A fast heartbeat, medically known as tachycardia, occurs when your heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute in adults. This can be caused by many factors such as stress, dehydration, fever, caffeine intake, or heart-related conditions. When your heart beats too fast, it may feel like palpitations or pounding in your chest, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Knowing what to drink during these episodes can help calm your heart rate and prevent complications. However, it is important to note that persistent or severe fast heartbeat requires professional medical evaluation.
Why Fluid Intake Matters for Heart Rate
Fluids play a key role in maintaining blood volume and pressure, both of which affect heart rate. When you are dehydrated, your blood volume drops. This forces the heart to pump faster to supply oxygen to the body, leading to a rapid heartbeat.
Drinking the right fluids can:
- Rehydrate your body
- Balance electrolytes
- Reduce stress on your heart
- Support normal heart rhythm
What to Drink When Your Heart Beats Fast
Water: The First Choice
Water is the most important drink when your heart is racing. It replenishes fluids lost through sweat or illness and prevents dehydration, which is a common trigger for a fast heartbeat.
Recommended action: Sip plain water slowly and regularly. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses a day, more if you are physically active or in a hot climate.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)
ORS contains balanced amounts of salts and sugars that help restore electrolyte balance quickly. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are crucial for proper heart muscle function and electrical signaling.
You can purchase ORS commercially or prepare a homemade solution by mixing:
- 1 liter of clean water
- 6 teaspoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Note: Use ORS especially if you have diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating that cause electrolyte loss.
Herbal Teas with Calming Effects
Certain herbal teas can help soothe your nervous system and reduce heart rate caused by anxiety or stress.
Chamomile tea: Known for its mild sedative effects, it helps relax muscles and reduce anxiety.
Hawthorn tea: Used traditionally to support heart health and improve blood flow.
Valerian root tea: May calm nervous tension and help slow an accelerated heartbeat.
Ensure no allergy or contraindications before drinking herbal teas, and avoid excessive consumption.
Coconut Water: Natural Electrolyte Booster
Coconut water is rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium — electrolytes that stabilize heart rhythm. It is low in calories and a natural alternative to sugary sports drinks.
Benefit: Helps to rehydrate and normalize your heartbeat, especially after exercise or heat exposure.
What to Avoid Drinking When Your Heart Beats Fast
Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and increases heart rate. Avoid coffee, black tea, energy drinks, and certain sodas during tachycardia episodes.
Reason: Caffeine can trigger or worsen palpitations and make your heart beat faster.
Alcohol
Alcohol can cause dehydration and interfere with your heart’s electrical system. It may also provoke arrhythmias in susceptible individuals.
Advice: Avoid alcohol if you experience fast heartbeats regularly or have underlying heart disease.
Sugary and Artificially Sweetened Drinks
Excess sugar intake can cause blood sugar spikes followed by rapid heart rate and jitteriness. Artificial sweeteners may also affect heart rhythm in some people.
Tip: Limit or avoid sodas, sweetened juices, and diet drinks when managing a fast heartbeat.
Additional Drinks That May Support Heart Health
Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice is high in nitrates, which help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. This can reduce the heart’s workload and potentially slow a fast heart rate.
Note: Start with small amounts to monitor tolerance.
Magnesium-Rich Drinks
Magnesium helps regulate muscle and nerve function, including the heart muscle. Drinks like mineral water rich in magnesium or specially formulated supplements can help maintain balance.
Warning: Consult your doctor before magnesium supplementation, especially if you have kidney issues.
Green Tea in Moderation
Green tea has antioxidants and mild relaxing effects but contains caffeine. If you tolerate caffeine well, a small cup may be fine. Otherwise, avoid it during episodes of fast heartbeat.
How to Drink Safely During a Fast Heartbeat
When experiencing a fast heartbeat, drink fluids slowly rather than gulping. Drinking too fast can sometimes trigger coughing or choking, which stresses the heart further.
If you have symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or fainting, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Fast Heartbeat Episodes
Besides fluid intake, certain habits can reduce episodes of tachycardia:
Stay well hydrated: Drink water throughout the day.
Limit caffeine and alcohol: Reduce stimulants and depressants.
Manage stress: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Avoid heavy meals before sleep: Digestive stress can affect heart rhythm.
Exercise regularly: Improves cardiovascular health but avoid overexertion.
Maintain electrolyte balance: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
When to See a Cardiologist
If your heart beats fast frequently or with associated symptoms like chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or shortness of breath, it is crucial to get evaluated. Your cardiologist may perform tests such as ECG, Holter monitoring, or blood tests to identify underlying causes. Do not rely solely on drinks or home remedies if symptoms persist or worsen.
Conclusion
In summary, the best drinks when your heart beats fast include water, oral rehydration solutions, herbal teas, and coconut water. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance is key to supporting normal heart rhythm. Always consult a healthcare provider for recurrent or severe symptoms.
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