Call
+918447748545

Published on: Apr 03, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

What Your Heart Rate Is Telling You?

Your heart rate can tell you a lot about your current state of health. A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but this can vary depending on your age, fitness level, and other factors. If your heart rate is outside of this range, it could be an indication that something is wrong. For example, if you have a very low heart rate (bradycardia), it could be caused by an underlying medical condition such as heart disease or hypothyroidism. On the other hand, if you have a high heart rate (tachycardia), it could be due to stress, anxiety, or overexertion.

An increased or faster heartbeat can be caused by exercise, anxiety, stress, fever, anemia, low blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, or using tobacco products. A decreased or slower heartbeat can be caused by dehydration, shock, heart blockage, or a weakened cardiovascular system. Checking your pulse rate can give you valuable information about your health and well-being. Certain medical conditions can cause an abnormal heart rate. For example, atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition that causes the heart to beat in an irregular rate.

Your heart rate is telling you how hard your heart is working. The harder your heart works, the faster it will beat. If you're just relaxing, your heart rate will be lower than if you're running a marathon. Your heart rate can also give you information about your overall fitness level. A higher resting heart rate usually means that you're not in as good of shape as someone with a lower resting heart rate. Heart rate can also be affected by other things like medications, stress, and anxiety. So if you think something might be affecting your heart rate, it's always best to talk to a doctor to get their opinion.

You can check your own resting heart rate by feeling for your pulse on your wrist or neck for 15 seconds and then multiplying that number by 4. Variations in resting heart rate are normal, but if you notice a consistently high or low resting heart rate, it could be an indication of an underlying health condition and you should consult with a doctor.

Your heart rate is telling you a lot about your current level of physical fitness. A higher heart rate means that your body is working harder to pump blood around, and this can be an indication that you need to increase your level of fitness. A lower heart rate, on the other hand, means that your body is more efficient at pumping blood and can be a sign of good cardiovascular health. So, if you're wondering what your heart rate is telling you, it's giving you a pretty good idea of how fit (or not fit) you currently are! Your heart rate tells you a lot about your physical and emotional state. It can indicate whether you're stressed, nervous, or excited, and it can also give you clues about your overall fitness level. If your heart rate is below 60 bpm, it's called bradycardia, and if it's above 100 bpm, it's called tachycardia

We can use our heart rate as a tool to better understand our bodies and how we're feeling. For example, if you've just exerted yourself physically, your heart rate will likely increase. This is because your body needs more oxygen to fuel your muscles. There's a lot that your heart rate can tell you about your general health and well-being. For one, it can be a good indicator of how physically fit you are. A higher resting heart rate usually means that you're not in great shape, while a lower resting heart rate usually indicates that you're in good physical condition. Secondly, your heart rate can also give you some insight into how stressed or anxious you might be feeling. A rapid heart rate is often a sign of stress or anxiety, while a slow heart rate can indicate relaxation.

Read Blog

why fatigue should not be ignored

Feeling tired occasionally is a normal response to physical exertion, lack of sleep or emotional stress. However, when fatigue becomes persistent, overwhelming or unexplained, it should not be dismissed. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported in healthcare, yet it is also one of the most frequently ignored.

Understanding why fatigue should not be ignored is essential because it often acts as an early warning sign of deeper physical or mental health issues.

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is a state of ongoing physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that:

lasts longer than expected
interferes with daily activities
does not improve with rest or sleep

Unlike ordinary tiredness, fatigue affects motivation, concentration and overall functioning.

Why Fatigue Is Commonly Ignored

Fatigue is often dismissed because:

busy lifestyles normalise exhaustion
symptoms develop gradually
people attribute fatigue to stress or ageing
rest temporarily masks the issue

Ignoring fatigue allows underlying conditions to progress unnoticed.

Common Medical Causes of Persistent Fatigue

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in:

iron
vitamin B12
vitamin D
magnesium

can significantly reduce energy levels and cause weakness.

Anaemia

Anaemia reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to:

constant tiredness
breathlessness
dizziness

It is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of fatigue.

Thyroid Disorders

Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions affect metabolism.

Symptoms include:

fatigue
weight changes
cold or heat intolerance

Thyroid-related fatigue often persists despite rest.

Chronic Infections

Low-grade or unresolved infections keep the immune system activated, causing prolonged fatigue.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones regulate energy, sleep and metabolism.

Imbalance may lead to:

exhaustion
poor sleep
low motivation

Poor Sleep Quality

Even with sufficient sleep duration, poor sleep quality can cause fatigue due to:

sleep apnea
frequent awakenings
stress-related insomnia

Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression and chronic stress commonly present with fatigue as a primary symptom.

Mental fatigue is as real and impactful as physical fatigue.

Lifestyle Factors That Worsen Fatigue

Certain habits intensify tiredness:

irregular meals
excessive caffeine
dehydration
lack of physical activity
prolonged screen use

Lifestyle-related fatigue often coexists with medical causes.

How Fatigue Affects Daily Life

Persistent fatigue impacts:

work performance
concentration and memory
emotional regulation
physical activity
social relationships

Over time, quality of life declines significantly.

Warning Signs That Fatigue Needs Medical Attention

Seek evaluation if fatigue:

lasts more than two weeks
worsens progressively
occurs with weight loss or fever
is associated with breathlessness
interferes with daily tasks

These signs suggest an underlying issue.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Early identification of fatigue causes:

prevents disease progression
simplifies treatment
improves recovery time
restores normal energy levels

Delayed care often leads to chronic complications.

Diagnostic Evaluation for Fatigue

Assessment may include:

detailed history
blood tests
nutritional screening
hormonal evaluation
sleep assessment

Testing helps identify root causes rather than treating symptoms alone.

Can Fatigue Be Prevented?

Some preventive measures include:

balanced nutrition
adequate hydration
regular physical activity
consistent sleep routine
stress management

However, prevention does not replace evaluation when fatigue persists.

Fatigue and Chronic Disease Risk

Long-term fatigue may be linked to:

cardiovascular disease
metabolic disorders
immune dysfunction

This makes fatigue an important early health signal.

When Rest Is Not Enough

If energy does not return after:

adequate sleep
reduced workload
lifestyle changes

medical evaluation is essential.

The Cost of Ignoring Fatigue

Ignoring fatigue can lead to:

delayed diagnosis
worsening health conditions
reduced productivity
emotional burnout

Listening to the body early prevents long-term consequences.

Conclusion

Fatigue is not merely a sign of a busy life—it is often the body’s way of signalling imbalance or illness. Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest should never be ignored. Whether caused by nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, chronic stress or underlying disease, fatigue deserves attention. Early evaluation and timely care can restore energy, prevent complications and significantly improve quality of life. Listening to fatigue is an act of self-care and preventive health.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Fatigue and Lifestyle Health Report
World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Fatigue and Health Guidelines
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Nutrient Deficiency and Energy Research
Lancet – Fatigue as a Marker of Chronic Disease Studie
Indian Journal of Medicine – Persistent Fatigue and Diagnosis
Statista – Fatigue, Stress and Health Trend Analysis

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.