Just out of shape, or something more?

[geoff]

I am a 42 yr. old male, hypertensive (treated), a smoker, and a little overwieght.  I sleep about 6 hrs. a night, and live a pretty sedentary life.  My resting heart rate is usually between 72 and 80 bpm.  Lately, I've noticed that my heart rate will go up to 120 bpm when just taking a long walk or mowing the lawn.  Could this just be due to me needing to change my lifestyle (get more sleep/exercise, quit smoking), or should I talk to my doctor about this?

Thank you in advance.

[Leslie]

I have had a high heart rate problem for many years. My baseline on 24 holter monitoring showed 150bpm with periods of 200bpm. As soon as I stand up my heart will go from 100bpm to 170-200bpm. Is this decondtioning? I am on .25mg lanoxin, and pindolol.

Thank you for taking the time to answer,
Leslie

[Charlotte]

If the rapid heart beat is associated with dehydration,autonomic disorders, or thyroid conditions, how harmful is it to your heart?  What types of treatments are there for these conditions, specifically autonomic disorders?  What types of tests are there to determine autonmic disorders?

[LS]

If the rapid heart beat is associated with dehydration,autonomic disorders, or thyroid conditions, how harmful is it to your heart?  What types of treatments are there for these conditions, specifically autonomic disorders?  What types of tests are there to determine autonmic disorders?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Geoff,

The monst common cause of increase heart rate with low levels of exercise is deconditioning (in layman's terms - out of shape).  Dehydration, some autonomic disorders, and thyroid conditions can also cause elevated heart rates, so if you are having significant symptoms or concerns you should see your doctor.  Also it may be a good idea to visit a doctor before starting an exercise program.  Good luck.