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What Causes A High Pulse Rate?
Question: I feel like my heart is beating too fast, maybe skipping beats and I have headaches that just get worse. I just don't feel right. Maybe a little gaspy at times.
Brief Answer:
needs investigation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
a high pulse rate is a good reason to do an electrocardiogram (ECG) and depending on the results and symptoms perhaps other tests too. If an arrhythmia can be detected with the ECG, then the diagnosis can be established and appropriate instructions given. If not, a 24 hour recording (Holter) can be employed to detect potential arrhythmia.
In cases like this the thyroid function should always be tested. A thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is the most essential test to order. Other helpful tests may include:
- a complete blood count: anemia may cause tachycardia.
- electrolytes: disorders of the electrolytes may cause various problems to the heart.
- oxygen saturation: to grossly evaluate the lung function. A low value would require further investigation.
Regarding your headache, investigation is needed when signs of serious diseases are present. Such signs may include:
- an abrupt onset headache of high intensity (like being hit with a hammer).
- central nervous system deficits, like motor or sensory symptoms of the face or body.
- nausea and vomiting.
- early morning headache that may awake you.
- worsening headache despite treatment and rest.
- high fever.
Common (mostly benign) causes of headache include:
- psychological stress
- alcohol abuse
- lack of sleep
- infections (including sinusitis)
If the cause of the headache is in doubt and the headache is worsening despite treatment or if the headache is accompanied by signs of serious diseases then radiological evaluation of the brain is also recommended (CT scan or MRI).
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
needs investigation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
a high pulse rate is a good reason to do an electrocardiogram (ECG) and depending on the results and symptoms perhaps other tests too. If an arrhythmia can be detected with the ECG, then the diagnosis can be established and appropriate instructions given. If not, a 24 hour recording (Holter) can be employed to detect potential arrhythmia.
In cases like this the thyroid function should always be tested. A thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is the most essential test to order. Other helpful tests may include:
- a complete blood count: anemia may cause tachycardia.
- electrolytes: disorders of the electrolytes may cause various problems to the heart.
- oxygen saturation: to grossly evaluate the lung function. A low value would require further investigation.
Regarding your headache, investigation is needed when signs of serious diseases are present. Such signs may include:
- an abrupt onset headache of high intensity (like being hit with a hammer).
- central nervous system deficits, like motor or sensory symptoms of the face or body.
- nausea and vomiting.
- early morning headache that may awake you.
- worsening headache despite treatment and rest.
- high fever.
Common (mostly benign) causes of headache include:
- psychological stress
- alcohol abuse
- lack of sleep
- infections (including sinusitis)
If the cause of the headache is in doubt and the headache is worsening despite treatment or if the headache is accompanied by signs of serious diseases then radiological evaluation of the brain is also recommended (CT scan or MRI).
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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