress, or stimulants
Common experiences people describe — not a diagnostic checklist.
The Evidence
Evidence context
What research and clinical practice say about increased heart rate — and when it needs professional attention.
Overall pictureModerate evidence
Often physiological, but persistent tachycardia needs assessment
Increased resting heart rate has well-understood physiological causes, from anxiety and dehydration to thyroid dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmia. Evidence supports targeted management once the underlying cause is identified — self-management without professional assessment carries real risk.
When to seek urgent careSome presentations of rapid heart rate require immediate medical attention.
Seek urgent care if rapid heart rate is accompanied by chest pain, pressure, or tightness. Syncope, near-fainting, or an irregular rapid rhythm may indicate atrial fibrillation or another serious arrhythmia. Sudden onset with no obvious trigger — especially in someone with known heart disease — warrants same-day medical review, not watchful waiting.
What the evidence showsResearch on tachycardia is well-established for common causes, with strong clinical guidance available.
Sinus tachycardia from anxiety, fever, or exertion is well-characterised and typically resolves with the underlying cause. SVT responds reliably to vagal manoeuvres and medication. Atrial fibrillation has robust evidence for rate control and stroke risk reduction. Anxiety-related tachycardia shows meaningful response to breathing regulation and CBT in clinical studies.
Safety considerationsRapid heart rate should not be self-managed until cardiac causes are ruled out.
Attempting to manage a persistently elevated heart rate without professional assessment risks missing an arrhythmia or structural cardiac issue. Vigorous exercise is not appropriate where arrhythmia is suspected. Stimulants — including high-dose caffeine, certain supplements, and some herbal preparations — can worsen tachycardia and should be reviewed with a qualified practitioner.
Clinical pictureResting heart rate above 100 bpm consistently warrants investigation into its cause.
Clinicians assess thyroid function, blood count, hydration status, medication use, and cardiac rhythm when evaluating persistent tachycardia. Holistic practitioners additionally consider sleep quality, chronic stress load, and autonomic nervous system regulation. Neither approach replaces the other — integrated assessment often provides the most complete picture.
Traditional system perspectivesTCM and Ayurveda offer interpretive frameworks for palpitations, though evidence is limited.
TCM associates rapid heart rate with Heart Fire or Heart Yin deficiency, using herbs such as motherwort and ziziphus in practice. Ayurveda links it to excess Pitta or Vata affecting the heart, recommending cooling and grounding approaches. These frameworks offer complementary perspectives but are not substitutes for professional cardiac assessment. Evidence for specific herbal interventions remains limited.
Who to involveThe right practitioner depends on the suspected cause and your current situation.
A GP or cardiologist should be the first point of contact for unexplained or persistent tachycardia. Once cardiac causes are excluded, complementary or holistic practitioners — such as those working with stress regulation, breathwork, or nutritional support — may offer meaningful adjunct support. Always inform all practitioners of any medications or supplements being used.
Safety first
Staying safe
General, informational guidance — not diagnostic. A qualified practitioner can advise on your own situation.
- Self-treating rapid heart rate without ruling out cardiac arrhythmia
- Vigorous exercise without cardiac assessment where arrhythmia is suspected
References
Evidence & Research
Educational sources that inform this overview. Inclusion is for context and does not imply endorsement.
- Global atlas on cardiovascular disease prevention and control
- Inflammation and atherosclerosis
- Effect of potentially modifiable risk factors associated with myocardial infarction in 52 countries: INTERHEART study
Full citations are maintained by the Gyfts editorial team and reviewed periodically.
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