Fever is a common symptom of illness and is caused by the body’s thermoregulatory center resetting the body’s temperature to a higher level in order to fight off infection. A fever can cause an increase in heart rate as the body works harder to raise its temperature. The mechanisms by which fever increases heart rate are not fully understood but may involve the release of hormones that stimulate the heart.
Fever is often accompanied by other symptoms such as chills sweats body aches and fatigue. It is important to consult a doctor if you are experiencing a fever as it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If you have a fever and are also experiencing chest pain shortness of breath or dizziness you should seek medical attention immediately as these may be signs of a heart attack.
If you have a fever there are some simple measures you can take to help ease your symptoms and promote recovery. Get plenty of rest drink lots of fluids and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce the fever. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can dehydrate the body and worsen the fever. If your fever is accompanied by severe symptoms or lasts more than a few days consult a doctor.
