Elevated Heart Rate When Sick is more common than most people realize. In fact, for every 1°F increase in body temperature, your heart rate can rise by about 10 beats per minute. That means even a mild fever can cause a noticeable change in how your heart feels. But for many patients, this sudden spike can be scary, especially if they’ve never experienced it before.
The problem is that most don’t know whether it’s normal or a sign of something serious. During the treatment of many patients with flu, viral infections, or COVID-19, I’ve seen how a high heart rate when sick is often just the body’s way of responding to stress, fever, or dehydration.
The key is learning how to spot what’s normal—and what’s not. Simple steps like staying hydrated, managing fever, and getting rest can help calm the heart. But there are times when a high heart rate signals something deeper. Want to know how to tell the difference? Let’s break it all down—keep reading.
What Is an Elevated Heart Rate?
Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in one minute. It’s how your body sends blood and oxygen to your organs, especially when you’re resting, moving, or fighting off illness. A normal heart rate helps your body work smoothly. But when that number climbs too high without a reason, like exercise, we call it an elevated heart rate.
So what counts as “elevated”? For most healthy adults, a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. In children, it’s usually higher—about 70 to 110 beats per minute, depending on their age. An elevated heart rate happens when your resting beats per minute (BPM) go over your usual range without activity.
Let’s say your normal heart rate is 70. But now that you’re sick, it’s around 95 while lying down. That’s a sign of a sick, elevated heart rate. This isn’t always dangerous, but it’s your body’s way of saying it’s working harder, maybe due to a fever or infection.
When treating patients, I often get asked, “Can the heart rate increase when sick?” Yes, and it’s very common. A high heart rate when sick is often the body’s way of fighting off illness, especially if there’s fever, dehydration, or even a mild cold.
Why Does Heart Rate Increase When You’re Sick?
When you’re sick, your body goes into overdrive to fight off the infection. This means your heart might start beating faster to help with the extra workload. Whether it’s a fever or dehydration, your body has reasons for increasing the heart rate when sick.
Here are a few reasons why your sick elevated heart rate might happen. Let’s break them down to understand what’s really going on.
2.1 Fever and Body Temperature
So, you’ve got a fever, and suddenly your heart feels like it’s racing. What’s going on? It’s actually pretty common for your heart rate to increase when sick because of a fever. Let me explain why.
When your body’s temperature rises, usually because it’s fighting an infection, your heart has to work a bit harder to get the blood flowing and help cool you down. This extra effort makes your heart beat faster. Here’s an easy rule to remember: for every 1-degree rise in body temperature, your heart beats about 10 extra times per minute. So if you have a fever of 102°F instead of your usual 98.6°F, you could see your heart rate when sick jump by 40 beats or more.
For example, if your normal heart rate is 70 beats per minute, and you develop a fever, your heart could start beating closer to 110 BPM. That’s a clear sign of an elevated heart rate when sick, and it’s just your body trying to handle the heat.
Isn’t it fascinating how your body works together to fight off illness? But don’t worry—this is pretty normal. If you’re feeling like your heart is racing, it’s usually because of that extra effort to regulate your temperature.
2.2 Dehydration
When you’re sick, your body loses more fluids than usual. This can happen in several ways—through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Think about it: when you have a fever, your body sweats to try to cool down, and that sweat is a fluid loss. Or if you’re dealing with a stomach bug, the vomiting and diarrhea can really drain you. This loss of fluids leads to dehydration, and your body has to work harder to keep everything running smoothly.
Now, this added effort makes your heart rate higher when sick because your heart is trying to pump the reduced blood volume around your body. The less fluid you have, the harder your heart has to work to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your organs, which can make your heart beat faster.
It’s important to stay hydrated to avoid this extra stress. Here’s a quick hydration tip:
Hydration Tip:
Drink clear fluids like water, broth, or electrolyte drinks every 2–3 hours to stay hydrated. This will help keep your heart from working too hard and keep you feeling better.
If you’re feeling parched or your heart seems to be racing, dehydration could be the cause. Drinking enough fluids can help lower your elevated heart rate and get you on the road to recovery.
