From simple shortness of breath to persistent tachycardia, the pulse can reveal silent abnormalities long before serious complications develop.
What is a “normal” pulse?
For the majority of adults, a resting pulse is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Among high-level athletes, this figure can drop between 40 and 60 bpm, a sign of a particularly toned heart.
As Dr Gérald Kierzek points out: “Monitoring your pulse allows you to assess your cardiovascular health, detect abnormalities early and monitor the effectiveness of your lifestyle habits. By identifying variations in this rhythm, it becomes easier to prevent heart disease in the long term.
Tachycardia: when the heart races
We speak of tachycardia when the pulse exceeds 100 bpm at rest. While a simple fever can accelerate the rate, other factors such as stress, dehydration, anemia or hyperthyroidism are often to blame.
“A persistently high pulse prematurely wears out the heart, promoting heart failure, heart attack or vascular disorders. This increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality, such as sudden death in the following ten to fifteen years“, warns Dr. Kierzek. Beyond 130 or 150 bpm, or if the rhythm becomes irregular, this can signal a more complex arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation.
Symptoms that should alert you
A rapid pulse is rarely isolated. It is often accompanied by signals sent by the body that should not be ignored. In addition to abnormal shortness of breath, you may experience severe fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, or chest pain.
Dr. Kierzek specifies that these manifestations are crucial for the diagnosis.
“These signs indicate a possible cardiovascular emergency. If the pulse abnormality is accompanied by cold sweats, dizziness or loss of consciousness, action must be taken without delay.”
When should you be concerned and consult?
It is not necessary to measure your pulse every day, but certain deviations require medical advice.
Consult urgently (call 15) if:
- Your pulse is irregular, too fast (>100 bpm) or too slow (<50 bpm) at rest;
- The abnormality is accompanied by chest pain, syncope or marked shortness of breath;
- Symptoms occur during exercise or in a person over 60 years old.
Make an appointment for an assessment if:
- You experience frequent extrasystoles (the feeling that the heart is stopping and starting again);
- Your pulse remains persistently high despite a healthy lifestyle.
The doctor will then be able to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood test. To protect your heart, Dr. Kierzek reiterates the importance of regular physical activity, a balanced diet and good stress management.