Several hormones can increase your heart rate. The most prominent are adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), also known as catecholamines. These hormones are released during the body's "fight-or-flight" response to stress, causing a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. [^1, ^2, ^3, ^4]
Other hormones that contribute to increased heart rate include:
- Thyroid hormones: These hormones, particularly triiodothyronine (T3), influence the heart's metabolic rate. Elevated thyroid hormone levels can lead to a faster heart rate. [^5, ^6, ^7] Conversely, too little thyroid hormone slows the heart rate. [^6]
- Cortisol: While primarily known as a stress hormone, cortisol can indirectly affect heart rate by influencing blood sugar and other physiological processes. [^8] Increased cortisol levels over a long period can contribute to heart problems. [^9]
- Glucagon: This hormone, produced by the pancreas, plays a role in blood sugar regulation and can increase heart rate. [^10]
- Endothelins, glucocorticosteroids, leptin, and PTHrP: These hormones also contribute to increases in heart rate when present in excess. [^4]
It's important to note that the impact of these hormones on heart rate varies depending on individual factors, the concentration of the hormone, and the presence of other factors influencing heart function. For example, the parasympathetic nervous system uses acetylcholine to slow the heart rate. [^2] The combined effects of various hormonal and nervous system influences determine the final heart rate.
[^1]: Adrenaline is responsible for the increase in heartbeat. 03-Jul-2022
[^2]: UC Davis Health, Sports Medicine, Heart Rate. https://health.ucdavis.edu/sports-medicine/resources/heart-rate
[^3]: Yale Medicine, How the 'Fight-or-Flight' Hormone Affects Women's Hearts Differently. https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/how-the-fight-or-flight-hormone-affects-womens-hearts-differently/
[^4]: [Hormones and the cardiovascular system], PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18979453/
[^5]: Pregnancy-induced increased heart rate is independent of thyroid..., NCBI. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8183852/
[^6]: Harvard Health, Thyroid hormone: How it affects your heart. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/thyroid-hormone-how-it-affects-your-heart
[^7]: StatPearls, Physiology, Thyroid Hormone. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/
[^8]: StatPearls, Physiology, Cortisol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
[^9]: Mayo Clinic, Chronic stress puts your health at risk. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037
[^10]: StatPearls, Physiology, Cortisol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
