Symptoms Of An Impacted Bowel

Rapid Heart Rate

A rapid heart rate commonly develops with advanced fecal impactions. Doctors define a rapid heartbeat as one that is higher than one hundred beats per minute. Patients with a rapid heart rate may feel dizzy. They could also experience chest pain and heart palpitations. Individuals with a rapid heartbeat should note the time this symptom begins and seek emergency medical attention if their heart rate is 160 or higher. They should also get emergency attention if they have a heart rate between one hundred and 150 accompanied by pain, feeling faint, or shortness of breath.

To assess the heart rate, doctors will perform an electrocardiogram. Patients may also need to have an echocardiogram or other cardiac imaging studies. Usually, patients who have an elevated heart rate as a result of an impacted bowel see their heart rate return to normal after the impaction is treated. In some cases, individuals may need to have a follow-up appointment with a cardiologist for more detailed investigations.