When asked to find my resting heart rate, I measured it at between 98-102.
Furthermore, throughout the day it goes up to as much as 115-120 without any
physical exertion. I'm scared to even check it when I exercise, but it
must be huge. I've been told that 72 is normal, but I've never measured
mine any lower than ~92, and it is usually much higher.
I am a 6'2" 160lb 22 year-old. I'm not a smoker, no drugs, not really
any stress, don't drink coffee (usually one Coke a day, though). I'm
not in incredible shape--but I do work out, and regularly play basketball
for hours on end without any problems. The point is, I have many friends
that are in worse shape than me, but have much lower heart rates.
My dentist checks my blood pressure periodically, and she says that it is
perfect, so I'm stumped.
Is this worth worrying over? Should I go see a doctor or something?
Dear B Batson, thank you for your question. If your resting heart rate is as
high as 120, then that is abnormal. But, I wonder if you are measuring your
heart rate correctly. Find your pulse in your wrist or neck, count the number
of pulsations/beats in 10 seconds, and then multiply by 6 to get your heart rate.
If you are able to play basketall for hours on end, then I doubt that you have
any heart disease. My suggestion to you would be to keep a log of your heart
rate and take it at rest a few times a day and also during your peak exercise.
Record all these numbers for one week and if your resting heart rate is consistently
greater than 100, then you should see a physician who would probably have you wear
a portable heart monitor for a day or two to determine your heart rhythm during
the periods of tachycardia (fast heart rate) at rest. Also, you are smart
to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If your heart rate at rest is almost
always less than 100, then you do not need to see a doctor. I hope you find this
information useful.
Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Specific
diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.
