Nausea and rapid heartbeat during little exercise

Question

I'm a 22 year old female, about 100 lbs. For a while now, I have been having problems with rapid heart rate. I can't exercise (cardio really) for more than 2-4 minutes at a slow pace. I feel weak, hot, and nauseous. If I continue running, I throw up. It also sometimes happens when I'm extremely nervous and walking uphill or rushing. I never experience any chest pain (and I've always had low blood pressure) so I'm confused about what may be wrong. 

I used to be such a fast runner and now I can't even run for 4 minutes. It's incredibly humiliating and the only thing my doctor suggested for me is anxiety medication (not helpful at all). If anyone has any idea what may be wrong with me, I'd really appreciate ANY help!

achillea · Answer

As noted, you are actually rather underweight for your height. If your current weight is the result of a healthy diet and lifestyle, that's one thing. But if you are dealing with an eating disorder--the vegetarianism plus two energy bars and peanuts kind of points to a less than optimal diet--your electrolytes (which affect your heart's electrical activity) could be messed up.

tom_h · Answer

You could be out of shape, and it would be typical for your heart and respiratory system to react in that fashion when put to the test so to speak.  At 22 years of age, 205 is high but entirely possible.  I've attained sinus rates like that  and a little bit higher while going all out, full smoke, pedal to the floor skating competitions.  At 60, a rate of 205 is just this side of total collapse!  If you are out of shape, take heart in knowing that your respiratory system if healthy responds quickly to new demands put upon it.  If you have a green light to work out, you need to push the wall out farther and farther.

MichelleP_3811 · Answer

Did you speak to your doctor about the results?  205 while exercising is not unheard of but still pretty high.  But definitely do not go without drinking if you are exercising.  Dehydration will definitely make the situation worse.  Also I might suggest going to your gp to get your thyroid checked or a full blood panel for that matter to make sure you are in balance.  Symptoms with the heart a lot of times have nothing to do with problems with the heart.  Take care.

ash6026 · Answer

Thanks to everyone for all the help! 

The results for my holter came back. My average heart rate was 102, the highest was 205, and 57% of the time, my heart rate was over 100. I'm assuming the highest happened either while I was running or immediately after. I don't think any of these results are extremely unusual. The only unusual thing is that it happens within minutes, and with such little exertion. Could it just be that I'm extremely out of shape? I walk throughout the day, but I recently picked up running again for the first time in about a year. (Err...I tried to pick up running at least.) 

Also, to michellepetkus, I am drinking lots of water. Although I've been nervous to eat or drink before workouts since I've been getting sick. I will try drinking gadorade the next time I workout though. 

Again, thanks so much for all the help! I really, really appreciate it.

MichelleP_3811 · Answer

Are you drinking enough water as well?  As we get older out bodies don't handle things as well as they did when we are in our teens.  There is still a strong possibility you are not getting enough fuel to sustain exertion but it is good you are getting checked out.  Yes, if you are nervous your heart rate can raise to 130.  Especially if your heart rate is normally around the higher end of normal.  Being a small person our hearts are also smaller and to compensate they tend to beat a little faster than others on top of the fact that women in general have a faster heart rate then men.  So it is likely it doesn't take much to tip you over the edge.  I hope you can get this all figured out.  Keep us posted on what you hear about the holter.

ash6026 · Answer

I went to the doctor Monday to get fitted for a 24 hr holter (sp?). It was really odd, because after she put it on she checked my heart rate and it was 130. She said normal was 60-100. She had me sit down and within a minute it went down to 102. That was the last time my heart rate was checked. I was a little nervous but not extremely nervous, so I don't know how normal that is...Thanks so much to everyone for all the help!!

ash6026 · Answer

Hi, I'm sorry--I'm 5'1. I'm also a vegetarian, but a very health conscious one. I eat at least 2 protein bars a day and tons of nuts. I feel fine in every other part of my life....just not when I'm running. It's really bizarre. I tried running yesterday and made it one block before I got sick.

MichelleP_3811 · Answer

Everyone is different but I am 5' 1" and I know I feel weak and under nourished if I go under 110.  Body frame and genetics can factor in but the standard guidelines states a healthy weight for woman 5' 1" is 105 - 120.  If you are lower than that you are under weight.  If you are living healthy then it is likely not a problem but even still it is a below normal weight.  A body will get use to not having enough nourishment and may not cry out for it but it will slowly create problems in a person's health as the organs of the body starve.  Under eating isn't always the problem as another big reason for women to be under and over weight is related to hormones.  I realize there are likely many short women who are healthy at a below normal weight but I just want to be clear that we are not advocating that being underweight is healthy in all cases because being under nourished will lead to the heart being stressed out.

rilesnic · Answer

I believe any time you begin having symptoms that make you uncomfortable or symptoms that change, you should let your doctor know. I have a very rapid HR that sometimes even makes me feel breathless. Many times I have thought it was my heart, to find out it was my asthma affecting my heart. Anxiety doesn't help either (I know first hand). But even when my anxiety gets too bad, I do let my doctor know.
I am 5'2" and just hit 99 pounds (been at 98 forever). I'm 39 and the only times I have ever been over 100 pounds were when I was pregnant 18 and 20 years ago. As long as you are eating healthy and the weight is not a new issue, I wouldn't worry so much about the weight. Some people are just small, it's in the genes.

tom_h · Answer

How "fast" is your pulse?  Can you measure it? More data please.  BTW, my sister is 5'1" and around 100 lbs. and marathons.  She's ripped beyond belief.

MichelleP_3811 · Answer

Yes, your weight sounds very low.   If you are under nourished or dehydrated your heart will struggle.  Have your electrolytes been checked recently?  If you are certain it is not food, vitamins and/or water then return to your doctor and insist that the problem is physical and not normal for you.  If the doctor refuses to take you seriously then find another doctor.  A simple stress echo test should determine how sound your heart is.  But be your best advocate.  At your young age doctors will just assume everything is fine.  Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.