What Causes Sudden Fluctuations In Heart Rate?

Posted on Mon, 28 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 Answered on

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My resting heart rate keeps jumping up to 148-178. It stays that way for about 3-4 hours and then goes back to 70-80. My blood pressure is normal. What do I do?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that these fluctuations in your heart values could be related to different possible causes: an electrolyte imbalance, chronic anemia, thyroid dysfunction or anxiety.

A cardiac arrhythmia can not be excluded either.

Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:

- a cardiac ultrasound and a resting ECG to examine your heart function and structure
- an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring (Holter) to monitor your heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalance.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Wishing good health,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar