Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Fast heartbeat
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
|
Fast heartbeat
by wolfman, Jul 26, 2005 12:00AM
52 yo male diebetic since age 40 A1C around 7 i'm blood pressure controled around 134/80 5'11 weight 240. My heart rate has always been a bit fast resting at about 90+ when I excersize I go to 145-150 quie fast and have to slow down my excersize very often not to go over that rate. My internist and diebetic Dr. don't have any explanation for my fast heart rate. I saw a Cardiologist who said that it seems like my thermostat may just be a bit higher than normal I am a bit concerened because I want to excersize a bit more but am concerened about the heart rate. I had a stress test which brought my rate up to over 170 in less then 7 minutes I felt fine, a bit winded and cardiogram was fine. Should I be concerened? What should I do about it?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Jul 26, 2005 12:00AM
Wolfman,
It is true that heart rates in some people rise faster than others. In your case I would not rule out deconditioning as the cause. At 5'11" and 240 your BMI is 33.5, which is considered morbidly obese.
some target numbers:
bmi weight
33.5 240
30 215
25 180
22 158
A friend of mine just dropped from a BMI of around 34 to 22. He did over about 4-6 months. He says he didn't remember how good it felt to be in shape again. To take the example to the extreme, go strap on a back pack with 80 lbs and see how big of a difference that makes in your exercise tolerance.
To answer your questions:
I would not be concerned that there something wrong with your heart, I would recommend trying to get into better shape -- that is as long as your doctor is ok with you starting an exercise regimen.
Consider hiring a personal trainer or if you are very disciplined, make the commitment to yourself or your spouse that you are going to do and go for it. You will feel better and potentially live longer if you drop the weight.
I hope this helps.
It is true that heart rates in some people rise faster than others. In your case I would not rule out deconditioning as the cause. At 5'11" and 240 your BMI is 33.5, which is considered morbidly obese.
some target numbers:
bmi weight
33.5 240
30 215
25 180
22 158
A friend of mine just dropped from a BMI of around 34 to 22. He did over about 4-6 months. He says he didn't remember how good it felt to be in shape again. To take the example to the extreme, go strap on a back pack with 80 lbs and see how big of a difference that makes in your exercise tolerance.
To answer your questions:
I would not be concerned that there something wrong with your heart, I would recommend trying to get into better shape -- that is as long as your doctor is ok with you starting an exercise regimen.
Consider hiring a personal trainer or if you are very disciplined, make the commitment to yourself or your spouse that you are going to do and go for it. You will feel better and potentially live longer if you drop the weight.
I hope this helps.
Otherwise,
Maximum heart rate = [220 - age] = 220 - 52 = 168
This is theoretical and only approximates max heart rates. I have seen many peope go higher than there max. predicted.
When you start to hit 80% of your max heart rate, you start to use anaerobic metabolism (you start to build up lactate). If you are trying to exercise for long periods, you are not going to be able to do this unless you are very fit. I would recommend working out in the 60-70% max predicted heart rate area. ALWAYS start slowly. In fact, I recommend starting so slowly that you are running uncomfortably slow. Most people just straight into full work out, go anaerobic early and feel exhausted for the rest of their work out. Build into your work out -- start slow and pick it up toward the end. You will work out longer, burn more calories and feel better about your workout.
I would advise you to keep you heart rate in the 110 range very early in the workout and if you neet to slow down to keep their, walk if you have to.
If it hurts, you are probably working out too hard.
I hope this clarifies your question. Good luck.
Should I be concerned? Can a virus cause this?