A buildup of fatty substances in the arteries, called atherosclerosis, is the most common cause of coronary artery disease. Stephen Kopecky, M.D., talks about the risk factors, symptoms and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery disease until you have a heart attack, angina, a stroke or heart failure. Cardiovascular surgery appointment process in Rochester, Minnesota A typical heart has two upper and two lower chambers. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. Our surgeons also participate in innovative studies to improve donor hearts and lungs before they are transplanted. Cardiovascular surgeons also perform surgery at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Mayo Clinic Health System clinics, hospitals and other healthcare facilities are in 39 communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Pediatric cardiac surgery is provided to children at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Our surgeons also are experts in helping people who need a second heart operation. Mayo Clinic Minute: Identifying and treating atrial fibrillation The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. If a fast heart rate is caused by exercise or stress, it's called sinus tachycardia. Treatment for tachycardia may include specific actions or movements, medicine, cardioversion, or surgery to control a rapid heartbeat. So don't be afraid to seek out information and ask your doctors about coronary artery disease. Discovering you have coronary artery disease can be overwhelming. The movement of the signals causes the heart to squeeze and pump blood. They pass through a pathway between the upper and lower heart chambers called the atrioventricular (AV) node. The heart's electrical signals start in a group of cells at the top of the heart called the sinus node. Food makers also may add sodium to processed foods, such as bread and soup.While the typical resting heart rate for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute, heart rates can vary at different times.A congenital heart defect happens while a baby is growing in the womb.The movement of the signals causes the heart to squeeze and pump blood.A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a buildup of plaques in the arteries, called atherosclerosis.The resting heart rate is typically 60 to 100 beats a minute.Other types of tachycardia are grouped according to cause and the part of the heart causing the fast heart rate. They are experts in treating serious conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and disease of the pericardium and in performing complex procedures. Your team also might include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dietitians and geneticists. This approach has helped many people recover more quickly than is possible with traditional surgery. A normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults. It's also a good idea to learn Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) properly so you can help someone who's having a heart attack. Here are ways to prevent a heart attack. It's never too late to take steps to prevent a heart attack — even if you've already had one. If a plaque breaks open, it can cause a blood clot in the heart. By reviewing all the gathered medical information in advance, our surgeons are able to more efficiently provide the surgical recommendation. This information will allow the cardiac surgery team at Mayo to clearly understand the patient concerns. Cardiovascular surgery appointment process, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN Our surgeons also combine heart and lung transplantations with surgeries for other organs, such as the liver and kidneys. This allows more people to benefit from heart and lung transplantation. An example of an irregular heart rhythm is atrial fibrillation (AFib). Irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, are one cause. Most heart conditions can lead to different forms of tachycardia. Tachycardia is an increased heart rate for any reason. Learn how lifestyle changes can lower your risk.However, many heart attacks have minimal or no symptoms and are found later during routine testing.Eating foods with lots of added sodium can lead to high blood pressure.Angioplasty is often followed by the placement of a small wire mesh tube called a stent.Your health care provider may use ECG results to describe these types of heart attacks.A typical heart has two upper and two lower chambers.Coronary angioplasty treats vessels, called coronary arteries, which deliver blood to heart muscles. There are many different types of heart disease. Heart disease causes depend on the specific type of heart disease. If a heart valve lets blood flow backward, it's called regurgitation. They'll be able to look at your medical history, do a physical exam and order routine blood work. Physical inactivity, long periods of unrelieved stress in your life, an unhealthy diet and smoking can all increase your risk. High blood pressure can thicken your arteries, narrowing your blood flow. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even a heart attack. Heart disease can sometimes be found early with regular health checkups. Women's Heart Clinic First, getting older can mean more damaged and narrowed arteries. However, too much buildup can lead to a blockage, obstructing blood flow. This process is called atherosclerosis. A buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls usually causes coronary artery disease. