Heart rate and chest pain

[erikko]

Hi, I'm 23, 5'11", 197 lbs, male.  I have mostly been inactive for the last 3 years but just recently started jogging for a half hour at a time.  I've noticed that after a few minutes of jogging the treadmill I'm using displays my heart rate at 190-195, and it stays that way consistently.  That's a lot higher than I ever remember in previous years.  When I slow down, it drops to 150-170.  I try to run until I feel a little light-headed, or I start to get sore (no pain no gain, right?)  But now I'm paranoid that I may be overdoing it.  Today I slowed down a little bit when my chest became sore just above my sternum on the right side.  The pain felt like it was crawling into my shoulder and down my arm.  It was a tight, gripping pain.  When I slowed down, it went away immediately.  I should mention that my starting heart rate was 110 before I even got moving.  I also have summer allergies, so my breathing is not as clear as it should be.  My girlfriend thinks the abnormal readings mean the machine is faulty, and she may be right.  Any thoughts?

[MM749]

I would recommend seeing a cardiologist since you were experiencing some type of referred pain just to make sure there are no underlying complications that are unknown to you.  I would especially recommend this before starting any type of regular strenuous activity such as aerobic exercise . Maybe everything is fine,  but better safe than sorry .

[CDQ81]

Look at things this way....

Your body is like your car.  Maintain it, and it'll take care of you.
Same with your body.  Although the question is, would you continue
to drive your car if there was a check engine light on?  
You would definently get a mechanic to do a check up!

Normal range typically falls within 60 - 90 BPM.

It's always a good idea to get a check-up by a medical professional.

And if anything, you get a clearer state of mind, and clean bill of health.

[erikko]

Thanks for the advice.  I've used different machines and got similar results from their heart monitors.  Yesterday I hit 198 bpm jogging a half mile at 5 mph.  A few years ago, after about 4 years of general inactivity, I could run over a mile in less than 10 minutes and got better from there, so I don't know what's wrong.  A funny thing I've noticed is that my breathing is strange during exercise - I haven't inhaled as deep as I used to, and my body doesn't feel compelled to take deep breaths, and I consciously take deep breaths on my own.  It might be asthma-related (allergies to cats and other dust types reduce my lung capacity quite a bit, and it's August)... in fact I hope it's asthma-related because that's easier to handle than a heart problem.  I'm going to see a doctor soon anyway, but I don't want to stop exercising between now and then.

[molyba]

Personally I would talk to my doctor.  I have never known anyone whose been inactive for 3 years to have a starting heart rate of 110.  To see if your machine is faulty, just find your pulse before you start any activity, and count every beat you feel or hear for 1min.  That is your actual heart rate.  Then do it again after your activities.  See if they match the machine.  If they do, definitely see your doctor.     Sincerely,    Molyba