What is a normal heart rate? Everyone wants to know what is normal, especially when it comes to heart health. Basic questions that are often asked or searched on the internet include:
- How do I determine a heart rate?
- What is a normal heart rate or pulse rate?
- What is a normal resting heart rate?
- What is a normal exercising heart rate?
These questions are easily answered and can provide reassuring information to those worried about their heart health.
When it comes to the beating of your heart cardiologists take note of two major parts, the rhythm and the rate. There are three different rhythms of a heartbeat, 1) regular, 2) regularly irregular, or 3) irregularly irregular (e.g. atrial fibrillation). By far the most common rhythm of the heart is a regular rhythm, which is usually sinus rhythm (i.e. the normal pacemaker system of the heart) in the vast majority of people. The remainder of this post will assume your heart is in sinus rhythm and will discuss heart rate.
How Do I Determine Heart Rate?
- Take your pulse on the inside of your wrist on the thumb side or on the side of your neck next to your larynx (i.e. voice box or Adam’s apple).
- Use the tips of your first two fingers (index and middle fingers) to press lightly over the blood vessels on your wrist or neck.
- Count your pulse for the number of beats in 60 seconds (1 minute) or count your pulse for the number of beats in 10 seconds and multiply by 6 to find your beats per minute.
What is a Normal or Resting Heart Rate?
There are three general ways to classify heart rate, 1) normal, 2) fast and 3) slow.
- A resting heart rate is normal between 60-100 beats per minute.
- A resting heart rate is fast (i.e. tachycardic) at greater than 100 beats per minute.
- A resting heart rate is slow (i.e. bradycardic) at less than 60 beats per minute. (Read our article Low Heart Rate)
A resting heart rate predicts longevity and cardiovascular disease, and current evidence suggests that it is also an important marker of outcome in cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. A normal heart rate is generally stated to be between 60-100 beats per minute at rest (sitting, relaxing, etc.). However, recent studies (here and here) have suggested that an ideal resting heart rate is between 50-70 beats per minute. It is well-known that the average resting heart rate for well-trained athletes is between 40-60 beats per minute! A heart rate can change dramatically while sleeping or with daily activity and exercise. Usually, a heart rate will be slower during sleep, faster during daily activities or with exercise, and recover quickly back to a resting rate after exercise. This means your heart has appropriate heart rate variability and recovery, which is associated with good heart health. Your resting heart rate can also be used to estimate how much energy your body uses, or your basal metabolic rate.
What is a Normal Exercising Heart Rate?
To determine what a normal exercising heart rate is, you first need to determine your age-predicted maximal heart rate. Here is the generalized equation for predicting maximal heart rate (HRmax) in healthy adults:
HRmax = 208 – (0.7 x age)
For example, a 20-year-old person, the age-predicted maximal heart rate would be 194 beats per minute and for a 65-year-old person, the age-predicted maximal heart rate would be 163 beats per minute. A simplified age-predicted maximal heart rate equation (i.e. 220 – age) is commonly used, but it overestimates maximal heart rate in young adults and increasingly underestimates the maximal heart rate in older adults.
Being physically active is important to prevent cardiovascular disease, the #1 cause of death in the world. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following for physical activity:
- At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least five days per week for a total of 150 minutes OR at least 25 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity at least three days per week for a total of 75 minutes. For example, a moderate-intensity walk should translate to 100 steps per minute or 3,000 steps in 30 minutes.
- Moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity at least two days per week for additional health benefits.
So, what defines “moderate-intensity” or “high-intensity” exercise with regards to heart rate? Once you have determined your maximal heart rate, then we can determine what your exercising heart rate should be based on the intensity of exercise.
- Generally, during exercise, you want your heart rate to be at 50-90% of your maximal heart rate. This range should be considered your general target heart rate during exercise.
- The target heart rate during moderate-intensity exercise is 50-70% of your maximal heart rate.
- The target heart rate during high-intensity exercise is 70-90% of your maximal heart rate.
- The target heart rate during a cardiac stress test to evaluate for cardiovascular disease is 85% of your maximal heart rate. This is supported by the AHA and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), as well as additional scientific studies defining the optimum upper heart rate limit during exercise.
Remember, exercise can include (but is not limited to) walking, jogging, running, swimming, biking, climbing stairs, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or playing sports – whatever activity you find the most interesting or enjoyable.
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A resting heart rate is a very basic, but incredibly important predictor of cardiovascular disease and death in the general population. It is now recognized that positive modification of high-risk health profiles with strict diet and exercise programs can lower risk and is associated with improvement of resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and heart rate recovery. Take control of your health!
I am 74 years old.my doctor told me to lose weight because my cholesterol was 280,so I joined the gym. When I am on the treadmill what should my heart rate be? I also walk and use some of the ab equipment . I also take meds for tachycardia,which controls it.
Your predicted maximal heart rate is 156 beats per minute. While you are on the treadmill, moderate-intensity aerobic activity would probably be most appropriate. Moderate-intensity aerobic activity would put you in the range for 50-70% of your maximal heart rate, which would be 78-109 beats per minute in your case. So, a heart rate of 94 should be your goal while on the treadmill and this would allow you to go a little above and a little below that rate and still stay within your target heart rate range. You should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least five days per week. Thank you very much for your question!
Hi sir i’m prasanthu 21 years old my heart rate is 105bpm. this normal or not? what is normal heart rate how maintain my heart rate please tell me exact answer…. by prasanthu
Thank you very much for your question, this is a very common question that I get. There is some variability with regards to a normal resting heart rate, but it usually falls between 60-100 beats per minute, your heart rate falls just outside of the normal upper range. I would expect that for your age, your resting heart rate should be lower. I would recommend an exercise program (recommendations are included in the body of this post) to improve your cardiovascular fitness and a dietary program to achieve your estimated ideal body weight or a BMI between 18-25, if that applies to you. If you have any symptoms from your tachycardia or exercise intolerance, then it may be a good idea to be evaluated by a physician.
Hello I am 27 years old 268lbs not very active at all. My resting heart rate is as low as 52. It’s as if I know when it’s low because I start to feel weird, dizzy and shaky. Is this normal or something I should look into ?
That happened to my father in law and it turns out he needed a pace maker. Check it out!go to a doctor.
My pulse goes from 45 bpm back to74 bpm .it will stay at 74 for hrs then for 15 mins it will go back to 45.is that life threatening.
If you feel fine (asymptomatic), then it is unlikely to be life threatening. However, you should have an ECG or Holter monitor to record the bradycardia episodes to be sure there are not any heart blocks that could be worrisome.
I am 61 years old and go to jazzercise 5 days a week. I wear a fit bit watch and I have noticed my resting heart rate during the day is 53 bpm and my moving heart rate is either 59 or 60. If i need to walk really fast it is 70. When I am doing jazzercise my heart rate will go up to 125-135 then drop back down to about six 5 to 10 minutes after i have finished a cardio work out. Do these figures mean i have a good healthy heart.
Yes, your heart rate variability and heart rate recovery are good. I would continue what you are doing.
I have a question I’m pretty active i do CrossFit, I have a resting heart rate of 49 bpm average it stops as low as 38 base off a Fitbit tracker now I know how the software can be wrong. I’ve felt really run down I am battling an infection. For 30 pretty active should I be concerned?
It would be reasonable to have an ECG completed, just to make sure you are in a sinus rhythm. If you are in a sinus rhythm, then you should be reassured and continue to monitor your heart rate as your infection gets better.
Hi sir..im githu 31years old female housewife my heart rate is 105 to 110bpm after take beta blocker medicine its back to normal 75 to 90 this normal or not?my ecg and blood test is normal. how to maintain my heart rate to normal rate without taking medicine becouse I’m worried I’m just young take medication. Pls reply thank you
I would suggest trying improvements in your diet and exercise. All adults should consume a healthy plant-based or Mediterranean-like diet high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, lean vegetable or animal protein (preferably fish), and vegetable fiber. Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes/week of vigorous-intensity physical activity including resistance exercise.
hi my heart rate when im doing something like walking doing chores is 60 to’69 bpm sometimes 80 and 140 when zumba walking at home but when im siiting or lying in my bed my resting heart beat is down to 48 49 sometimes 50 is that ok? and im active everyday doing chores and wlaking in everymorning doing 8k walkinh im 33 is that ok
Yes, what you are describing can be a normal resting heart rate and heart rate variability during the day – especially since you are asymptomatic.
Hello
I have a resting heart rate of 49bpm. 48yrs 295pds. Pressure runs 117/64 – 129/89 not active. My question is this normal rhythm?
It most likely is, but the only way to know for sure would be to obtain an ECG at your physicians office.
Hello
I’m a 31 year old female, 170cm and 74kg. Pre lockdown I was exercising about 3-4 times a week and my resting heart rate would average around 60-70, be around 130-150 when doing CrossFit and about 160-170 when running. At work it would be about 60-80 as I just do a desk job. I think this is all ok given my age etc.
Generally I’m fit and well but have had issues with anxiety which I managed to overcome mostly by regular exercise and keeping busy. Then Covid hit and I couldn’t do those things so i started to get very aware of my health and keeping tabs on my heart rate. I noticed that when just sitting around watching tv it would sit at around 70-80 and sometimes for no apparent reason go over 100 for a little while. When walking around the house, cooking or doing the dishes it would persistently stay over 100, about 110-120 but usually drop down to 70 when sitting down again. It stays around 80 when eating. During light walks it can averages about 120-130 but can spike to 140-160 briefly. Whilst driving it’s usually 80-90.
I started to get increasingly worried, one day it was 90-100 for a whole afternoon whilst I just sat still so went to a&e. They did a chest X-ray, ecg and blood test which all came back fine and they said it was anxiety related but gave me beta blockers to calm it down. I’ve been using them (very small dose of 1.25mg and some days half that) which seems to work for baseline resting heart rate (down to 55-60) but it can still elevate to over 100 with basic tasks like brushing my teeth or go up to 80-90 just typing away at computer and usually always over 100 when standing. When lying down it can go as low as 40-50 which makes me feel very dizzy, I also feel very tired and get frequent headaches. When out for walks it’s still about 120 average. When off them, resting heart rate elevates to about 70-80 and simple activities like walking upstairs can get it to over 120. Today I was meditating and my heart rate was over a 100 so took a beta blocker which dropped it down. My garmin says my stress levels increase when off them (that’s heart rate variation) which is making me stress even more. Is this normal? I don’t want to be taking beta blockers if I don’t need to be, plus I feel so tired when I take them and out of breath. Blood pressure has been a little elevated, usually about 125/82-85 but sometimes in the normal range too both on and off beta blockers. Thank you!
hi
I am 64 years old my resting heart rate is 59Bpm in the morning and during the day it goes up to around 65 and then at around 8 pm it goes down to around 55 .I am 5′-5″ and weight 158 pounds and just 1/2 hour walking every day.
Is this resting rate of 55 in the afternoon normal ?
Yes, that can be normal for you – especially if you are asymptomatic.
Hello, 48 year old female with hypothyroidism and my heart rate fluctuates often, is lower 50’s acceptable for resting heart rate?? It does this periodically and it scares me! I’m usually within normal range all day including sleeping, is this normal or something I should be concerned about? Please help me I’m scared
Yes, that can be normal for you. I would also confirm that your hypothyroidism is being optimally managed.
I am 49 and my levels keep dropping what’s causing this thank you
It is difficult to say, it would be reasonable to discuss this with your primary care physician.
Hi, my name is Gladys,26 years of age,I don’t really understand what’s going with my body, I do always feel nervous and having chest pain in all of a sudden,like when I have things in my mind, my shoulder got stiffed and upper back is stiff and painful, my finger toes next to the smallest one suddenly got numbness and I always got tired so quick, I hope you could give me any ideas about this.thankyou
I am not sure, that all sounds very strange, but what you are describing does not appear to be coming from your heart. You should discuss further with your primary care physician.
Hey doc, my heart rate ranges from 50-160. During the day I am either driving, walking or resting at home. Is this normal for a 19 year old male?
Yes, that can be normal heart rate variability during the day for a 19 year old.
Hi, all heart guides relate to either resting or exercising rates but what about normal daily activities ie house chores? Could these be classed as moderate exercise? I am 52, 5’10” and 75kg. I have borderline ejection fraction (49%) and I take a beta blocker not for blood pressure but to reduce heart rate. This keeps resting heart rate around 75bpm but if I get up and move from room to room or I am say at sink doing dishes my heart rate can be 115/120 – is that normal? Once or twice on a slow walk my heart peeked for a minute or too at 177bpm before returning to 120s which freaked me out a little (I did have a cold at the time). We spend most of our day between rest and exercise so what would be the normal range here? Thank you.
What you are describing would be mild exertion. It is difficult to say what that normal heart rate range for mild exertion would be – and it would also depend on the person as well as their age. What you are describing could be normal for you, although the heart rate to 177 bpm during a slow walk would be abnormal.
I’m 17 , you see since December my heart rate will go high for no reason then my blood pressure will go higher or lower. These past month from Jan until now everything time I feel this heart fire my heart rate will go either high to 120 or 13o or 140 or low 54 or 45 or 35 , when it’s low it bring more heart fire feeling of pain. Then when my chest burns my heart rate goes up and sometimes I feel dizzy. I start to notice as well when ever I do exercise my heart rate goes 140 or 155 or 160 or higher even tho these exercise were a normal thing to do. Often I will be helping my mum in small things and my heart rate will go up.sometimes I will just walk from home to school and itgoes 132 evening I’m not pushing myself. Specially these heart aches and chest fire really do hurt even tho its for 1 to 3 min
It is difficult to determine what could be going on in your specific situation. I would recommend discussing your symptoms and observations with your primary care physician.
Hi sometimes my heart rate is 119 without doing exercise is it normal
Your heart rate can transiently increase for various different reasons. However, if your heart rate remained >100 bpm for >24 hours then that would most likely be abnormal.
I am a 40 year old male. This happens to me also I do have some anxiety my heart rate is normally good at night it gets in the high 50’s to low 60’s. I exercise and try to eat healthy. But let’s say when I see someone that I don’t want to see get scared etc my heart rate will go from normal to 120-140 which gets me worked up and scared. It doesn’t stay like that long just until I calm down. I had a lot of test done on my heart a couple years ago everything turned out fine with very minor plaque in my arteries. I guess I’m just looking for a little reassurance. Thank you…..
hello sir, i am 28 before 3 months my resting heart rate was 90-98 and i used the bata blockers inderal for few days then my blood pressure up to 160 i took Dio plus 5/75 after a few days my blood pressure is too low range of 90/60 and my pulse rate also decreased 56to 65 in resting and 100-120 during excercise. now the blood pressure is remain 90/60 to 120/80 i checked it 2 or 3 times in the day..my all reports are normal ecg ,echo,thioride , cholestrol ,rfts, but i faced some dizziness weakness ..should i worry for my pulse rate and the blood pressure ???
Hi sir, I’m a 39 year old female. Recently started a new job from a long break due to the Covid restrictions and moving. Notice that while at the new job my bpm is between 100-130 while at the office training and at home it’s between 70-90. Also noticed that my anxiety is steady while there
Yes, anxiety can increase your heart rate. Your heart rate at home is reassuring.
Hello one time I tried to commit suicide and my heart rate was 28 beats a min. Is that in itself life threatening?
A low heart rate, by itself, is not life threatening. A low heart rate becomes dangerous if it leads to a critically low blood pressure that is unable to supply or perfuse vital organs, a so-called unstable bradycardia. A low heart rate can also be dangerous if it is caused by an intrinsic conduction system abnormality that could spontaneously or unpredictably become unstable, thus leading to a critically low blood pressure. So, the etiology of the low heart rate and it’s effect on blood pressure determines if it’s life threatening.
My heart rate when sitting is usually around 58 and when sleeping 54. And when I walked 69 to 70 when excercising it reach up to 9
8 to 115….Is this normal
Yes, that can be normal for you.
hi my heart rate when im doing something like walking doing chores is 60 to’69 bpm sometimes 80 and 140 when zumba walking at home but when im siiting or lying in my bed my resting heart beat is down to 48 49 sometimes 50 is that ok? and im active everyday doing chores
Hello im 25 year old male 5’11 about 170ish pounds not too long ago i felt like passing out was lightheaded dizzy numb fingers weak ankles and ended up going to er they did some blood and urine test and told me i was fine. Later on that week same thing and got same tests done plus an ekg or something like that and it all came back fine too. Doctor said it was probably just me with anxiety. I got a new job where theres alot of vapor and the same symptoms show up i feel like sitting but i pulled through i felt nausea but never puked or fainted. Symptoms lasted for some time. Also really gassy feel like i gotta burp or fart and a chest pain but idk if its because of the gas.at the er they told me my blood pressure was a bit high but not to really worry cuz of my age but its around 130/80 to 140/90 and probably cuz of the anxiety. But been checking myself at store and still same but also noticed my heart rate can get low 50-60 even 49 especially when i lay down at night or wake up. Which freaked me out. I saw regular was 60 and down to 40 for great athletes. I worked at a job that was hard labor 8 hours usually monday – saturday had to use my arms constant and use muscle but usually on a platform with not much leg movement so i dont know if that counts and my diet is not the best either. So just wondering if all that looks good if its just anxiety or what else?
I would not worry too much about your heart rate. It sounds like you have been evaluated by physicians, and you are young, so your heart rate can be a little low. Your blood pressure is a little high for your age. I would recommend checking your blood pressure every morning and night, if your systolic blood pressure (top number) remains >140 mm Hg, then you should take that information to your doctor. During your episodes you could also check your blood pressure and heart rate, that would be helpful to know as well.
You might check your blood sugar. I have found that it can make you feel nauseated and faint. Feels your heart is working hard and fast. My sugar has dropped as low as 29 and yes that put me in hosp and on a heart monitor.
Some times I check it and it’s high 387 and then at times really low. Not 29 anylonger but around 40.
So just try that. See how it goes.
Hope you feel better!
Kelli
I had a Holter Monitor on for 2 weeks and it was determined that I had Mobitz II. My heart rate while asleep dropped to 22 bpm from 44 bpm in a matter of a few minutes. What would that make my MET score at age 19? Also, is that considered to be an ejection fraction of less than 30%? Thanks.
