Pulse over 100 to 120 for over 1 hour ?

SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)

by Gemita - 2022-09-09 06:02:02

Cadaverock, you have SVT (supra ventricular tachycardia) and I think you were going to see an EP to discuss the possibility of an ablation when we last corresponded? 

A heart rate of between 100-120 bpm would be regarded as tachycardia since anything between 60-100 bpm would be classified as a normal heart rate.

When to be concerned and what to look out for?  A heart rate of 100-120 bpm for a patient in say heart failure or with another health condition would not be well tolerated and could certainly pose a risk to their well being.  However in a relatively healthy person, a heart rate of between 100-120 bpm is usually well tolerated, even for up to and beyond an hour.  I am living proof of this, frequently having episodes of atrial tachy arrhythmias well in excess of 120 bpm although these episodes are usually not long lasting any more.

Symptoms to look out for which might indicate you are struggling to tolerate a heart rate above 100 bpm would be symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, overwhelming fatigue/weakness, uncomfortable palpitations, lightheadedness and feeling faint or actually fainting.  If these symptoms persist, seek immediate medical help.  If you remain fairly stable symptom wise, I would try not panic in the knowledge that your heart is coping well. Does that help a little?

I recall you were not happy to take a daily beta blocker (Metoprolol) which would help to “prevent” a high heart rate, although clearly this could cause some side effects like fatigue.  What has your EP recommended in the way of treatment and are you currently still on Metoprolol?  Yes a high heart rate may feel as though it is literally taking our breath away and can also cause a feeling of anxiety which are both very natural reactions

high heart rate

by marylandpm - 2022-09-09 11:04:36

  My metronics PM with go tp 120 BPM when I go into Afib and stay at that rate as long as I am in Afib.   I usually come out of Afib and back to 60 BPM.    The first time it happen I went to ER and they did a remote to Metronics. The PM was operating as programed. I took a bata-blocker and in 30 minites ir dropped back to 60 BPM. 

high rate

by Tracey_E - 2022-09-09 11:49:46

If it stays over 100 for more than an hour, check with your doctor. 

Tachycardia

by AgentX86 - 2022-09-09 11:56:39

If you're having these episodes only occaisionally and can't tolerate beta blockers on a daily basis, you can ask your doctor about pill-in-the-pocket. Carry your beta blocker and when you get an episode of tachycardia take a pill and wait it out.  Beta blockers are relatively fast acting so this often works. If course, if you have regular episodes this won't work because you might just as well take them every day.

Tachycardia

by Selwyn - 2022-09-10 12:07:40

It would be useful to have a ECG when you are having a raised heart rate so that there is an accurate diagnosis of the cause.  Until this is done, everything else is speculation. Who knows what the cause is? Supraventicular tachycardias  include fibrillation and flutter arrhythmias. Both produce irregular pulses ( check yours!), the fibrillation one is described as irregularly irregular ( ie. completely without a set pattern). Sometimes extra ventricular beats produce an irregular fast pulse. You do need to get an ECG ( EKG) done when you are having symptoms.

I have recently given my consultant a few print outs ( .pdf)  from my 6 lead Kardia ( ECG monitor). This has saved a lot of messing with recording devices. 

Anxiety can play a role in producing a sinus tachycardia ( similar to that occuring with exercise).  Certainly, relaxation, and or beta blockers ( different ones are available, all slightly different with their actions and side-effects) help.