What it is
Racing heart (tachycardia) describes an abnormally fast heart rate — typically defined as above 100 beats per minute at rest — or the subjective experience of a rapid, pounding heartbeat.
Research-supported
Racing Heart
An abnormally fast or pounding heartbeat experienced at rest — which may be physiological (exercise, anxiety) or indicate a cardiac arrhythmia requiring assessment.
CategoryCardiovascular
Reviewed by Gyfts Editorial Team · Editorial Health Review
26 March 2026
At a glance
Racing Heart at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- People describe sudden or gradual onset of an abnormally fast heartbeat — sometimes with visible pulsation at the neck, breathlessness, dizziness, or just the alarming awareness of the speed of the heartbeat.