I am sorry, but I do not fully understand your questions. Unfortunately, you cannot determine METs (i.e. metabolic equivalents) or ejection fraction from a Holter Monitor.
I have experienced these symptoms when working with fumes as well. I also will get a “fume hangover” headache that lasts for a while afterwards. It’s your body’s way of telling you the toxic fumes are not good for you, and it’s having trouble processing them. My mom has MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity) and her blood pressure goes way up when she is exposed to any sort of fumes. I would be concerned about continual exposure at work, and honestly would suggest finding a career with no toxic fumes. I hope this helps!
Hlo doc
my age is 21 and i am male
My resting heart rate is 56 or 54. Is it good and when i am standing my heart rate is 90 bpm
Increasing your heart rate from 55 bpm to 90 bpm would be considered an abnormal heart rate response to standing. I would make sure that you are staying well hydrated and consider a mild-to-moderate exercise program with resistance training.
Not sure if you still have this issue. But try watching your sodium intake and excersising. I had high blood pressure for awhile and did this and within a month my numbers are great. However my heart rate is lower end. Between 50-66. Normally below 60 tho. Never really payed any attention until I tried eating healthier and exersizing twice a week. I do walk at least 3 miles a day at my job. So maybe a combination of both and losing weight and eating healthier my heart loves it?!
dear sir,
i am 33yrs old man, some days my heart rate is between 80 and 95, and almost days is below 60-55. some times heart rate raise from 58 to 140 suddenly and come back to 60 again, please advise me about my problem, i did several medical check up.. but i don’t get any proper solution .
dear sir,
i am 33yrs old man, some days my heart rate is between 80 and 95, and almost days is below 60-55. some times heart rate raise from 58 to 140 suddenly and come back to 60 again, please advise me about my problem, i did several medical check up.. but i don’t get any proper solution .
Hi Docter my name is Hemanth and recently 4 months back I hospitalised for 2 major heart blockage with cad 2 stents and I am just 33 years and I was smoking a lot now Docter told me continue axcer 90 mg,rozavel 40 mg,tigatel 20mg,prolomet 25xl, and afternoon ecosprin 75mg for a year is tat must to continue the tablets and now I am active I’ll complete more then 10000 steps per day and now I want to be healthy for my family sake so please recommend me a how to be healthy for my good heart and vessels and I want to know how this blockage came to me from my family heridity or due to smoke and I was also not having my food on time now I want to leave my nonscared life so your motivational words and hints to help
You can follow the 10 Lifestyle Habits of Super Heart Healthy People: https://myheart.net/articles/10-lifestyle-habits-of-super-heart-healthy-people. Hopefully, you will find this information helpful moving forward. Thank you very much for your question!
dear sir,
i am 33yrs old man, some days my heart rate is between 80 and 95, and almost days is below 60-55. some times heart rate raise from 58 to 140 suddenly and come back to 60 again, please advise me about my problem, i did several medical check up.. but i don’t get any proper solution . i take concor5mg (betablocker) around 4 yrs and stopped last year , my blood pressure is 130/85.
A 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor may be helpful to determine your heart rate and rhythm during these episodes. You should discuss with your physician. Thank you very much for your question!
My age is 19 and my heart beat is 72 bpm at resting times is this normal ? How can I reduce my bpm
Yes, that is a normal resting heart rate, but you are never too young to focus on diet and exercise. All adults should consume a healthy plant-based or Mediterranean-like diet high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, lean vegetable or animal protein (preferably fish), and vegetable fiber, which has been shown to lower the risk of all-cause mortality compared to control or standard diet. All adults should engage in at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes/week of vigorous-intensity physical activity including resistance exercise.
My heart rate is 45 bpm what does that mean
It can mean different things for different people, based on age, overall fitness, and symptoms. I am guessing you are young and asymptomatic, so a low heart rate could be normal for you.
Hello doctor,
I’m 33 male, my resting pulses rate is 84per minute.
I could see my heart beating on my chest and it’s so visible on my nible. It’s beating so fast. Is it normal?
Yes, it can be normal to see a heart beat through your chest. 84 bpm is not fast, that is within the range of a normal heart rate.
Hi I’m 20 , I do smoke a vape because I quit smoking cigarettes during the day my heart rate changes from 96 to 100 to 114 sometimes even 132 if I’m walking around a store or just at my house but when I wake up in the morning it’s usually 64 to 88 resting but I am anemic should I be concerned?
That is an exaggerated heart rate response to minimal exertion. It could be due to your anemia, which should be regularly followed by your physician. I would also recommend a structured mild-to-moderate exercise program.
I have a 11 year old daughter, after a 800m bike ride what should be the heart rate??????
I would contact your daughter’s pediatrician for the answer to that question.
