What is 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.

What do people commonly experience with increased heart rate?

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

What lifestyle changes can help with increased heart rate?

Reduce caffeine and stimulant intake. Manage anxiety through breathwork and evidence-based stress reduction. Ensure adequate hydration. Avoid alcohol and recreational stimulants. Vagal manoeuvres (cold water, controlled breath-holding) can reduce some forms of tachycardia. Check thyroid function.

What integrative approaches support increased heart rate?

Sinus tachycardia is most commonly physiological (exercise, anxiety, fever). Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) responds well to vagal manoeuvres and pharmaceutical management. Atrial fibrillation requires medical management for rate control and stroke risk reduction. Anxiety-related tachycardia responds to CBT, breathing regulation, and beta-blockers in specific contexts.

When should I seek professional support for increased heart rate?

Resting heart rate consistently above 100bpm without obvious cause Palpitations accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or syncope Irregular heartbeat alongside rapid rate Symptoms during rest or sleep rather than exertion

Increased Heart Rate – Causes, Palpitations & Holistic Approaches

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Increased Heart Rate – Causes, Palpitations & Holistic Approaches | Gyfts

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.

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