Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

WebMD Symptom Checker

Pounding heart (pulse) and Rapid breathing

WebMD Symptom Checker helps you find the most common medical conditions indicated by the symptoms pounding heart (pulse) and rapid breathing including Acute stress reaction, Panic attack, and Exercise or physical activity.

There are 18 conditions associated with pounding heart (pulse) and rapid breathing. The links below will provide you with more detailed information on these medical conditions from the WebMD Symptom Checker and help provide a better understanding of causes and treatment of these related conditions.

  • Acute stress reaction

    Acute stress reaction symptoms include shortness of breath, anxiety, nervousness, sense of doom and more.

  • Panic attack

    When someone has a panic attack, that person feels a sudden, intense fear that can't be controlled.

  • Exercise or physical activity

    Exercise is vital for good health, but overdoing it can lead to muscle aches, dehydration, headache, and more.

  • Hyperventilation

    Hyperventilation is rapid or shallow breathing usually caused by stress or anxiety.

  • Supraventricular tachycardia

    Supraventricular tachycardia is fast heart rhythm starting in one of the upper chambers of the heart.

  • Generalized anxiety disorder

    Generalized anxiety disorder is a condition in which a person has nearly constant anxiety.

  • Asthma (child)

    Asthma is a chronic condition that causes swelling and narrowing in the airways, causing cough and more.

  • Asthma (teen and adult)

    Asthma is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, an asthma attack can be life threatening.

  • Dehydration (Children)

    Dehydration, or not getting enough fluid, causes dry and sticky mouth, tearless crying, and more in children.

  • Aspirin poisoning

    Aspirin poisoning is a medical emergency and can cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and more.

  • Dehydration (Adult)

    Dehydration, or not getting enough fluid, causes low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

  • Ventricular septal defect

    A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the heart that some babies are born with

  • Insulin reaction (hypoglycemia)

    An insulin reaction is the result of low blood sugar and causes anxiety, hunger, shaking, dizziness, and more.

  • Night terrors

    Night terrors are a sleep disorder that cause people to partially wake up confused and terrified.

  • Nightmares

    Nightmares are frightening and stressful dreams.

  • Tetralogy of Fallot

    Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of heart defects causing bluish skin, trouble breathing, and more.

  • Anaphylactic shock

    Anaphylactic shock is a sudden severe allergic reaction marked by breathing trouble, a tight throat, and more.

  • Cyanide poisoning

    The symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, weakness, confusion, nausea, and seizures.