Racing Heart While Sitting: Causes & What to Do

Tachycardia at rest has multiple potential causes:

• Anxiety/panic attacks: Sudden heart rate increase with sweating, dyspnea, dizziness.
• Stress response: Adrenaline release; problematic if chronic.
• Thyroid dysfunction: Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic rate and heart rate.
• Dehydration: Reduced blood volume triggers compensatory tachycardia.
• Medications/substances: Decongestants, asthma inhalers, stimulants, caffeine, nicotine, illicit drugs.
• Cardiac conditions: Arrhythmias, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy.

Seek immediate care if accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or dizziness. For recurrent/persistent episodes, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation (ECG, Holter monitor, blood tests) and targeted treatment.