High Pulse Rate

[Mona__0]

  I am a healthy female, 42 years old. I have a high pulse rate, over 100 a
  large portion of the time.  I first discovered it at a blood drive--my pulse
  was too high and my iron borderline too low to give blood.  The next blood
  drive I was able to donate--my iron was 38 and my pulse was originally 126,
  but came down to 98. My blood pressure has always been fine.
  I have taken my pulse at different times of the day, with different or no
  activities, and it is often over 100.  I walk 2 miles two to five times
  a week, but otherwise do not live a very active life.
  My father also often has a high pulse rate.  Is this hereditary or should
  I be worried about the cause?

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

_

Dear Mona
Lots of different conditions can cause a high pulse rate. You should go into your doctor to be evaluated. You should be formally tested to see if you are anemic (low blood counts) as this can cause an elevated heart rate. You should also have your thyroid function tested with a blood test.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.