I’m a 20 y/o female, my resting heart rate fluctuates from 55-75. I’ve had numerous work ups with my gp and cardiologist and nobody finds anything wrong. Is this normal? Should I push for more testing? I go through periods of time where my resting heart rate will be 54-64 when lying down/sitting for days. Is this okay?
Yes, what you are describing can be normal. In addition, if you have been evaluated by your primary care physician and cardiologist with a normal work-up then that is even more reassuring.
hi,
I am 19 years old i was suffering from gastric problems before 1 month after that i felt that my heart beat is more than normal
when i checked it was 100-110 my doctor prescribed me inderal 40g(Propranolol) half tab morning and evening a totat of 40mg a day
and clonazepam 0.25 every night. My ecg report and chest x ray was normal with 84 bpm heart rate doctor said me it is bcuz i m getting anxietic. i took that for 20 days then my doctor said me to stop it.
i stopped taking those medicines but i m getting 70-80 resting heart rate something 90-100 while resting. thats why i reduced my dosage to 20mg inderal every night i m still facing 80-90 bpm without any other problem
i don’t even fell dizzy or something is this normal and how will i stop my Propranolol dosages
Yes, that can be normal. I would discuss with your physician about the propranolol dosages and how they would like you to proceed.
Hello. Just want to ask if it is normal that my heart rate is 110 while im standing or sometimes just doing something. And why im having palpitation while sleeping? Thank you!
A heart rate of >100 bpm with just standing or minimal activity could be abnormal. If you are also having palpitations while sleeping, it would not be unreasonable to have a 48-hour Holter monitor completed to make sure that your heart rhythm is normal (i.e. sinus rhythm) during your episodes of tachycardia and palpitations.
I’m 31 y/o female. I have mitral valve prolapse and take 25mg atenolol every morning. I suffer with servre anxiety and panic disorder. My heart normal at rest ( just laying around watching a movie) is around 60’or 70’. Today I go in to get seen for allergies and sinuses, gave me a steroid shot about 9:30am around 12pm I started having a panic attack and my heart rate stayed in the 90’s. I’m laying down now and I feel like it’s still a tad fast in the 90’s. What should I do?
A normal resting heart rate can be between 60-100 bpm, so you are within the normal range. It is possible that the steroid injection has transiently increased your heart rate, but that should resolve in 24-48 hours.
I’m 41 years old and I recently quit smoking 6 months ago after smoking for about 20 years. I got a Fitbit and sometimes if freaks me out. My resting heart rate had dropped to the lowest 40. I don’t really exercise, but at work I do walk a lot… Sometimes, my step counter says around 10,000-12,500 steps. When walking around, my heart rate goes to around 130 bpm. I start getting anxiety, and I start to panic. I do play softball and have for years. Sometimes 4-5 times a week. Sometimes even 2-3 games in one night. Is this normal?
What you are describing can be normal at rest and with exertion, especially since it sounds like you are asymptomatic. However, if you are concerned, discussing with your physician would be reasonable.
I am 33 y/O male.my heart rate bet 55-65 .but suddenly it became 100 after sudden activity.and some time at sleep it goes down 54/ min and I feel some time discomfort in chest.I done ecg and eco but it is normal.1 yr before I suffering from colitis. Pls give me suggestions suggestions
What you are describing can be normal for you, and the normal ECG and echocardiogram are reassuring. You should consider a structured exercise program, at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes/week of vigorous-intensity physical activity including resistance exercise.
48 man hart rear of 35 jumps up to 134 it of up an down at rast
I am not exactly sure what your question is, but it sounds like you are asking about a heart rate variability between 35-134 bpm. This can be normal, especially with exercise, but if this is at rest then you could be experiencing a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). If you are symptomatic or the SVT remains sustained, then you should be evaluated by a physician.
Hi I’m 44 yrs old and just had a baby 2 months ago. Before pregnancy my pulse stayed in the 70’s during the end of pregnancy my blood pressure and pulse got high my pulse would stay over 100 and during delivery got up to 147bpm now that I’m 2 months postpartum my blood pressure is back to normal but my pulse is low for me in the low 60’s and high 50’s just wondering what tournament intake is on the low pulse now? Just afraid maybe the pregnancy wore my heart out. But I feel fine. Just curious! Ty!
Yes, all those changes to your blood pressure and heart rate can be normal. Pregnancy definitely did not wear your heart out, so no need to worry. Thank you for your question!
Hello sir, i am 26 year old man with 56 resting heart rate (while lying on bed)
And i am bit over weight BMI 30
During ecg my pulse was 89 due to nervousness and cardiologist said my ecg was normal
So 56 resting heart rate is this normal
Yes, a resting heart rate of 56 bpm can be normal for you. I would recommend a diet and weight-loss program to achieve a BMI <25.
