While it is easy to assume an occasional racing heart is harmless, frequent episodes should never be overlooked. In modern medicine, a resting heart rate of 100 beats per minute or higher is classified as tachycardia, serving as an important physical warning sign. It is common to dismiss it as having had too much coffee or being briefly startled, but leaving it unattended can lead to significant complications.
A racing heart can stem from many causes. Most commonly, it occurs when the sympathetic nerve becomes overly active due to intense stress, anxiety, or a panic attack. In this state, the body responds as if facing an emergency, releasing hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline that prompt the heart to beat rapidly. In addition, endocrine conditions such as hyperthyroidism, as well as anemia, dehydration, fever, and high intake of caffeine or nicotine, can drive up the heart rate.
Importantly, tachycardia can also originate from an intrinsic heart condition. It may be a form of arrhythmia caused by a disruption in the heart's electrical conduction system. Common examples include atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia. In atrial fibrillation, the irregular and rapid beating prevents blood from circulating smoothly, causing it to pool and raising the risk of a thrombus. If this thrombus travels to the brain, it can trigger a stroke.
When the heart beats abnormally fast over extended periods, the myocardium can become fatigued and weakened, potentially leading to tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. As the heart's pumping efficiency drops, blood supply to the body is compromised, resulting in shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest discomfort. In severe cases, this can progress to heart failure.
The fire described in Donguibogam aligns with excessive stress hormone secretion and inflammatory responses, while qi deficiency corresponds to autonomic nervous system imbalance caused by chronic fatigue and metabolic hypofunction. Furthermore, yin deficiency relates to sympathetic dominance triggered by chronic stress and neuroendocrine disruption. Both Eastern and Western medicine emphasize that when the body's balance falters, we must pay attention to the warnings sent by the heart. Looking beyond symptom relief to address the underlying cause is central to maintaining health. If you experience frequent palpitations, seeking a thorough medical evaluation is essential.