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. You might know that eating certain foods can raise your heart disease risk. A doctor trained in heart diseases, called a cardiologist, examines you and reviews your medical history. Learn how lifestyle changes can lower your risk. Talk with your healthcare team about any concerns. If the very fast heartbeat continues, it may weaken the heart muscle. Atrial tachycardia symptoms may be hard to see in infants and young children. It may happen in people who have had heart surgery or who are pregnant. Then it returns to a heart rate of around 60 to 80 beats a minute. With planning and a few simple food swaps, you can eat with your heart in mind. But don't let treats turn into an excuse for giving up on your healthy-eating plan. Our heart (cardiac) and chest (thoracic) surgeons diagnose and surgically treat conditions of the heart, lungs and chest. Heart attack complications are often due to heart muscle damage. But many people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. Living with heart disease? Talk with your healthcare professional if your resting heart rate is regularly above 100 beats per minute. But a heart rate that's often too high or too low may signal a health issue. A lower resting heart rate usually means the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood through the body. Not all heart attacks are caused by blocked arteries. Your health care provider may use ECG results to describe these types of heart attacks. Fluids and other medicines, such as blood thinners, also are given through the IV. A healthcare professional inserts an IV into your arm or hand. Coronary angioplasty and stenting is usually done in the hospital in a room with special X-ray and imaging machines. However, it can be a concern if you have heart damage or another heart condition. Atrial tachycardia isn't usually life-threatening. These electrical signals control the heartbeat. The fast heartbeat may come and go suddenly, or it can be ongoing. Women may have atypical symptoms such as brief or sharp pain felt in the neck, arm or back. Sometimes, a plaque can rupture and form a clot that blocks blood flow. The process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine are other stimulants that can cause changes in the heart's rhythm. Some cold and cough medicines have stimulants that may start a rapid heartbeat. Treatment for tachycardia may include specific actions or movements, medicine, cardioversion, or surgery to control a rapid heartbeat.Cardiovascular surgeons also perform surgery at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.Lifestyle changes or treatment of heart conditions may lower the risk of tachycardia.Get help right away if you think you're having a heart attack.Women may have atypical symptoms such as brief or sharp pain felt in the neck, arm or back.Doing this helps the doctor check for blockages in the heart arteries. If a valve flap doesn't open or close properly, less blood moves out of the heart to the rest of the body. Four valves in the heart keep blood flowing in the right direction. The lower chambers, the more muscular right and left ventricles, pump blood out of the heart. Always call 911 or your local emergency number if you think you might be having a heart attack. Symptoms of heart valve disease depend on which valve isn't working right. But much of the sodium you eat comes from canned or processed foods. Food makers also may add sodium to processed foods, such as bread and soup. It’s found naturally in some foods, such as celery or milk. Eating plant protein instead of animal protein lowers the amounts of fat and cholesterol you take in. Choose lean proteins and healthy fats, and limit salty foods. Certain types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fats called triglycerides. Flaxseeds are small brown seeds that are high in fiber and healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids. When used in place of saturated fats, unsaturated fats may help lower your total blood cholesterol. Tachycardia In the beginning, cardiomyopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. Some congenital heart defects may not be found until later in childhood or during adulthood. Serious congenital heart defects usually are noticed soon after birth. The flaps open and close once during each heartbeat. Each valve has flaps, called leaflets or cusps. They keep blood flowing in the right direction. The heart valves are gates at the chamber openings. The upper chambers, the right and left atria, receive incoming blood. Mayo Clinic electrophysiologist Fred Kusumoto, M.D., explains what happens in the heart to create atrial fibrillation and what can be done to fix it. Such problems may include heart failure, stroke or sudden cardiac death. Some forms of tachycardia can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. For instance, the heart rate usually rises during exercise or as a response to stress. A fast heart rate isn't always a concern. Polyunsaturated fats are found in certain fish and in avocados, nuts and seeds. Monounsaturated fats are found in products such as olive oil or canola oil. Trans fats may be listed as partially hydrogenated oil on the ingredient label. Find out which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit. Angioplasty with stenting does not treat the underlying causes of blockages in your arteries. How long you stay in the hospital after angioplasty and stenting depends on why the procedure was done. Your healthcare team tells you how long the procedure is expected to take. The same lifestyle changes used to manage heart disease also may help prevent it. If this happens, it's called congenital heart valve disease. If there's too much cholesterol in the blood, the cholesterol and other substances may form deposits called plaque. To understand the causes of heart disease, it may help to understand how the heart works. Angioplasty and stent placement Mayo Clinic surgeons are on the leading edge of treating cardiovascular and cardiothoracic conditions, using the latest innovations, such as minimally invasive heart surgery with robot-assisted techniques. While the typical resting heart rate for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute, heart rates can vary at different times. Wearable devices typically show your resting heart rate and make it easy to track, but they may not always be accurate. The best time to check your resting heart rate is when you get up in the morning. This is usually due to cholesterol-containing deposits called plaques. If someone is unconscious and you think they're having a heart attack, first call 911 or your local emergency number. Get help right away if you think you're having a heart attack. Angina is caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart. Sometimes, the first symptom sign of a heart attack is sudden cardiac arrest. The resting heart rate is typically 60 to 100 beats a minute. In a healthy heart, this signaling process usually goes smoothly. Inside the upper right heart chamber is a group of cells called the sinus node. To understand the cause of tachycardia, it may be helpful to know how the heart usually works. Your heart rate, pulse, blood pressure and oxygen level are continuously checked before, during and after the procedure. Tests are done to check your heart health and other conditions that may increase the risk of complications. Coronary angioplasty and stent placement also are called percutaneous coronary intervention. A tiny balloon on a narrow tube, called a catheter, is used to widen a clogged artery and improve blood flow. Coronary angioplasty (AN-jee-o-plas-tee) is a procedure to open clogged blood vessels of the heart. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Heart disease is easier to treat when found early. Many things can damage the heart valves. Learn more about women's heart health research in the Cardiovascular Research Center and the Women's Health Research Center.A normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults.Our surgeons also are experts in helping people who need a second heart operation.Many types of irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, can cause tachycardia.So don't be afraid to seek out information and ask your doctors about coronary artery disease.But much of the sodium you eat comes from canned or processed foods. If you think you may have symptoms of heart disease, make an appointment for a health checkup. There are a number of risk factors, common red flags, that can contribute to this and ultimately lead to coronary artery disease. But there are ways to prevent coronary artery disease, and ways to know if you're at risk and ways to treat it. A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a buildup of plaques in the arteries, called atherosclerosis. Vegetables and fruits, like other plants or plant-based foods, contain substances that may help prevent heart disease. A congenital heart defect is a heart condition present at birth. The heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. And you may begin to notice these signs and symptoms of pressure or tightness in your chest. Remember, unlike most pumps, the heart has to pump its own energy supply. All these factors together can paint a picture of your risk for developing CAD. And that can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play roles in heart health and controlling blood pressure. During angioplasty and stenting, flexible tubes called catheters and a balloon are used to reopen a blocked artery. The amount of sedation needed for coronary angioplasty and stenting depends on your health conditions and why you're having the procedure. To place a coronary artery stent, a balloon on the tip of the catheter is inflated to widen the blocked artery (A). But gene changes, some medical conditions, some medicines, and environmental or lifestyle factors may play a role. Healthcare professionals aren't sure exactly what causes most congenital heart defects. A congenital heart defect happens while a baby is growing in the womb. Healthy-lifestyle choices can help lower the risk of atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease, also called CAD, is a condition that affects your heart. In this video, we'll cover the basics of coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition that affects the major blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Heart disease symptoms depend on the type of heart disease. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices. A candy bar or handful of potato chips won't derail your heart-healthy diet. Limiting salt and sodium is a key part of a heart-healthy diet. Eating foods with lots of added sodium can lead to high blood pressure. Studies have shown that flaxseed lowers unhealthy cholesterol levels in some people. It's important to watch for heart symptoms. It can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or a stroke. Atherosclerosis reduces blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. The buildup of plaque in the arteries is called atherosclerosis (ath-ur-o-skluh-ROE-sis). Experts in complex heart surgery This helps lower your blood cholesterol and lower your risk of a common heart condition called coronary artery disease. Sometimes an open-heart surgery called coronary artery bypass grafting is recommended instead. Blockage or narrowing of these blood vessels is called coronary artery disease. Coronary angioplasty treats vessels, called coronary arteries, which deliver blood to heart muscles. In coronary artery disease, one or more of the heart (coronary) arteries are blocked. This approach has helped many people recover more quickly than is possible with traditional surgery.If a heart valve is narrowed, it's called stenosis.A heart attack may be caused by a complete or partial blockage of a heart (coronary) artery.Angioplasty and stent placement may be a planned procedure to improve blood flow to the heart muscles.But in tachycardia, something causes the heart to beat faster than 100 beats a minute.People who come back for a second or even a third heart surgery need surgeons with highly advanced surgical skills and techniques.There are many different types of tachycardia. Lifestyle changes or treatment of heart conditions may lower the risk of tachycardia. A type of tachycardia called ventricular fibrillation is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Other types of tachycardia are grouped according to cause and the part of the heart causing the fast heart rate. Sinus tachycardia refers to a usual increase in the heart rate often caused by exercise or stress. A member of your healthcare team may shave any hair from the body area where a flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted. Sticky patches called electrodes are placed on your chest to check your heartbeat. Angioplasty improves blood flow to the heart. Prompt treatment is needed for a heart attack to prevent death. A lack of blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. The fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits are called plaques. When the heart beats too fast, it may not pump enough blood to the body. But in tachycardia, something causes the heart to beat faster than 100 beats a minute. Trans fats can no longer be added to foods in the United States. You'll soon be on your way toward a healthier diet for your heart. During these checkups, blood and imaging tests may be done to see how well your