high heart rate (Read 1043 times)

You need an EKG and a set of thyroid blood tests. Go see your doctor.

Couldn't hurt to get it checked out by a doctor, maybe an EKG and blood tests like Trent said. I have high max heart rate, around 210-215. My resting heart rate is lower though, lowest I've measured was 50. During my easy runs (conversational pace or a little faster), my heart rate usually averages anywhere from the high 150s to mid 170s depending on the pace and conditions. Brisk walk it's probably 115-120 or so. I've had an EKG, blood work, everything done and the doc thinks it's fine. I do have exercise/cold/allergy/stress/whatever induced asthma and use an inhaler for that occasionally.

I'm still learning my heart rates. At a Nov. dr. appt I was told that I have a resting HR of about 43 (can't quite remember the exact but it was low 40s). My HR at an easy running pace stays around 150 and around 165 for medium pace, and has gone up to 190 for tempo runs and some hills (I hate hills). One of these days I'll start keeping track of it. Keep us posted. I'm curious to find out what your dr. says about your high at rest HR. MTA: I do have slight Asthma issues but normally it is only brought about by speed workouts or running in high humidity. I haven't had to use an inhaler since HS. And it only causes mild wheezing - nothing major.

I have the same heart rate problem! I measured my heart rate late Sunday morning. My last run had been Friday, and I woke up without an alarm, so it should've been nice and low, right? Nope. 80 while still lying in bed! Today I did week 5 day 1 of the couch to 5k program. I always do the 5 minute cooldown at 4mph (I'm using a treadmill so I can monitor my pace--no Garmin yet), then decrease to 3.5mph for a minute, then 3.0...2.5...and end with 2.0 for a minute. Up until now, at the end of that minute walking slowly, my HR is in the low- to mid-120's. Today I could NOT get it below 135, even when I extended the cooldown by several minutes. Other things to know: I'm 25, female, thin but not athletic. EKG is normal. Blood pressure is normal to low. I've had a high heart rate as long as I can remember. Totally relate to having a higher heart rate, by FAR, than anyone in my high school bio class. I also always get dizzy working out. Always. What's the deal? Should I worry? Is there a way to fix this? Don't worry--I'll absolutely mention it to my doc and request that they order a thyroid test among the blood screenings (although it's been normal before). Lauren--let me know how your heart rate thing shakes out. I'm curious.

For what it's worth: I just got off the phone with my dad, who's a doc (a neurologist, it's true, but still). He also had triple bypass surgery five years ago and has done careful, cardiologist-monitored cardiovascular rehab ever since. What he has to say (about several things!): A normal resting heart rate is 70-80 bpm, unless you're an elite athlete. Also, often what wakes you up in the morning (if not an alarm) is a dream, so your "resting" heart rate might be actually a little elevated. He says his cardiologists have told him that the best thing for your heart health is to do 20 minutes of exercise 4-5 times a week at a heart rate of 200 minus your age. Any much lower than 200-age is too little, and anything much more can actually do damage. And never run 7 days a week. This is a guy who thinks most supplements are BS (you'd love him, Trent), but he says that research shows that chondroitin may be the exception. Research has shown that it actually DOES help your joints. I think that's it. Except that he is probably going to buy me a Garmin 305 for my upcoming bday. Yeeha! It's great to have a doc daddy who also loves gadgetry!

Dang! That must mean you're elite! You certainly are sweaty. Maybe I should cut down on the caffeine. Or maybe I'm still working years of nicotine out of my system. Or maybe you're just more hardcore than I am.

Are you aware that you have a 23:17 5K? Don't talk to me about slow.