I am 77 years of age and jog 6 days per week for 5.3 kilometres and have done so for many years,recently my heart rate has registered 194 198 per minute on many occasions a bit scary.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Those heart rates would be very high for you. Were your heart rates confirmed manually or recorded from a fitness device? Fitness devices can be inaccurate and manually checking your heart rate when there is concern is recommended.
Hi, I’m Mischa 27 of age. I just did an ECG lately because a doctor advice me to do so. My heart beat is normal and my resting heart beat is 67bpm. The doctor also adviced me to see a cardiologist since i’m from a family with a strong heart problems. I’m experiencing a chest pain often lately but I don’t experience any shortness of breath. Specially when i’m stress or being emotinal and i’m also experiencing a feeling like my heart is being strangled and I also palpitate alot. Even at rest or if im just sitting I will suddenly feel chest pains. Any suggestions? Thanks!
It would be uncommon for a 27 year old female to have obstructive coronary artery disease, but evaluation by a cardiologist would be reasonable. A 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor may be recommended to evaluate your palpitations.
Hi doc ,i m 25 year old male .My heart rate was 100-120 all the time.then my cardio doc did ECG,ECHO AND HOLTER MONITORING AND BLOOD TEST.all were normal and no blockage , ejection facrion 65% ,and sinus rythm too. then in blood report,it was found my rate is high because of hyperthyroidism. i started taking meds to low hyperthyroidism and now its around 70-86 while resting. It increases to 90-95 when i am tensed or horny. Is it normal?
Is it normal to get high rate of 100 while playing games ? Because after that it comes back to 78. Is it normal? And i started walking and i walk at rate of 100-120 for 45 mins daily. Is walking rate normal? When i do something my rate is 90-95.is it normal??
Yes, all that can be normal. I would just be sure that your thyroid levels are continuing to be optimized.
Hi
I am a 70 Y O male my pulse rate as tested today was 32.
5 years ago in a german test it was also tested at 32. Surprise was expressed that someone of my age would have such a low pulse rate. I was asked if i was an athlete. I am not. But usually I walk every day and havent even owned a vehicle for the last 12 years.
But over the last 18 months of pandemic to remain mostly housebound with a lot less walking.
I had a bad influenza abou 2 to 3 months ago vut did not need treatment. It took maybe 3 weeks to recover main symptoms a futher 2 months feeling energy poor. I have no reason to beleve this was asymptomatic Covid 19 but I gave never been tested. But I did not walk outside my house for the 3 months. So no walking daily. I am definitely no athlete.
I am back to walking most days about 2 kms.but Its not rigid and its not training.
My question is ..
Is a 32 pulse always a good thing at age 70 or could it be bad
My BMI is good. Overall I am doing well for my age I feel.
Could there be some negative side to this 32 pulse?
Not necessarily, although it is low. I would assume your physician obtained an ECG and it was a sinus rhythm? If so, and you are feeling well and able to exert yourself, then I would just continue to monitor.
Hi sir my average heart rate is 67 taken on a whole day. Is it ? .l m an athlete who runs or Jog daily for 25mints
Yes, that resting heart rate is within normal range.
Hi I’m 51/ 5’4 / 185 lbs my lifestyle has been sedentary these past 4 years and have experienced some health issues as a result. I started walking 1 mile each morning doctors orders and I purchased an exercise bike and eating healthier. My goal is to lose weight and be heart healthy. What should my exercise heart rate be? Thank you
Your exercise heart rate should be between 120-135 bpm.
I have just turned 20 years old and my resting heart beat is 138 beats per minute , I have also noticed that my heart beat has been increasingly felt irregular for a while such as the sudden pounding feeling in my chest when I’m sitting down relaxing. Is this something to worry about ?
It is not normal to have a resting heart rate of 138 bpm. You should discuss this further with your physician.
Sir I’m 33 and my resting heart rate is around 100..when I lays down on left side my heart beats more 5_ 9 points more..I have done eco which is normal.my height is 5:6 but weight is 80 kgs what to do now
Diet and exercise improvements moving forward should improve your resting heart rate. I would suggest starting a mild-to-moderate exercise routine and weight loss to a BMI <25.
I’m a 50 year old male. 350lbs 6ft 3. I have a RHR of between 49-63 as determined by an Apple Watch, this has been consistent for at least 2 years of data I have. I’ve lost 100 lbs over the last few years and am asymptomatic as far as I know. I’ve had a ECG which was normal in the past. My HR rises and falls with exercise, walking HR averages 109-116bpm and cycling/rowing it’s around 130-140bpm. Am I normal? It should I see a Doctor?
I am 77. Wt:55kg. Ht: 5’4″.male.
