Dear Patient, Thank you very much for your question. Normal heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute when you are relaxed and not working. However, latest research have shown that heart rate above 90 beats per minute persistently is not normal. In other words, close to the upper range of normal is not that healthy. However, we are living beings who have feelings and emotions that absolutely have an impact on your heart rate. As you described strong positive or negative emotions can raise your heart rate above normal sometimes even within a day couple of times. And it is absolutely normal. However, reasons for persistent tachy or bradycardia (slowed heart rate) can be due to underlying heart diseases or thyroid problems. Therefore, I recommend you to see a physician and do an ECG test. Check your thyroid because nervousness and irritation with heart palpitations can be due to an overactive thyroid. Test yourself and free your mind. Also, anxiety disorder can cause heart palpitations. In that case, SSR inhibitors can help to ease your anxiety and normalize your heart rate. Therefore, it is better to consult your family physician and find out your condition for correct treatment. If you have more questions, please let me know. Good luck! Dr. Dinesh Nuwan Weerasinghe. MD