rapid heart rate while exercising

I'm a 34 yo male in good health.  I ride my bike 125 miles per week on average, and don't drink alcohol, and only rarely consume caffeine.

I recently began wearing a heart monitor while riding/racing.  I've noticed that my heart rate goes quite high, and will stay there.  During a hard effort it will get into the high 190's.  During a race two weeks ago it gradually went up to 205 to 210, and stayed there for the last 5 to 6 minutes of the race.

The rate recovers well as I back off - at least 15 beats recovery per minute.

Is there any reason I should be concerned?  Thanks for your time.

PS - I tried wearing another heart monitor to ensure it wasn't equipment failure.  The results were in the same range.

[floralagator]

Hi.  I'm a biker also and experience similar HR conditions.  Only I'm older, 52 y/o.  Also like you, don't smoke or drink alcohol, but I do love my coffee.  I've been biking little over 2 years.  Started wearing a HR monitor some last year and my max rate "seemed" to be about 175.  Lately I've started training harder and watching the HR more.  On extreme efforts, like tough hills, (I'm gravitationally challenged) I'm finding my HR to get up in the 210-225 range.  Like you, it recovers in relation to the reduction in effort.  And I'm not overly tired after riding.  Actually, it keeps me feeling fresh.

Have you had a recent medical checkup and questioned your doc?  My next yearly physical is not due for a couple of months.  I'll be discussing the situation with him then...

I don't think you have any reason for major concern.  But I'm not a doc!

[MAB22]

What is your resting HR?  They say it should be measured first thing in the morning before you get out of bed.  Before you get out of bed, put on your heart monitor and see what it is.  They say resting HR should be from 60-100, however, with you, it sounds like you are pretty fit and may have a low heart rate.  I've heard Lance Armstrong's resting HR is 35-36.  I would also use this as a gauge of how fit you are.  You may want to read up on bike riding and heart zones training (can find books on Amazon).  You may be able to tolerate the high heart rates during exercise, as you exercise often.  Unless you go to a cardiologist who is familiar with fit athletes and exercise, you may want to listen to them with a grain of salt.  If you feel okay and EKG comes back ok and other parameters are fine (blood pressure), you are probably OK.  Read up on this so you can be prepared to question Dr. if you plan for a yearly physical.  I agree with the 52 y/o guy.  But more information is always better.  Hope everything turns out okay.

[RT273]

I have a similar story. Posted a thread, hope to get some responses...

[tbinmd]

Since my initial post, my PCP had me wear a halter monitor.  Something must have been applied incorrectly, as it said my max HR was only 117. During the monitoring period I went on a bike ride that included some sustained very hard efforts.

The next step was an echo cardiogram.  The doctor said my heart appeared healthy and normal.  

Today I had a stress-echo test.  The cardiologist said that he doubted that my heart rate was ever over 200 for more than a few beats, saying that if that happened I would have passed out.

He put me on the treadmill, saying he would be surprised if my HR would go much over 150-160.  My resting HR was 50 before the test.

For the first three to four stages my heart rate was very normal, staying under 140.  When it was finally ratcheted up to a relatively steep incline, and fast enough that I had to run, my HR peaked at 185.  

At that point the doctor stopped the test, and they did the echo.

After the test was complete, the doctor told me that it was a normal test.  He said that my heart did skip a few beats in the recovery, but that it was nothing to worry about.  He said that I should avoid maxing out my HR above 200 for any sustained period of time (he actually asked me why I would want to risk that), and said I should go back to his office to have them apply the halter monitor test again, with the assumption that the first test was flawed.

I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to seek out a sports cardiologist for a second opinion.  Cycling (and racing) is important to me, and I would hate to just walk away from it.  At the same time, if it is truly dangerous, I won't risk it.  Given the doctor's initial disbelief that I could sustain such a high HR, I just wonder if a second opinion is warranted.

[tbinmd]

I should have added - can anyone recommend a good way to find a sports cardiologist in the Washington, DC area?

[rr2465]

Hi tbinmd -

I just wanted to compare some stats  from what I've experienced.  I'm 35 yo and I consider myself in relatively good shape.  I usually get 2, 30-50 mile rides in per week between regular running, surfing and playing volleyball.  My resting heart rate is around 70 bpm, biking is around 140 bpm and running I can get up to 170 bpm.  When I really push it up a hill I'm around 170 on my bike but thats not for much more than 10 minutes.  My max HR is about 185 so you can see that I'm closing in on the red zone.  I think everybody's heart works differently.  I have been diagnosed with SVT and during my episodes my heart rate gets as high as 250 bpm.  When this happens, yes, I'm lightheaded because my heart isn't getting blood where it needs to go, but in some circumstances I have been able to continue riding (not particularly smart).  So if you heart is strong enough, yes you can function at a really high heart rate but its probably not worth it.

I'm struggling with all of this as well because I consider myself an athlete and I'd like to maintain my lifestyle without compromise from beta blockers and such.  I'm ranting now, but my struggle has been finding a cardiologist who understands my situation because I don't think I'm the average guy who they see walking through their door...

[rr2465]

One other thought - HR monitors aren't always accurate in my opinion.  

[tbinmd]

Thanks for your feedback - I'd like to avoid the meds.  Like you said, I'd just like to find a cardiologist who can look at this from the perspective of a decent athlete...

[AdamStanley48]

I'm also 35 and exersise regulary my resting heart rate is 46bpm but my max is 204bpm and was worried that it was to high for my age,iv been told by some people that my heart shouldn't get so high at my age is this correct or do they just not know what theyr talking about

[Hawn]

Would be interested to find out what happens with this for you.  I have the same issue. My HR shoots to high 190's and I've been running for 11 years.  Had all the same tests, including the Holter monitor for a full month. Conclusion was that heart had double beats, some triple, but according to them nothing to worry about and to keep exercising!?