heart is working. You will have follow-up appointments to check your heart health as you recover. After coronary angioplasty and stenting, it's important to watch for complications. Often, conducting the medical record review and evaluation before an onsite appointment limits the patient travel, so that only one trip to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is necessary. Upon completion of the surgical review process, a phone call or video visit will be arranged between the patient and/or caregivers and the surgeon to discuss the recommendations for surgery. If the images are not available following the phone or video visit within ten business days, the surgeon will move forward with the review, though it may be difficult to determine the specific surgery needed without the existing record and images. It is vital that our surgeons are able to view the actual test images from local care providers in order to provide the best personalized medical or surgical option for the patient. A stent is a mesh coil that helps hold the artery open. Angioplasty is the process of opening an artery by inflating a balloon. The results help your doctor decide whether to continue with the angioplasty. The dye helps blood vessels show up more clearly on the X-ray images. Then, the doctor makes a small cut to reach the blood vessel. Mayo Clinic electrophysiologist Fred Kusumoto, M.D., explains what happens in the heart to create atrial fibrillation and what can be done to fix it.When you choose foods for each meal and snack, focus on vegetables, fruits and whole grains.Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats each minute while you are awake, calm and not moving.This allows more people to benefit from heart and lung transplantation.Then it returns to a heart rate of around 60 to 80 beats a minute.Heart disease symptoms depend on the type of heart disease.It's never too late to take steps to prevent a heart attack — even if you've already had one.Most stents are coated with medicine that helps keep the artery open.Sometimes, the first symptom sign of a heart attack is sudden cardiac arrest. High cholesterol levels can increase the rate of plaque buildup. Existing health conditions matter, too. But the risk for women increases after menopause. Second, men are generally at a greater risk. Atherosclerosis is a common cause of blockages in the heart arteries. The procedure also may be used as emergency treatment for a heart attack. Angioplasty and stent placement may be a planned procedure to improve blood flow to the heart muscles. Learn more about women's heart health research in the Cardiovascular Research Center and the Women's Health Research Center. We'll also discuss the patient history including medical, surgical, family and social information, along with any medications, allergies, and current symptoms. The main symptom of atrial tachycardia is a very fast heartbeat. During an atrial tachycardia episode, the heart beats more than 100 times a minute. Atrial tachycardia is an irregular heartbeat, called an arrhythmia. If you follow these eight tips, you'll likely find that heart-healthy eating is something you can do and enjoy. What's important is that you eat healthy foods most of the time. Plaques can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Call 911 or emergency medical help if you think you might be having a heart attack. A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction. During a heart attack, a lack of blood flow causes the tissue in the heart muscle to die. And some of them — even those labeled reduced fat — may contain trans fats. Limit the amount of saturated and trans fats you eat. Healthy choices include whole-grain farro, quinoa and barley. These include vegetable stir-fry dishes or fresh fruit mixed into salads. Some examples of high-calorie foods are meat, cheese and snack foods. A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction.The amount of sedation needed for coronary angioplasty and stenting depends on your health conditions and why you're having the procedure.These include soups, baked goods and frozen dinners.To understand the cause of tachycardia, it may be helpful to know how the heart usually works.Atrial tachycardia is an irregular heartbeat, called an arrhythmia.The sinus node makes the signals that start each heartbeat.Symptoms of heart valve disease depend on which valve isn't working right. Some people are born with heart valve disease. Many things can cause a damaged or diseased heart valve. Risk factors include an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking. Plaque and blood clots can reduce blood flow through an artery. They contain no cholesterol, making them good substitutes for meat. An easy way to add healthy fat — and fiber — to your diet is to use ground flaxseed. But it's still important to limit how much of these fats you eat. However, many heart attacks have minimal or no symptoms and are found later during routine testing. And if an artery becomes totally blocked, it leads to a heart attack. It begins when fats, cholesterols and other substances gather along the walls of your arteries. These buildups narrow your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. The clot can block arteries, causing a heart attack. Fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits build up over time, forming plaques in the heart's arteries. A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. If you have heart disease, follow your treatment plan. The best way to prevent tachycardia is to keep the heart healthy. For example, physician-scientists are using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools for heart disease screening in women. In the Women's Heart Clinic, you'll have full access to Mayo Clinic's diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services for heart disease and other conditions you may have. The experts of the Women's Heart Clinic treat and prevent heart disease while addressing the distinct concerns of women. It's sometimes needed when a replacement valve begins to wear out or you develop new heart disease. You may be more fit if you have a lower resting heart rate.In some cases, atrial fibrillation can be corrected with medication or by administering a shock to a sedated patient's heart.This might be eating healthier foods, exercising