Heart rate decrease after exercise.

[MizzouMedTech]

Hello.  I used to be a competitive runner and was in very, very excellent shape, but life and kids cut that down over the years.  I started playing basketball a couple of times a week about 3 years ago and got back in decent shape.  Problem is, a few times lately after playing, I just feel a little 'blah', like I overdid it just a bit.  It happened again today and when I returned home, I checked my heart rate on my wife's pulse-ox device (she's a PT).  About 45 minutes after finishing, my heart rate was still about 95-100 bpm, which seemed a little higher than I thought it should be by then.  It did eventually come back down into the 50's, but it took a couple hours.  I work in a hospital lab and have checked my cardiac enzymes a few times.  Of course, my CK is elevated, but my Troponin is always zero.  My doc had an EKG run and I had a very deep p-wave, I think it was, so he had me do an electrocardiogram, which came out normal.  I am just curious if anyone has any ideas or info for me.  Am I just starting to get old (I'm 37), or is this something I need to pursue further?  Thanks.

[MizzouMedTech]

Yes, I'm aware that the CK is muscle damage of some type, which is why I listed the Troponin levels as well.  I also made a mistake on one detail.  I actually did have an echocardiogram done and it was normal.  I have considered seeing a cardiologist and may still do so.  Thanks for the opinion!

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Not only are myopathy and cardiac disease among possible causes of the elevated CK, but a false positive CK elevation must be considered.

This test is not specific for the type of CK that is elevated. Elevation of CK is an indication of damage to muscle. It is therefore indicative of injury to your muscle.

Go for an ECHO if required and follow up with a cardiologist.

If your vitals are normal then do not worry and continue your physical workouts, with time they will stabilize.

Take care!