Yes, allergies can increase your heart rate. This may occur as a symptom of allergic rhinitis or as a side effect of an allergy medication. Learn more about prevention and treatment options.

Your heart rate naturally increases throughout the day in response to your body’s energy needs. Resting heart rate varies from person to person but typically falls between 60⁠ and ⁠100 beats per minute (bpm). A rate higher than this is known as tachycardia, a condition in which your heart beats faster than normal.

In some cases, health conditions (such as allergic rhinitis) and allergy medications (such as decongestants) can raise your heart rate. These factors can also disrupt your autonomic nervous system, which controls your body’s major functions, including temperature and breathing rate.

Read on to learn more about the link between allergies and an increased heart rate, allergy treatment options, and when you should speak with a doctor.

Research has found that allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, can increase your heart rate and blood flow. This is because allergic rhinitis can cause elevated levels of epinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that controls your body’s fight-or-flight response.

In a small 2023 study involving 72 people with a tree pollen allergy, researchers observed that a greater severity of allergy symptoms was associated with an increase in resting heart rate the next day.

Allergy medications, such as decongestants, have also been found to increase heart rate as a side effect. This is because they narrow the blood vessels in your nose, which can affect basic bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate.

A heart rate above 100 bpm can be caused by many factors, including:

  • strong emotions such as feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear
  • exercise
  • fever
  • hormonal changes such as those caused by menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
  • medications such as antibiotics or antidepressants
  • alcohol and caffeine consumption
  • cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease and irregular heart rhythms

If you regularly experience a fast heart rate, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to help rule out any underlying health conditions.

The most effective way to manage an allergy is often to avoid the allergen or trigger.

If it’s difficult for you to avoid allergens, there are several treatment options available.

Typical treatment options for allergies include:

Emergency epinephrine

If you have a severe allergy, it’s important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times. It is used as a first-line treatment for life threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.

You should administer epinephrine immediately while you wait for medical help. A healthcare professional can teach you how to use the auto-injector correctly and answer any questions you may have.

If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can put together a treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

While a fast heart rate is typically not a cause for concern, you should contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • a heart rate above 100 bpm or below 60 bpm with no obvious cause
  • shortness of breath
  • fainting
  • chest pain
  • blackouts

These symptoms may indicate a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke. It’s important to seek medical care immediately to avoid any severe complications.

Can allergies make your heart beat fast?

Yes, allergies can make your heart beat fast. If you have a sudden fast heart rate and are having an allergic reaction, you may be experiencing anaphylaxis. In this case, you or someone close by should call 911 immediately and administer an epinephrine auto-injector if you have one with you.

What are the symptoms of a severe allergy flare-up?

Common symptoms of a severe allergy flare-up include congestion, sneezing, and an itchy throat.

In some cases, allergies can increase your heart rate. This may occur as a symptom of allergic rhinitis or as a side effect of an allergy medication.

A fast heart rate is typically not a cause for concern. However, you should seek medical support immediately if you experience:

  • a heart rate above 100 bpm or below 60 bpm
  • shortness of breath
  • fainting
  • chest pain
  • blackouts

These symptoms may indicate a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke.