heart racing

I've always heard the term "heart racing" used in conjunction with the cute guy driving toward you in his jeep, or the big date that starts in two hours.   Now I hear it all the time.  And in the hospital, it's not a good thing.

Thanks to Wikipedia (source of all knowledge) I've learned that Tachycardia comes from the Greek words tachys (rapid or accelerated) and kardia (of the heart). Tachycardia typically refers to a heart rate that exceeds the normal range for a resting heartrate  - for adults around 100 bpm.  For new babies around 182 bpm.  When the heart beats rapidly, the heart pumps less efficiently and provides less blood flow to the rest of the body, including the heart itself. The increased heart rate also leads to increased work and oxygen demand for the heart (myocardium), which can cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction) if it persists.

I will feel so much wiser as I walk the heart floors.  I will nod sagely as the nurse shares that Mr. Jones is tachycardic.   "Hhhmm, 264 is a bit high isn't it. No wonder there was myocardial infarcting...." Aah, such a knowing chaplain.

But for Valentines Day, I will smile when I think of the things that make my heart race:
*having a fun date night out planned for me - thanks honey!
*the darling homemade cards "to my valentine Mommy".
*playing an intense game of "beetle!" during a road trip with my 3 men.
*planning a family trip to a place that doesn't have any snow.
*and the realization that at the end of this week there is another weekend. 

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart;  He is mine forever.  Psalm 73:26  (New Living Translation)