Fast Heart Rate
One of the most common symptoms of sepsis is an abnormally fast heart rate, which can often signify that the condition is progressing to septic shock. Septic shock is a serious complication of sepsis in which low blood pressure and organ failure occur.
It’s estimated that up to 50 percent of people with sepsis will develop septic shock. One of the most common signs of septic shock is tachycardia or an abnormally fast heart rate. Tachycardia occurs when there is an imbalance between the supply of oxygenated blood to the body and its demand. This can lead to organ damage and even death if not treated promptly.
Abnormally fast heart rate or tachycardia is typically diagnosed based on medical history, symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, additional tests may be ordered to rule out underlying medical conditions as the cause of tachycardia. These tests may include electrocardiography (EKG), echocardiography (echo), or Holter monitoring (ambulatory EKG).
