There are many reasons why a person can experience a high heart rate. Of the myriad of possibilities, many are regarded as uncommon or rare diseases and heart problems. One of the more common causes of a high heart rate are emotional states that arise in response to something stressful or highly intense. Another category of common causes of increased heart rate is that of recreational drugs, such as nicotine and caffeine, which often act in conjunction with the human body’s normal systems to stimulate heart rate. Finally, engaging in exercise can result in an increased heart rate, though in most cases this is a healthy and positive activity.
Many emotional states can result in a high heart rate; for example, excitement, nervousness, and anger can all result in an increased heart rate. Often, this is because the body is engaging in a fight or flight reaction to a stressful or otherwise dangerous situation. Other times, the body may simply be reacting to a person’s mind moving into a more focused and active mental state. In other cases still, the body may be reacting to stresses that are not actionable, resulting in a cycle of unhealthy panicked states.
Commonly consumed recreational drugs can impact the human heart in a way that results in a high heart rate. For example, caffeine, a stimulant that is often consumed in beverages like coffee and soda pop, can lead to a heightened heart rate after consumption. This is because caffeine interacts with receptors that exist around the human heart muscle in a way that can increase the heart rate. Another commonly consumed recreational drug that can result in a high heart rate, similarly to caffeine, is nicotine, a drug that is commonly accessed through tobacco products. Nicotine leads to a high heart rate because it sets off a chain of reactions that results in the release of adrenaline, which directly affects heart rate.
Lastly, engaging in exercise can also result in an elevated heart rate. Except for specific zones of high, extremely strenuous, and consistent heart rate elevation during exercise, exercise is typically regarded as an activity that is good for the heart. Lack of exercise is generally regarded as a common cause of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Exercise has also been linked to an increased sense of well-being and can help prevent negative states such as insomnia and depression.