Elevated heart rate after prolonged exercise

[mrjfa]

I am 65 years old. I have 3 stents in RCA since 1989. Slight damage to lower left ventricle 4 years ago. Overall health and weight very good.
After prolonged exercise (65 mile bike ride) my heart rate is still elevated 3-4 hours later (100 vs a normal 60 bps).
Any cause for immediate concern?

[Cleveland Clinic]

I suppose this is due to either deconditioning, or related to over-training.  In fact the amount of time it takes for your heart rate to decrease to its basal rate from peak exercise is a good measure of overall fitness. At your age, and especially with your past cardiac history it is not a good idea to be exposing yourself to such prolonged and protracted exercise periods. I am also an avid cyclist and know the physical and mental determination that it takes to achieve such a task. But given your heart history, I think it is excessive.

[runnertom]

I am of similar age and also a fairly serious bike rider. I have noticed an elevated heart rate for quite a while after a hard ride, especially in hot weather. I think it may be due to dehydration and reduced blood volume. Its hard to maintain hydration status while riding, even if you take two water bottles. I have not noticed the elevation during colder weather rides.

[runnertom]

   I'm not sure about the doctor's concerns regarding your exercise. I have never been given any kind of exercise restrictions by several cardiologists when asked the question. One or two did suggest I not race as one may be tempted to push beyond what is prudent in the heat of battle.
   Relative to your heart rate recovery, I mentioned before that after a hot ride my heart rate stays elevated for hours. Today, after a cool ride over the same route at an equal or even faster pace, my heart rate is back to normal 48 after 30 minutes. I'm not sure dehydration is the cause in your case, but it might be interesting to keep track of your weight before and after rides  for a couple of times.

[GranRon]

Considering your history, I would mention this to your cardiologist.  I am the same age as you and it usually takes less than an hour for my heart to return to a normal rate of around 70 after a couple of hours of relatively strenuous yard work.  It took about 30 minutes to return to normal after my last stress test and I am far from being in top condition.  Just my opinon, but a stress test might be a good idea.    

[mrjfa]

Thanks for the input. I stay hydrated with a camelbak water supply so that is not a problem for me. The doctors answer said that heart rate recovery is a sign of overall fitness and I am probably overdoing it considering my age and cardiac history. My cardiologist told me to stop weight training a few months ago so I guess I'll have to quit pretending I'm 30 with no cardiac history.I'll keep doing what I can, though. Good luck and good riding to you!