Significance of Elevated Heart Rate with Below-Normal Blood Pressure
Struggling with a racing heart when your blood pressure is finally under control? Here's the lowdown on why that could be happening.
Let's start with a common scenario: standing up. When we rise from a sitting or lying position, blood pools in the veins of our legs and gut, reducing the amount that travels to the heart, explains heart rhythm specialist Dr. Tyler Taigen. To compensate for this, your heart rate speeds up to get the blood pumping again, while blood pressure briefly takes a small dip. But if your heart rate stays consistently high while your blood pressure remains low, there might be some underlying issues at play.
What else could be causing this issue?
In some cases, an abnormal heart rhythm (beats per minute closer to 160) can be to blame. These irregularities in electrical signaling cause the heart muscles to be out of sync between the upper and lower chambers, leading to inefficient pumping and, thus, low blood pressure.
Now, how about those times you're feeling lightheaded, out of breath, or experiencing chest pains? These could be signs of an elevated heart rhythm that requires a trip to the doctor. Furthermore, when combined with low blood pressure, these symptoms may indicate a more serious issue related to your heart rhythm.
Expert Intervention: When it's Time to Seek Help
If you find yourself in this situation, electrophysiologists typically begin by administering medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, to slow the heart rate. However, these medications can also lead to an unwanted drop in blood pressure. If your blood pressure is already too low, alternative methods may be necessary.
One such option is a procedure called direct current cardioversion, during which an electric shock is used to reset the heart rhythm back to normal. Once the rhythm is restored, an electrophysiologist can work with you to determine if additional, more permanent treatments are needed.
These could include:
- Ablation: which stops faulty electrical signals using heat or cold energy.
- Pacemaker: a small device that sends electrical impulses to the heart to help regulate its rhythm.
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): a device similar to a pacemaker, but also capable of delivering electric shocks to stop dangerous heart rhythms.
- Surgery: creating scar tissue within the heart to block faulty electrical pathways.
Is this really worth worrying about?
It's crucial to address abnormal heart rhythms, as they can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, or even death. Elderly individuals, those with heart disease or diabetes, and those experiencing irregular heart rhythms may be more prone to blood clots forming in the left atrial appendage – a pouch on the side of the heart's upper chamber. If these clots break free, they can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
When treated quickly and effectively, however, the odds of an enjoyable Netflix binge without the distraction of a racing heart will be higher than ever. And you might even find yourself watching Stranger Things without interruption!
- A potential reason for your racing heart and low blood pressure could be neurological disorders, as certain conditions affecting the brain can impact the normal electrical activity of the heart, thus contributing to irregular heart rhythms.
- Incorporating health-and-wellness practices, such as following a balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep, can contribute positively to cardiovascular health and may help alleviate any issues with an abnormal heart rhythm.
- If you're dealing with medical-conditions like diabetes or heart disease, it's essential to maintain regular check-ups and monitor your cardiovascular-health closely, as these conditions can increase the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms and associated complications.
