bounding pulse and high heart rate when exercising..

I'm a 21 year old female, 5'6 and 130lbs ish but not in great shape.  A few years ago I use to run long distance but just recently started running again.  Today when I was on the treadmill it measured my heart rate at 178 after 8 minutes, but I didn't feel that bad at all.  I switched treadmills and measured my pulse and it was actually that high!  Later in the mirror it also looked like I had a bounding pulse.  How can I lower my HR?  Should I go see my doctor?

[cindy707]

The easiest way to determine your maximum heart rate is a pretty simple formula.....you take your age and deduct 220 from it and that should be your max heart rate during exercise but most docs recommend that you not exceed 85% of that rate and so for you it would be  approx. 170 so you really aren't that high...it just seems a little high to you because of the number.  That little ditty is what is recommended by the Mayo Clinic one of the best in the world....if you aren't having any physical issues i wouldn't worry too much if this is occuring during an active workout but in case you are still questioning it i would call any sports doc in your area and simply ask someone over the phone what your target rate should be.......if it were my body i would relax.....unless you are feeling something physically is wrong w. you...happy holidays

[ed34]

You know, when I was at cardiac rehab after a triple bypass, my heart was going to 186 bpm, and I could get it there in a minute. Of course the rehab staff were all going nuts telling me it's not right and my max is 130. I went to see my surgeon who took my pulse, it was 66. He asked me to start some vigorous star jumps which I did for 30 seconds. My pulse was now 186. He then asked me to walk slowly around his office for 30 seconds and he checked my pulse again, it was 90. Due to the reaction times of my heart and no discomfort he said that it was in great shape. Athletes hearts do adapt at being able to push more blood around with each pulse, but they can also obtain very fast heart rates. So long as you have no discomfort and don't feel dizzy, I wouldn't worry.

[erijon]

Cindy is correct, your heart rate is appropriate for some one your age that has become deconditioned over time. As you exercise more, your heart rate will drop, but in the mean time  don't try to work at the level you once did, build back up slowly to give your cardiovascular system time to recover.

While doing that, start to measure your heart's recovery rate, that is a very good indicator of your heart's condition for exercise. After you reach your peak and stop, you want to see a reduction of 12 BPM in your overall heart rate. That is the appropriate response for your heart to rest and if you are meeting that goal you are not pushing too hard. You should see the same rate of decline for the first 3 or 4 minutes before it returns to a normal range.

Again, don't over do it at first and good luck!

Jon

[sd07go]

Thank you guys so much for the helpful comments and good advice!