What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause. Many cases cannot be prevented. In most people, regular exercise is advised even though it causes a rapid heartbeat. In this case, prevention is not an issue. Avoidance of cocaine or alcohol can prevent cases from these drugs. Getting enough fluids can prevent many cases due to dehydration.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

If the heart beats too quickly, it may not be able to pump blood well enough to keep a person alive. Most long-term effects are related to the cause. For example, rapid heartbeat due to anxiety or exercise often goes away quickly and has no long-term effects. Rapid heartbeat due to an arrhythmia or sepsis may sometimes result in death.

What are the risks to others?

A rapid heartbeat is not contagious and poses no risks to others. If the cause of the rapid heartbeat is an infection, the infection may be contagious.