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A normal heart rate for a healthy adult is between about 60 and 100 beats per minute. Heart rates of more than 100 beats per minute (tachycardia) can be caused by:
Babies and children younger than 2 years old have higher heart rates because their body metabolism is faster. Heart rates decrease as children grow, and usually by the teen years the heart rate is in the same range as for an adult.
A fast heart rate may be caused by a more serious health problem. A heart problem or other medical conditions may sometimes cause a fast heart rate. A fast heart rate may cause palpitations, chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.
Heart rhythm problems that cause a fast heart rate include atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
If you have heart disease or heart failure, or if you have had a heart attack, be sure you understand the seriousness of a change in your heart rate or rhythm.
Current as of: September 7, 2022
Author: Healthwise StaffClinical Review Board: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency MedicineMartin J. Gabica MD - Family MedicineE. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicineDavid Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care MedicineH. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
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