Too many heart emergencies are called “sudden.” My mission is to make them preventable.

A heart rate is considered too high when it is consistently elevated for the situation you are in or when it is accompanied by symptoms. For most adults: • A normal resting heart rate is roughly 60 to 100 beats per minute • During physical activity, heart rate normally rises and can safely go higher • At rest, a sustained heart rate above 100 beats per minute is generally considered elevated and may need evaluation When a high heart rate is more concerning A high heart rate should be evaluated if it: • Occurs at rest without a clear reason • Is persistent or worsening • Is associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or extreme fatigue • Feels irregular or erratic • Is new in someone with heart disease, thyroid conditions, anemia, or recent illness Clinically, we often look at hydration status, blood pressure, oxygen levels, thyroid function, medications, and overall cardiovascular health to understand why heart rate is elevated. -- Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.

Heart palpitations and a fast heartbeat during pregnancy are very common and often normal. As the body adapts to increased blood volume and cardiac demand, many people notice: • A racing heartbeat • Skipped or extra beats • A fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest In most healthy pregnancies, this reflects normal cardiovascular adaptation rather than heart disease. That said, not all palpitations should be ignored. When pregnancy heart palpitations are more likely to be benign Palpitations are usually low risk when they: • Come and go • Occur with stress, anxiety, dehydration, caffeine, or poor sleep • Improve with rest or hydration • Are not accompanied by other symptoms When a fast heartbeat during pregnancy should be evaluated It is important to speak with a healthcare professional if palpitations are: • Persistent or worsening • Associated with dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath • Occurring at rest with a very rapid heart rate • New in someone with a history of heart disease, thyroid conditions, or anemia Clinically, factors such as iron levels, thyroid function, hydration, and blood pressure are often evaluated, as they commonly contribute to pregnancy-related palpitations. -- Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.

Yes. Menopause can cause heart flutters, and this is a common concern during the menopausal transition. Fluctuations and declines in estrogen affect the autonomic nervous system, blood vessels, and the electrical activity of the heart. As a result, many people experience sensations such as: • Fluttering or skipped beats • A racing or irregular heartbeat • Sudden awareness of the heartbeat, especially at rest or at night Heart flutters during menopause are often benign, but they can feel alarming. When menopause-related heart flutters are more likely to be benign They are usually low risk when they: • Occur intermittently • Coincide with hot flashes, stress, anxiety, or poor sleep • Improve with hydration, stress reduction, or sleep • Are not associated with other symptoms When heart flutters during menopause should be evaluated It is important to seek medical evaluation if flutters are: • Persistent or worsening • Associated with dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath • Occurring with very rapid or irregular heart rhythms • New in someone with known heart disease, thyroid conditions, or anemia Clinically, factors such as hormone changes, thyroid function, iron levels, sleep quality, stress, and blood pressure are commonly assessed. -- Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.

Yes. A heart attack can sometimes feel like heartburn, indigestion, or upper abdominal discomfort. Heart-related pain does not always present as sharp chest pain. Some people experience a burning, pressure-like, or uncomfortable sensation in the chest or upper abdomen that can be mistaken for acid reflux or heartburn. When heartburn-like symptoms are more concerning Symptoms deserve urgent medical evaluation if they: • Feel like pressure, tightness, or heaviness rather than typical burning • Occur with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue • Spread to the arm, neck, jaw, back, or shoulders • Occur with exertion or emotional stress • Do not improve with antacids or rest This type of presentation is more common in women, older adults, and people with diabetes. -- Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.

Chest or heart pain during pregnancy should never be ignored, but it is important to know that not all chest discomfort is caused by the heart. During pregnancy, many people experience chest pain related to non-cardiac causes such as: • Muscle and rib strain as posture changes • Acid reflux or heartburn • Breast and chest wall tenderness • Anxiety or stress These types of pain are often sharp, positional, brief, or related to movement or meals rather than exertion. When heart pain during pregnancy may be more concerning Evaluation by a healthcare professional is important if chest pain: • Feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing • Occurs with shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or sweating • Radiates to the arm, jaw, back, or neck • Worsens with physical activity • Is new, severe, or persistent Although serious cardiac causes are uncommon in healthy pregnancies, pregnancy places additional strain on the heart and circulation. Conditions such as high blood pressure disorders, blood clots, or underlying heart disease can occasionally present with chest pain. -- Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.

Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, and they do not always look the same. While chest pain is common, some people experience more subtle signs. Common heart attack symptoms include: • Chest pressure, tightness, heaviness, or pain • Pain that may spread to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen • Shortness of breath • Nausea or vomiting • Cold sweats • Lightheadedness or dizziness • Unusual fatigue Some individuals, particularly women, older adults, and people with diabetes, may experience less typical symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or discomfort without clear chest pain.

Yes. Heart attack pain can come and go, especially in the early stages. Many people expect heart attack pain to be sudden and constant, but in reality it can be intermittent. Discomfort may build gradually, ease temporarily, and then return. Some people experience waves of pressure, tightness, or discomfort rather than continuous pain. When intermittent pain is more concerning Intermittent chest or heart-related pain should be evaluated urgently if it: • Feels like pressure, tightness, or heaviness • Occurs with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue • Radiates to the arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulder • Worsens with physical activity or emotional stress • Returns repeatedly over a short period of time -- Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It does not replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.