regularly, losing excess weight, reducing stress or quitting smoking.These electrical signals control the heartbeat.Vegetables and fruits, like other plants or plant-based foods, contain substances that may help prevent heart disease.The technique is called ex vivo perfusion, in which machines supply donor organs with blood and oxygen outside of the body. When you choose foods for each meal and snack, focus on vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Be wary of foods that claim to be lower in sodium. Eat fresh foods and make your own soups and stews to lower the amount of sodium you eat. These include soups, baked goods and frozen dinners. During ventricular fibrillation, blood pressure drops dramatically. The fast heartbeat may be discovered when a physical exam or heart tests are done for another reason. There are many different types of tachycardia. But sometimes it's a warning of a medical condition that needs attention. Tachycardia may not cause any symptoms or complications. Coronary angioplasty and stent placement can greatly increase blood flow through a previously blocked or narrowed heart artery. Sometimes, coronary angioplasty and stent placement are emergency treatments for a heart attack. A heart attack may be caused by a complete or partial blockage of a heart (coronary) artery. Coronary artery disease causes most heart attacks. A heart attack occurs when an artery that sends blood and oxygen to the heart is blocked. Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect the heart. But some health conditions or treatments can increase your risk. Then the heart is not able to fill with blood properly. Atrial tachycardia is caused by faulty electrical signals in the heart. If your infant or young child has any of these symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional. It can cause a pounding or racing heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. A stent is placed at the narrowed part to help keep the artery open. The balloon inflates, widening the artery. A catheter with an uninflated balloon on the tip is guided to the blocked artery. Most stents slowly release a medicine that prevents the artery from re-narrowing. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form. Plaque can cause an artery to become narrowed or blocked. The heart's electrical system keeps the heart beating. It is the most common heart disease in the United States. In atrial tachycardia, a change in these signals makes the heartbeat start too early in the heart's upper chambers. Symptoms of atrial tachycardia may be related to a serious health condition. Some people with atrial tachycardia do not notice symptoms. Typically during atrial tachycardia, the heart beats 150 to 200 times a minute. The signal then travels through the atria to the atrioventricular (AV) node and then passes into the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump out blood. In a typical heart rhythm, a tiny cluster of cells at the sinus node sends out an electrical signal. Sometimes the exact cause of tachycardia is not known. Sinus tachycardia is a symptom, not a condition. The person usually falls down, also called collapses. Your healthcare team gives you instructions to help you prepare. Most stents are coated with medicine that helps keep the artery open. The stent helps prop the artery open and decreases the chance of the artery narrowing again. Angioplasty is often followed by the placement of a small wire mesh tube called a stent. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. Treating coronary artery disease usually means making changes to your lifestyle. When coronary arteries become narrow, the heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. If a close relative was diagnosed at an early age with heart disease, you're at a greater risk. CAD happens when coronary arteries struggle to supply the heart with enough blood, oxygen and nutrients. Doing this helps the doctor check for blockages in the heart arteries. The catheter is inserted into the blood vessel and guided to the heart. The stent helps hold the artery open so blood can flow through it (C). Our physician-scientists collaborate with researchers worldwide, contributing to advances in cardiovascular surgery that improve heart care for people everywhere. The technique is called ex vivo perfusion, in which machines supply donor organs with blood and oxygen outside of the body. People who come back for a second or even a third heart surgery need surgeons with highly advanced surgical skills and techniques. Minimally invasive robotic surgery is used to repair or replace heart valves, remove growths in the heart and for other procedures. The person's breathing and pulse stop because the heart is not pumping any blood to the body. If you feel like your heart is beating too fast, make an appointment for a health checkup. Some people with tachycardia have no symptoms. In some cases, atrial fibrillation can be corrected with medication or by administering a shock to a sedated patient's heart. Talk to your healthcare team before using any medicines. The signals then go to the lower heart chambers. Then the signals arrive at a group of cells called the AV node, where they usually slow down. The signals move across the upper heart chambers. The sinus node makes the signals that start each heartbeat. If a heart valve is narrowed, it's called stenosis. The valves open and close to move blood through the heart. Better heart health starts by educating yourself. Living a healthier life translates to having healthier arteries. This might be eating healthier foods, exercising regularly, losing excess weight, reducing stress or quitting smoking. Many types of irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, can cause tachycardia. Tachycardia (tak-ih-KAHR-dee-uh) is the medical term for a heart rate over 100 beats a minute. In tachycardia, an irregular electrical signal, called an impulse, starts in the upper or lower chambers of the heart. To find your heart rate, you can count your pulse on your wrist or neck. For example, very fit athletes may have a resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute. You may be more fit if you have a lower resting heart rate. Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats each minute while you are awake, calm and not moving.