2.3 Stress and Anxiety
Being sick is never fun, and it can bring a lot of stress and anxiety. Whether you’re worried about your symptoms or just feeling uncomfortable, it’s totally normal for your mind to start racing. But did you know that this mental stress can also speed up your heart rate when sick? It’s true!
When you’re anxious or stressed, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which tell your heart to beat faster. This is known as the “fight or flight” response. So, if you’re already feeling under the weather, that stress can make your heart rate higher when sick. Your body is not just fighting the infection, but also reacting to the worry you’re feeling, which makes everything work a bit harder.
For example, imagine you’re sick and worried about your fever. The anxiety alone can raise your heart rate when sick, making it feel like your heart is racing even more than usual.
Taking deep breaths, staying calm, and focusing on rest can help ease that stress and lower your heart rate. It’s one more reason to take it easy and give your body the break it needs to heal!
2.4 Infections and Inflammation
When you’re sick, your body’s immune system kicks into action to fight off the infection. This means your body starts producing chemicals called cytokines, which cause inflammation. Inflammation is a natural part of your body’s healing process, but it also increases your heart rate when sick.
When your body detects an infection, your heart works harder to help deliver white blood cells and oxygen to the affected areas. This extra effort can make your elevated heart rate more noticeable. The inflammation caused by infections like the flu, cold, or even more serious conditions can make your heart beat faster as it works to repair the damage.
For example, if you have a throat infection, your immune system will send signals to your heart to help fight off the bacteria or virus. This response speeds up heart activity to ensure that your body’s resources get to where they’re needed.
The body’s immune response is powerful, but it can make you feel like your heart is racing. This is usually temporary and a sign that your body is doing what it needs to in order to get you better!
2.5 Medications
When you’re sick, you might take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help relieve your symptoms. While these meds can work wonders for making you feel better, some of them can also raise your heart rate when sick.
A common example is pseudoephedrine, a decongestant often found in cold medications. Pseudoephedrine works by narrowing the blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion in your nose. But it also stimulates your heart, causing it to beat faster. This is why you might notice your heart rate is higher when sick after taking a cold medicine that contains pseudoephedrine.
For example, if you’re taking a cold medicine to relieve stuffiness, you might find that your heart is racing more than usual. This side effect is temporary but can be concerning, especially if you already have a fast heart rate with a cold.
It’s important to be mindful of the medications you take while you’re sick. If you’re unsure whether your medication could be affecting your heart rate, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
When Is It a Cause for Concern?
While an elevated heart rate when sick is usually nothing to worry about, there are some clear signs that may indicate it’s time to seek medical attention. Here’s a simple checklist to help you know when to be concerned:
- Heart rate stays high even at rest: If your heart rate remains elevated even when you’re not moving or after you’ve been resting for a while.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath: If you feel any discomfort in your chest or have trouble breathing, it could be a serious issue.
- Feeling dizzy or faint: If you feel lightheaded or like you might pass out, it’s important to get checked out right away.
If any of these symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. At TuClinica Hispana Familiar, we can help assess your symptoms and provide the care you need to feel better.
Don’t ignore these warning signs—taking action early can make all the difference in your health.
How to Manage Elevated Heart Rate at Home
Dealing with an elevated heart rate when you’re sick can be uncomfortable, but the good news is that there are several ways to help manage it from home. By following a few simple steps, you can support your body as it recovers.
Here are some easy-to-follow tips that can help lower your heart rate and keep you feeling more comfortable during your illness.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest yet most important things you can do when you’re sick. When you’re dehydrated, your heart has to work harder, which can make your heart rate higher when sick. Drinking plenty of water, clear fluids, or electrolyte drinks can help keep your body balanced. Aim to sip on fluids throughout the day—don’t wait until you feel thirsty. It’s a simple step, but it goes a long way in helping your heart stay at a normal pace while your body heals.
Get Plenty of Rest
Your body needs rest to heal, and this includes your heart. When you’re sick, your heart rate might rise as your body fights off the illness, but taking time to rest helps reduce that extra strain.
Try to rest in a comfortable, quiet space to allow your heart to slow down. Don’t push yourself too hard—take naps and relax when you can. Giving your body the break it needs will help lower your elevated heart rate and speed up recovery.
