Abnormally high heart rate

[shaihulud]

I am a 16 year old female. I have no known health problems, but within the past year, I've come to realize that my resting heart rate averages around 95 bpm. I understand this is bad, and I don't understand why my heart rate would be so high. I am generally healthy. II frequently catch colds, but otherwise, I seem to have a very effective immune system. I ride my bike around four miles a day, and though it is tiring, I recover from the exhaustion within about three to five minutes of rest; and I can run a mile in about 8 or 9 minutes. One would think this would be enough excersize to keep one's heart rate normal.

I am not overweight, though I am slightly underweight. I don't eat a balanced diet, and I have fairly massive anxiety problems. Would these factors be enough to cause my heart rate to be at such levels? I intend to see a doctor regardless of what I am told here, but I'd hoped perhaps someone could help quiet my anxieties on this subject and give me a bit more info...

[jondsam]

That heart rate is really not that high for a person of your age.  Teens tend to always have higher heart rates then full blown adults.  In adults 60 - 100 is a normal resting heart rate is completely normal!!  My guess to you is that you are perfectly fine, and might be having a little anxiety about it.  Its hard to believe a doctor will start you on beta blockers when your only 16 and your heart rate is not over a 100.  Many cardiologists only specialize in adult patients 18 years or older.  You have probably have to go to a pediatric cardio doctor, or your regular GP.  Remember that everyones body is not the same and it might be possible that your body just works that way!  Hope you are ok.

Bye!

[Jerry_NJ]

If your are exercising to build your cardiovascular, heathy heart, slow down and go longer.  For example, if you do one mile in 8 - 9 minutes (that's pretty fast), slow down and do 3 miles in 30 - 35 minutes.  Yes it takes more time, but running the heart at aerobic rate longer is better.  Maybe be even better to do 3 miles in 45 minutes, a fast walk.

Try to eat a healthy diet, low fat I believe in, but find it hard to follow.  

Sound like you are fine, but the above advice includes people with a currently healthy heart.

[shaihulud]

Thank you.

[jkfrench]

I started experiencing a fast heart rate in high school also.  I found out as others have said.. when in PE we were asked to take our pulse.  Mine was always around 100.   I started a beta blocker in my 20's because the Inapropriate sinus tach would tire me out.  The beta blocker worked like a dream and to this day keeps my heart rate around 74-84.  I only take 1/4 of a 25mg of tenormin and I have no fear that it will cause problems for me, even after 20 years.   I was always underweight too.  I'm still only around 105 lbs. and the fast heart rate did increase my anxiety.  You might need only a small amount as well.  It does help with anxiety.  Talk to your doctor about it.

The pvc's started up later in my life.  Hopefully you won't have to deal with that.