Tachycardia After Shower

Hello,
I am a 28 year old male Nursing student, living in upstate NY.  Over the past 6 months or so, I have noticed an intermittent increase in heart rate after a warm shower.  My resting heart rate is around 70-73 (after waking), my normal heart rate is about 80-84 (during walking hours), and after a shower I have seen it go to about 114-118.  This lasts about 10-20minutes, and causes me to go into panic attack mode.  I feel dizzy and spacey, and I usually lie down or drink cold water.  My BP during these episodes is my usual - about 105/68.  Within 20 minutes, my rate returns to about 85 gradually.  No dyspnea, syncope or blurred vision noted.  

My question is - is this a normal response to a warm shower ?  I usually stay in there a good 20 minutes.  Any techniques to prevent or treat this once the HR is at 115-118?  I read ice cold water may help on the face.  I had recent blood chemistry done & CBC - electrolytes all normal, blood counts normal (no anemia). I take no meds except multivitamins and Lorazepam .5mg as needed.   Any information would be greatly appreciated!  

[donna80]

Hey, i don't know why or what causes this, but i to have this happen, Mine goes crazily fast and flutters whilst in am in the shower and upto about 10-20 mins after.  Frightens me so much we got rid of the shower pod we had and put in a bath with a shower for my other half!

I suppose it something to do with the hot water on your body, fight or fright response?

[Joeyez]

Donna-

I agree.  I am awaiting a Medical reply - but I think you are quite right.  Happened again today, but lasted shorter and only reached 100-105bpm.  It is freaky, I agree.  I also take long showers because I shave in there - and I do recall hearing something about excessive long hot showers (and saunas) causing tachycardia.    Mine occurs AFTER the shower..usually not during (or I dont notice it).  Thank you for the reply.

[jondsam]

easy answer.  Hot water causes blood vessels to expand which in turn causes your heart to try and pump faster so it can still deliver the oxygen rich blood to the rest of your body.  An increase to 110 - 125 bpm while in the shower and coming outta of the shower is normal.  It happens to me every time I take a shower.  What also could be happening is that before you get in the shower you are sub contentiously thinking about your heart rate going up, and the anxiety is making your heart rate increase also.  So if you think about your heart rate going up before you get in the shower, well you better believe it will.  

[Joeyez]

Why has a medical professional not replied here?

[ireneo]

This is not the medical forum, the "ask the expert" forum. We are simply people with heart issues that share our experience and feelings. Trust me - between everyone on here, we have more real life experience than one or two doctors and have gleaned enormous amounts of information over the years.

[rilesnic]

I do the same...being hot increases your body temp which increases your blood vessels and blood pressure which makes your heart speed up.  Yesterday my bath was so hot, I jumped in the car right after to run a quick errand, and as I was cooling off in the car, I was getting hot flashes and nausea from being so hot from the bath.  I got so dizzy, I thought I was going to pass out.  Naturally, this threw me into a panic which escalaled the entire situation.  I will never again go anywhere right after I take a hot bath or shower.