One of the signs that you are alive is the presence of heart beat. At about 100,000 beats per minute, however, very few people are aware that one grave hiccup in the normal pattern of the beats can actually prove to be fatal. Here are some more myths and facts about your heart that you should know about in order to keep it healthy:
1. Heart attack happens when you have an abnormal heart beat pattern.
Not many people know it but your heart actually does skip a beat from time to time. This does not, however, mean that you are suffering from a heart attack. In the same line, while skipping a beat might happen every now and then, if it is something that has been happening to you on a regular basis, you should consider visiting the doctor. Keep in mind that arrhythmia is considered to be one of the top causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
2. When you have a fast pulse, you are stressed out.
For most people, having a very fast beating pattern could signal stressful situations. This, however, is not always the case. Consuming coffee as well as experiencing a number of medical conditions including anemia and a number of thyroid conditions can also cause your heart to have a faster beating pattern. One of the cases where you should seek a medical professional would be when you experience faster heart beat even when you are at rest.
3. A heart beat rate between 60 to 100 beats per minute is healthy.
Although the medical profession considers these figures as the normal beating pattern, a heart beat rate that belongs to the higher end of the spectrum could already signal a higher risk for a number of heart conditions. Studies have shown that a heart beat rate of around 80 per minute could already be a sign that you are at risk for obesity and heart diseases later on.
4. If you have a slow heart rate, you might have a weak heart.
Truth be told, a slower heart rate, for as long as it does not fall outside of what is considered a normal range, might actually be healthier. This is because, as with any muscle that is used to constant exertion, it has already managed to pump blood using very little effort. However, this scenario is typically true for younger individuals. In the case of the elderly, a slower heart rate could be a case for concern and should warrant a visit to the doctor.
5. A normal beat rate means a normal blood pressure.
Although the beat of the heart produces the pressure needed in order to get blood going, it is not a good indicator of whether you are prone to high blood pressure. In fact, there are cases of individuals with a normal resting heart rate who are actually suffering from hypertension.
Knowing the different myths and facts about your heart beat is one thing, and being prepared is another. To make sure that you are ready for any problem, it would be a good idea to attend CPR trainings and certification programs.
