High Heart Rate

I am a 21 year old male, 6-0ft, about 195 pounds.  I have been an athlete all my life, and am a division 1 scholarship swimmer.  Recently though, I have been noticing I have a high heart rate about 100bpm.  Sometimes it will go down to 80 and others it will stay around 100bpm, i noticed feeling lightheaded/dizzyness sometimes during practice granted we are swimming 8000 to 10,000 yards.  Sometimes my heart beat stays high a long time after practice even when im back in my dorm with friends or studying.  I have been going through a lot wtih family and school and am wondering if the anxiety and stress of all of it could have a role here.  I will admit I am a very tense type of person, always have been.  I am just confused as if I have a serious heart problem or not, and to be honest it has gotten me worried.  I also am tired alot, I am wondering if this all could be related to a thyroid problem as it is my family genetics.  As an athlete, and a young male in very good shape I am worried, please let me know what you think, I would really appreciate it, thanks

[SillyHeart]

Yes, anxiety and thyroid problems can certainly cause an increased heartrate.  A rate of 100 is on the high side, but it's not going to kill you anytime soon or anything.  I think a checkup with your physician might be in order, but it doesn't sound as if anything serious is wrong.

[ajrenalli]

this is too vague...why not see a doctor instead of consulting the internet?

[SillyHeart]

Ajrenalli, folks have many reasons for consulting the internet before seeing a doctor.  It's the purpose of this website.

[maggiemag]

Mark, why not speak to your trainer?  One of my boys was a D1 swimmer also and I know they had whatever they needed available.  If they don't know, they do know who else to contact.  The coaches certainly don't want anything happening to one of their swimmers.  I wanted my son to have an echo to see if he had dilated cardiomyopathy, which I have.  I called the assistant coach, who arranged for it to be done.  I got him to agree to have the school pay for it if my kid's insurance didn't.  His deductible was too high, and the school paid for it.  It does sound like anxiety though, but you need to get it checked out.

[sugarpea013]

Hey there. I also suffer from tachycardia and I'm a very healthy active individual. However I can tell you that stress and anxiety will do some horrible crazy things to your body. Try some relaxation exercises, deep breathing that sort of thing. I guess just kinda monitor it but don't become obsessed with it, you may make it worse just by focusing too much on it. Best of luck sweets!