sometimes my heart rate goes up to 170bpm and i take cold sweats for no reason, am i going to die?

Answer 1

First - PLEASE IGNORE the insensitive people here who have said that you are going to die, and don't let that thought embed itself any deeper in your mind. You are NOT going to die. Tell yourself this, and believe it.

Second - Although you are in no immediate mortal danger, you definitely need to go and see a doctor about this, as soon as you can. There are a number of possible physiological causes that need to be investigated and eliminated.

Third - Though you should go to see your doctor soon, just to be safe, I would not worry about this too much. It does sound as if you may be suffering from panic disorder, and my money is on this being the most likely cause.

Do you find that you get these attacks at the same time of day, or whenever you are in a particular sitiuation, or talking to a particular person etc? These are all clues that it may be panic disorder - it tends to follow a pattern of routine re-occurence. The cycle of anxiety needs to be broken. One way this is accomplished is through anti-anxiety medication, typically for a few months to break the pattern. Try not to become dependant on medication, though - if it is panic disorder you are suffering from, you need to press your doctor for CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Not everyone needs this, sometimes just a course of tablets for a few months is enough. Some people learn to control the problem by themselves.

The suggestions given by others here to try to cut down on salt and boost your potassium intake are worth listening to. Low potassium/sodium balance tends to increase blood pressure and also susceptibility to racing heartbeat (sinus tachycardia). However don't overdose on bananas! Before you make any serious changes to your diet it would be best if your doctor performs some blood tests to check various levels. They will then advise on the best course of action.

If you have another attack, it may be worth checking yourself in to your nearest emergency room, so that they can give you an ECG to monitor your heart rythmn. Your doctor may also want to have you wear a 24-hour ECG monitor (a thing that clips onto your belt and records your heart trace throughout the day).

Once again, don't worry. 170bpm is certainly fast but not life-threatening unless you already have a very weak heart. You haven't mentioned any chest pains so it doesn't sound as if this is the case. But do go to the doctor and get checked out as soon as you can - just in case.

Answer 2

A heart rate of 170 is very high but whether or not it is dangerous depends on many factors -- like your age, fitness level, and such things as possible infections. When a person's heart rate suddenly climbs for no apparent reason then it is referred to as 'tachycardia' (which just means 'fast heart beat').

Others have mentioned possible causes, but the key thing is to call your doctor. S/he will want to see you very quickly and find the cause. Most of these conditions are treatable and it's best to get things under control ASAP, but first the cause must be verified. You will probably be given an ECG test, which is done by attaching little monitor things to your chest. I've had them and it's harmless and also painless. (No needles!)

Call your doctor right away. If you don't have one, at least consult with a qualified health professional in a local hospital. Again, I am sure they will want to see you pronto.

Lenky

Answer 3

When your heart does this do you break out into the cold sweat before, during or after? What are you doing/thinking? Are you in a high stress job or life situation?

Sounds as though you have tachycardia that can be caused from several things, stress, genetics, allergies and so on and so forth.

I have tachycardia and sometimes my heart rate will shoot up to 150bpm without warning, I kinow now that its okay but that was AFTER I went to see my heart doctor, you need to be seen and if your unable to pay for one, go through the ER the next time it happens and the docs there can call the on call doctor. When this happens to me I take an anti-anxiety medication and that helps but you have to be seen to get the proper diagnosis. In the meantime practice breathing techniques and meditation, that might help you through the attacks when it happens. Just concentrate on slow breathing and relaxation.

That is what we recommend to our patients that need to be seen but do not have any health insurance or money.

Answer 4

170bpm??? I can't imagine a person still being alive after that. Normal is 62. You should be dead already your heart is pumping so much blood through your system it would go into cardiac arrest. It's the same thing with a person who has a heart attack from abusing "speed" drugs like cocaine. If that is happening you got something serious going on.

Answer 5

You could be experiencing what's know as a panic or anxiety attack. It is thought that people who suffer anxiety attacks become overly sensitive to the physical changes their body undergoes when under stress. This creates further panic as the person worries about these physical symptoms hence leading to internalised anxiety. I would recommend you speak to your GP about the symptoms you are feeling to first eliminate any medical cause. Should none be found, be asked to be referred to a psychologist who can talk through the way you are feeling and the situations you are in when you experience these symptoms. One thing to mention, a high pulse and cold sweats can be due to high sodium levels therefore try to cut down on salt in the meanwhile. Hope this helps & good luck!

Answer 6

Are you unable to withstand cold? If so then you should have your thyroid checked. But either way get to the doctor IMMEDIATELY! If you have no insurance an emergency room will still see you.
If your heart quits then thats the end chapter in your life.
170 beats per minute is high even when excercising.
Get to the doctor.

Answer 7

Sounds like a panic attack.I've had them and it does feel as if you're going to die.Make an appointment with your Doctor just to rule out a heart problem,and ask for an anti-anxiety medication.I always find that deep breathing and just going outside for some air helps to calm my nerves.I hope you feel better.It's no fun thinking you're going to die all the time.

Answer 8

no u aint gonna die , u may be suffering from tachycardia, u need to go to ur doctor and get checked out asap, he can give u tablets to regulate your pulse but u may have to go to hospital for tests firstor if that is notthe problem u may be having panic attacks which are the same symptoms, i know cos i used to have them when i was young, i know all about this stuff cos im an accident and emergency nurse and i see it a lot, i hope i have been helpful, all the best

Answer 9

you have a cardiovascular disease..im quite sure. not a joke, it's fatal..sweating w/o any reason is a form of diaphoresis - a symptom of a Myocardial Infarction..also called as heart attack. if ur having a hard time inhaling or exhaling, ur body is having a difficulty on catching up oxygen for ur heart that's why u have 170bpm

Answer 10

Die because of high heart rate?I don't think so...As far as I know the upper limit for that is 250 or so...but you should immidiately go to a doctor...it can be panic attack,hypertension attack or it could be something more serious like ventricular tachicardia...