Avoid Caffeine or Energy Drinks
When you’re sick, you might feel tempted to reach for a cup of coffee or an energy drink for a quick boost. However, these drinks can actually raise your heart rate. Caffeine and other stimulants can make your heart beat faster, which isn’t helpful when your body is already working hard to fight off illness.
Try to avoid them until you’re feeling better. Stick to water, herbal teas, or clear fluids instead to stay hydrated without adding any extra stress on your heart.
Cool the Fever with Proper Meds
A fever can make your heart rate higher, so it’s important to manage it properly. If you have a fever, try using over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These meds can help bring your temperature down and ease the strain on your heart.
Make sure to follow the dosing instructions and consult a doctor if your fever lasts too long. Cooling down the fever will not only make you feel better, but it can also help slow your fast heart rate.
Medical Conditions Linked to High Heart Rate When Sick
Sometimes, a high heart rate when sick can be linked to an underlying medical condition. Here are a few examples:
- Thyroid issues: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause your heart to beat faster. When you’re sick, this can make your elevated heart rate even worse.
- Anemia: If you have anemia, your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. This can make your heart work harder, raising your heart rate higher when sick.
- COVID-19: Some people with COVID-19 experience an increased heart rate, especially if they have a fever or other symptoms. This can be a sign of the body fighting off the virus.
If you suspect any of these conditions are contributing to your elevated heart rate, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
When to See a Doctor
Hey, let’s talk for a second—sometimes, an elevated heart rate when you’re sick is no big deal, but there are definitely times when it’s better to get it checked out. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait around, okay?
- Fast heart rate + fever over 102°F: If your heart’s racing and you’ve got a really high fever, that’s a red flag.
- Breathing trouble: Having trouble catching your breath? That’s not something to ignore.
- Irregular heartbeat: If your heart feels like it’s skipping beats or acting weird, it’s time to call someone.
Callout Box:
“Don’t guess. It’s better to get checked.”
Trust me, if you feel any of these things, it’s better to play it safe and have a doctor check things out. Better safe than sorry, right?
Tips for Tracking Your Heart Rate
Alright, so you’re feeling a little off and wondering if your heart rate is acting up? Here are a couple of easy ways to keep track of it yourself:
Use a smartwatch or pulse oximeter – These devices can track your heart rate automatically.
Count manually – Place two fingers on your wrist, count the beats for 15 seconds, and multiply by 4.
Use a fitness tracker app – Many apps allow you to track heart rate using your phone’s camera.
Check your pulse at different times – Take your heart rate in the morning, during activity, and at rest to see how it changes.
Track your symptoms – Keep a record of your heart rate along with any other symptoms, like fever or shortness of breath.
Monitor your recovery – Keep checking your heart rate as you rest and hydrate to see if it stabilizes.
Conclusion
A faster heart rate when you’re sick is often normal. Your body is working hard to fight off the illness, and that can cause your heart to beat faster. But even though it’s usually not a cause for concern, it’s important to listen to your body. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and if something feels off, don’t hesitate to ask for medical help.
Remember, it’s always better to be cautious and check with a doctor if you’re feeling worried, especially if you experience symptoms like chest pain, breathing trouble, or a very high fever. Keep track of how you’re feeling, and take it easy as much as you can.
Have you ever noticed your heart racing during an illness? It’s something many of us experience, but knowing when it’s time to get help can make all the difference in your recovery.
FAQs
1. Why does my heart rate increase when I’m sick?
Your heart rate may increase when you’re sick because your body is working harder to fight off an infection. Conditions like fever, dehydration, and inflammation can cause your heart to pump faster.
2. Can stress make my heart rate go up when I’m sick?
Definitely. Being sick can cause worry and anxiety, which can lead to an increase in your heart rate when sick. It’s important to stay calm and manage stress as much as possible.
3. Can dehydration cause a high heart rate?
Yes, dehydration is a common cause of an elevated heart rate when you’re sick. When your body loses fluids due to fever, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, your heart works harder to pump blood.
4. How can I lower my heart rate when I’m sick?
To help lower your heart rate, focus on staying hydrated, resting, and avoiding stress. If you’re dealing with a fever, cooling your body down with fever-reducing medication can help.
5. Is a fast heart rate dangerous when I’m sick?
A fast heart rate isn’t usually dangerous by itself, but if it’s accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.