High Barometric Pressure and Heart Rate
High barometric pressure itself does not cause tachycardia; rather, it is LOW barometric pressure (at high altitude) that triggers increased heart rate through hypoxia-induced sympathetic activation. 1
The Actual Relationship: Low Pressure Causes Tachycardia
The evidence clearly demonstrates the opposite of what the question suggests:
Decreased barometric pressure at altitude causes increased heart rate both at rest and during exercise through sympathetically-mediated responses to arterial hypoxemia. 1
This occurs because lower barometric pressure reduces inspired oxygen partial pressure, triggering peripheral chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies to signal cardiovascular control centers in the mid-brain, resulting in sympathetic activation. 1
The heart rate increase is proportional to the altitude reached (and thus the degree of barometric pressure reduction), with the effect appearing within hours of altitude exposure. 1
Evidence from Altitude Studies
At 3000m altitude (where barometric pressure drops significantly), heart rate decreases linearly as barometric pressure continues to fall during sleep, with a lag time of approximately 15 minutes. 2
The European Society of Cardiology documents that acute hypoxia exposure produces an increase in cardiac output primarily through elevated heart rate, as part of the acclimatization response to maintain adequate tissue oxygen delivery. 1
Clinical Implications for High-Risk Patients
For patients with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory disease:
Heart failure patients (NYHA I-II) may safely reach altitudes up to 3500m but should ascend slowly (300-500 m/day above 2500m) to minimize sympathetic surge and tachycardia. 1
Patients with respiratory conditions like COPD have a 97% prevalence of arrhythmias during exacerbations, with respiratory failure independently increasing arrhythmia risk. 3
Hypertensive patients experience both increased blood pressure AND heart rate at altitude, with the effect more pronounced at night and in older individuals. 1
Important Caveat
One study found that atmospheric cold fronts (which involve barometric pressure changes at sea level) may trigger atrial fibrillation paroxysms, though the mechanism appears related to electromagnetic waves rather than pressure itself. 4 However, this represents episodic arrhythmia rather than sustained tachycardia.
Bottom Line
If you are asking about weather-related barometric pressure changes at sea level causing routine tachycardia: the answer is no. The physiological response to barometric pressure operates through hypoxia at altitude, not through pressure changes alone. 1 Elevated resting heart rate is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, but this is unrelated to barometric pressure fluctuations. 5