Feeling under the weather affects our bodies in numerous ways. Depending on the illness’s cause, you might experience muscle aches, an upset stomach, fever, low energy, lack of appetite, and more. Illness can also impact various automatic functions of our body, such as heart rate. As per the Mayo Clinic, a healthy resting heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, our heart rate often increases when we’re sick. It’s not uncommon for our heart rate to rise when we’re nervous or engaging in vigorous exercise, but how does it accelerate when we feel congested and lethargic?
In essence, it’s all about our immune system. When we’re unwell, our immune system springs into action to eliminate the virus. This process requires increased circulation to our crucial germ-fighting organs, demanding more from our heart. Consequently, we experience a rise in heart rate. “If a person’s physical demands for more blood increase, then the heart rate is generally the first to increase to meet that demand,” Dr. Mark Tuttle, a cardiologist at Banner Health, explained to HealthOne.
It’s normal to experience an increased heart rate when sick
An elevated heart rate when sick is generally nothing to worry about. It actually signifies that your body is working as it should. Researchers from an early 1986 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine monitored the heart rates of 27 sick young men over 24 hours. These participants were ill with either the adenovirus, flu, bacterial pneumonia, or an undefined illness. While sick, the men’s average heart rate was found to be 84 beats per minute. Each time a participant’s body temperature rose by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, they experienced an increase of 8.5 heartbeats per minute. A higher-than-usual heart rate continued to be observed even as the men slept. However, those with preexisting heart issues might face more serious health complications if they contract a cold or the flu, as noted by GoodRx Health.
When illness may pose risks to our heart health
While a cold may not always present issues for those with heart disease, developing bronchitis afterward could lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, according to GoodRx Health. Individuals with chronic bronchitis, characterized by airway inflammation and respiratory symptoms persisting for over three months across two years, might also experience a faster heart rate, known as tachycardia, as explained by Advocate Health Care. Pneumonia can also increase our heart rate, as noted by Harvard Health Publishing. In some cases, pneumonia can elevate our heart rate to 150 beats per minute. Conversely, if someone with heart issues contracts the flu, they might become more susceptible to heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure.
Everyone gets sick at some point. Therefore, to prevent an illness-related increase in heart rate, it’s best to maintain good health. By keeping up with routine vaccinations, eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and diligently washing our hands, we can keep germs at bay. If you become sick and experience an accelerated heart rate along with dehydration, fatigue, difficulty breathing, confusion, or chest pain, seek emergency care promptly.
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