rapid pulse

i am 42 yo old with a pulse rate of 120-140bpm for at least 4 days.  i have been sick with uri & stomach flu.  better now just stuffy.  my pulse last tuesday was 60bpm.  can the pulse rate be form the illness alone?

[greendave]

Hi there
sorry to read about your illness and the guys who know what they are talking about will I am sure be repsonding shortly.
From my own experience, when I am fighting off an infection my heart rate will increase, but 120 to 140 for 4 days from 60 seems worthy of attention,
So my question to you is have you been to the doctor to see what it is that is causing this as any infections need to be treated to stop your body being under pressure and you need to make sure that everything else is OK
dave.

[daja35]

yes i am under doctors care right now.  i am on 2 different antibiotics and avoiding caffeine and decongestants.  i have asthma so i have also stopped the albuterol as it causes an increase in heart rate.  i have been suggested to see a cardiologist but if the illness is causing it i want to avoid the cost.  
thanks for your reply

[dolfnlvr]

Well, here's the thing...an infection can surely TRIGGER tachycardia, as can decongestants, caffeine and albuterol (a steroid inhalent).  However, as I'm sure you are already realizing, it is not "normal" for someone to suddenly experience 4 days of prolonged and consistant tachycardia, even with these triggers.  The greatest concern is that the infection has somehow affected the heart, which, if not treated, can be very dangerous.  But, with treatment, the effects would be minimal if not completely cured.  

"Stomach flu" is a broad diagnosis and does not truly identify the causative agent in your illness.  I suggest that you follow-up with a cardiologist as suggested.  I realize that the expense is a concern, but consider this....would you rather be poor or permanently ill or worse?  There are payment plans and aid available if you do not have insurance.

You should follow-up.

Good luck.

[RickDG]

Sounds like you're having quite a rough time of it, hope it doesn't last much longer.  Are you feeling dizzy or short of breath?  Are you sweating profusely?  Has your blood pressure dropped (or increased) significantly?  By definition anything sustained over 120 while at rest is considered tachycardia so you may want to have it checked out.  If your rates are this high consistently over four days, I think you better go to a cardiologist regardless of the cost.  What kind of infection are you fighting off?

[daja35]

i was feeling dizzy and i still am a bit short of breath.  i do have asthma.  i am still running about 120 BPM as of a few minutes ago.  i am not sweating other than hot flashes and my blood pressure has remained constant and normal.  i have a sinus infection and an infection from open sores from an allergic reaction, sores are mostly gone now.  i'm on augmentin and bactrum and had a rocefin shot thursday.  i feel better but the pulse has remained high.  i work in a clinic and plan to check the pulse as soon as i get to work monday and then go to my doctor for the referral to the cardiologist.  it's been too long.  
thank you all for all of your opinions!!!

[jimgreg]

it can be from what you used on ur cold..like a decongestant..or other meds that will raise ur heart..im kinda not thinking this now..you said ur heart was 60 bpm..then wile ur sick or after..ur rate wouldnt go that high at rest.. not no 140..mabey 115 at the most..keep a eye on this...if it goes over 110 at rest get checked

[RickDG]

dizzyness and shortness of breath are also classic signs of tachycardia and 120+ sustained seems a bit high just for fighting off an infection.  I can't speak to asthma because I don't have it, but unless those are standard symptoms of asthma you need to be checked by a cardiologist sooner rather than later. If you are in sustained tachycardia and EKC should pick it up right away.  If I were you, I would go right away to the nearest emergency room and tell them you're feeling dizzy, short of breath and are having heart palpitations.  They'll hook you up to an EKG right away.