high heart rate

[ghass]

my wife is 28 years old and she has a regular heart rate of 120 at rest, is it dangerous and what might be the cause!

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
The normal heart rate at rest is 60-100 BPM with an average of 75 BPM in women.It can however be on a higher side in premenstrual period,pregnancy and perimenopausal age. Anything over 100 at rest is technically defined as a tachycardia. Tachycardia at rest can be found in anxiety,stress,nervousness,panic attack,after a large meal or excessive caffeine intake,alcohol intake or smoking,exercise,high or low BP, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia,heart disorders,hyperthyroidism and anemia.
I would suggest lifestyle modifications and if the symptoms persist then she should consult a physician.Atleast an EKG to rule out cardiac disease needs to be done.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted.

[Encephalomalcia]

Adrenaline.  Does she drink caffeine or eat black licorce?  These cause an excess adrenaline rush.  The 120 at rest is not dangerous as she is very young.  If it continues throughout her life, it may be a concern.  When she is up moving around and being active, what is her heart rate then?  When a heart rate is too fast, the person becomes very out of breath.  The only other concern would be if she were to have an adrenal tumor, which causes fast heart beats. If this continues, you may want her to get tested to make sure that is not the cause and a thyroid test to check for hyperthyroidism.