Hypoglycemia is a medical condition wherein the body’s blood sugar levels are below the normal range. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the body’s primary source of energy, and when it isn’t enough, complications will immediately arise. An individual with 99 mg/dL of blood glucose is typically considered normal. Anything between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes, and a reading of 126 mg/dL is considered high. When the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dL, then hypoglycemia occurs.
Low blood sugar is typically caused by taking too much insulin or not eating enough carbohydrates for the amount of insulin taken as part of the medication for diabetes. However, it can also be caused by alcohol intake, the amount of fiber, protein, and fat in the diet, hot and humid weather, and menstruation.
Blood sugar fluctuates throughout the day, and if the person is unaware of their sugar levels, they must be able to identify when their glucose levels drop for better management. One of the best ways to immediately increase blood sugar levels is to take high-carbohydrate food such as fruit juice, regular sodas, white rice, potato, and sugary candies. They can provide enough sugar to perk up the bloodstream.
Fast Heartbeat
Fast heartbeat, otherwise known as tachycardia, refers to a heart rate that’s too fast compared to standards. A healthy adult has a regular heart rate that ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Anything that is higher than 100 bpm is considered fast. Typically, a fast heart rate isn’t a cause for concern, especially if it’s due to strenuous exercise sessions. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious heart concerns such as heart failure, strokes, or cardiac-related death.
Tachycardia can be caused by anxiety or panic attacks, fever, dehydration, anemia, pregnancy, too much caffeine or liquor, or illegal drugs such as methamphetamines or cocaine. There are three types of tachycardia: atrial, sinus, and ventricular. These forms of tachycardia can be caused by rapidly firing electric impulses in the upper and lower heart chambers. When the electrical signals aren’t firing normally, they interfere with the function of the sinoatrial node, which leads to the chambers not filling up correctly between contractions. When this happens, the blood flow becomes compromised.
Reducing tobacco and alcohol intake and better sleep quality can help treat a fast heartbeat. Also, medication, radiofrequency ablation, surgery, and, in extreme cases, defibrillation can cure tachycardia.
