Dangerous Heart Rate With Afib

AFib is a common heart condition that presents in the form of irregular and often rapid heartbeat. While a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, AFib can spike it significantly. But how fast is too fast? What is the dangerous heart rate with AFib?

Heart Rates With AFib

According to experts, there are certain heart rate danger zones for AFib patients. A resting heart rate that is persistently over 110-130 beats per minute or exercise rate exceeding 170 beats per minute is the entrance of a high-risk category.

Moreover, anything beyond 220 minus your age in maximum heart rate is an emergency, a red flag.

Safe Zone

90-110 bpm is the resting heart rate and 150 bpm at the time of exercise. This zone indicates adequate rate control that avoids complications.

Cautious Zone

110-130 bpm resting heart rate along with 150-170 bpm during exercise. Tachycardia in this zone may initiate the risk of problems. Careful monitoring is advised.

Danger Zone

Anything over 130 bpm resting heart rate and greater than 170 bpm during exercise. High risk for cardiovascular events and mortality is present and may require initiating urgent medical intervention.

Maximum HR

The rate is a value exceeding anything over 220 bpm minus your age. Higher rates dramatically increase complications such as the incidence of stroke, heart failure and fainting, necessitating immediate treatment.

Irregularity

Anyone with AFib should look out for irregular heart rhythm and intensity of beats rather than just heart rate. Increased deviation and variability is a warning sign.

Safety Protocols

Initiating precautionary protocols or steps to handle each zone may be different.

Safe Zone lies between 90 to 110 bpm at the time of rest, up to 150 bpm during exercise:

• If your heart rate with AFib is in this range, maintain lifestyle measures like hydration, sleep, nutrition, stress management.
• Strictly abide by AFib treatment as advised by your cardiologist.
• Continue with daily monitoring and follow-up.

Caution Zone is between 110-130 bpm resting and 150-170 bpm during exercise:

• Steer clear of anything strenuous, intake of excessive caffeine, alcohol, or stimulants.
• Rest by sitting or lying down until your heart rate goes down.
• Ask for immediate help if the heart rate remains elevated after resting.
• Consider asking for medications or dosage adjustments to better control your heart rate.

Danger Zone over 130 bpm resting and over 170 bpm during exercise:

• Immediately stop whatever you are doing and either sit or lie down immediately.
• Use methods such as deep breathing, splashing your face with cold water for control.
• Take prescribed rate control medications stat.
• Call doctor right away or go to emergency room
• If loss of consciousness is seen, chest pains or fainting – call 911

Closing Note

Monitoring heart rate with AFib is crucial to stay out of danger zones. If you need help, do not hesitate. Whatever your symptoms are, contact Dr. Rajesh Ramineni, a 5-star rated cardiologist in The Woodlands, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the field of Echocardiography at Healthy Living Heart and Vein, to deal with your needs. You can consult us at (936) 978-0466 to schedule an appointment. Your health is our priority, and we are ready to assist you in every way possible.