Change in heart rate while running

[LFord1959]

I have been running for the past 10 years -- 3 to 4 times a week. Recently I notice that although I continue to have the same stamina, I am running slower that normal in order to stay in my target heart rate zone.  Normally, I had no problem running 10 minute miles and my heart rate would be in the upper 140s for a portion of the time and at an incline of 2 or 3. The past two weeks I start off at 5.5 at 1.5 incline and my heart rate is at where it used to be when I was running a lot faster and up hill.  I even stay in the zone when I reduce it to 5.0 about 20 minutes into my run. This just started a few weeks ago and I am running inside (even though it is hot outside).  I took a nasty fall and hit my sternum a few weeks ago and it has been very very sore but I'm able to golf and continue with my normal activities -- it has not affected my deep breathing when running (at least I don't think so). This was the only thing that happened.............not sure what to think.................

Thanks for your responses................

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, during exercise one would normally expect the heart rate to rise and upto 140-180 beats per min is considered within the normal range. Aside exercise there are various other factors that affect the heart rate as well, like anxiety, stress, amount of exertion, workload, hormonal and endocrine factors, renal function, blood pressure etc just to name a few. With age the basal metabolic rate (BMR) tends to decrease a little, also in people who exercise regularly the increase in heart rate is not as much as in those who exercise erratically. Though the sternal injury is unlikely to be related to the heart rate directly, I would suggest getting it evaluated by a primary care physician/ orthopedician. As for the heart rate, as long as it is increased within the normal range and you have a good recovery after stopping physical activity, I would say not to worry about it. You may try staying relaxed. Not worrying about the heart rate may also help lower it. Gradually with time, you may see it getting in control.
Hope this helps.

Take care!

[gymdandee]

Maybe you should get an MRI of your Sternum.

[LFord1959]

I should have mentioned -- I wear a heartrate strap monitor along with the watch......I have used it since January which is why I can be pretty accurate with heart rate.  It is just odd since nothing (other than my nasty fall to my chest) has changed. I am 51 years old. I used to have to put the treadmill on an incline of 3 or so and run at 6.0 to get up in the mid 140s and now to be running with lower intensity and still have my heartrate up near 150 or so just is a mystery to me.

[gymdandee]

Is the device that gives you your heart rate is it part of the treadmill or is it one you wear on your chest? if it's the type that has hand grips attached to the treadmill that's not accurate.