Symptom 9: Rapid Heartbeat
One of the immediate responses to blood loss or decreased oxygen levels is an increased heart rate. This rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, is the body’s natural attempt to pump the reduced volume of available oxygen-rich blood to vital organs more efficiently. It’s like a car engine revving up when it’s running low on fuel.
When the body senses a reduction in the effective circulation of blood due to UGB, it triggers the heart to beat faster. This is an effort to maintain the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to crucial organs, especially the brain and heart, amidst the crisis.
A rapid heartbeat resulting from UGB often has a specific pattern. It might not just be a mere fluttering but can be strong and bounding. While stress or caffeine can also speed up the heart rate, the accompanying signs with UGB make the difference.
A rapid heartbeat doesn’t always point directly to UGB. However, when it occurs in conjunction with symptoms like shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or black, tarry stools, it paints a telling picture of potential internal bleeding.(9)