My resting heart rate: 54 to 58.
Using med: metoprolol 25mg,
Rosuvastatin:10mg, and clopigrel:75; asthalin inhaler 200 mcg.
Moderate exercise regularly. At present I follow lchf diet with intermittent fasting 16/8. But lack of sleep. Dementia started.
Thank you for your comment, sounds like you are doing OK.
Hi, I’ve notice that ocassionally at night before going to sleep my heart rate per minute is 60 below. But in the morning it goes back to normal ranges between 60 to 100.
It can be normal to have a lower heart rate when you sleep (even into the 30s, 40s, and 50s).
Hi I’ve noticed that recently my resting heart rate has dropped as low as 54bpm during the day and even 44 bpm at night when I’m sleeping is this something I should worry about. I am 20 years old but I am over weight but I’ve been on a diet recently and have included a lot of exercise into my diet.
A low resting heart rate can be normal in young people. If you are asymptomatic and able to exercise, then the low heart rate is likely normal for you and you should continue your diet and exercise routine.
Hi I’m 30 female, I have the exact same thing when I’m resting in bed before sleep my heart rate can drop down to 50s and 49 when sleeping and goes up and down however when I’m awake it is between the standard 60-100
Unless I’m exerting myself.
That can be normal for you, especially since you are young and likely physically fit.
Hello I’m El, I’m 25 years of age my heart rate resting is quite normal it is 70/80 at the most but when I exercise which includes fast walking/running it reaches 130/150 is this normal?
Yes, that can be normal for you.
Hello, I’m 23, my resting heart rate is 55-60, I’m moderately active, sometimes I get weird pain in chest, I don’t know if it’s anxiety, should I be worried?
The heart rates you are describing can be normal for you. Any additional chest pain or anxiety should be discussed with your physician.
I am a 53 years old…. i have this watch that can monitor a heart rate……53 bpm atthe time of 6am and then at 530 pm 136 bpm….. in the morning around 8am i do treadmill every other day for 40 mins and 10 mins for lite weight lifting for my arms….. and also i do havemy maintenance medicine for my hypertension and diabetes is this a normal bpm rate?
136 bpm is a high resting heart rate, everything else looks OK. I would confirm with a manual measurement of your heart rate as the wearable sensors can be inaccurate.
Hello doctor I’m 24 years old, 5’1 102lbs and my resting heart rate goes down to 44bpm and I do have a first degree heart block, heart palpitations and severe dizziness lightheadedness and chest pain throughout nearly every day, and always conscious of my heart beating, I’m very nervous as to what this means for me I’m a mom of 2 and semi active
It is not normal to have palpitations, severe dizziness/lightheadedness, and chest pain every day. It is also difficult to say what could be causing it, I would suggest discussing this further with your physician to determine next steps for evaluation.
I am a 28 year old woman, I am morbidly obese at 344 lbs although I have lost almost 100 lbs at this point. I have been having heart palpitations every day although have been told by an ER doctor that it is anxiety. I am waiting for a referral to a cardiologist to go through. I take 20 mg of propranolol every day as my old resting heart rate was over 100. My resting heart rate now tends to fluctuate between 70-85 while just laying in bed and goes up and down every few seconds.. I had an episode of SVT on Thanksgiving to where it was 170, this measurement was taken by paramedics. Then two days ago my Fitbit said my heart rate was 125 and I was just lying down. It went back down quickly but still freaked me out. The resting rate is based on a Fitbit tracker as well. Could I be suffering from arrhythmia?
Yes, from what you are describing, it could be an SVT. Your cardiologist should be able to evaluate further.
Hey doc,
I’m 31 year old male at 200lbs, a few months ago I was 245 but had what the dr called an anxiety attack. I had gone to the ER for this anxiety attack because I thought I was dying having a heart attack. Ekg came back normal chest X-ray said I was within normal limits and unremarkable bony thorax. This is why I lost the weight because I was worried about having heart disease. Ever since then I’ve been trying to figure out what is wrong with me I’ve been dizzy on and off and my eye dr says I have normal tension glaucoma. Also I had a zio patch done which came up with rare PACs and rare PVCs. Could stress be the culprit or could there be an underlying reason why I’m getting these palpitations, I also stopped eating meat. They also said my sleep bpm is 35? Is that normal?
I am not sure why you are having the feeling of palpitations, your Zio patch suggests that you are not having any significant abnormal heart beats. A low sleep heart rate can be normal, especially in young people.
I have the exact same symptons like you. Did you ever find out what was wrong?
Hi My Name Is Dianna I Have Tachycardia My Heart Rate At Rest Is 160bpm l also get very lightheaded and dizziness along with it I’m prescribed Metoprolol For my fast heart rate is their any other factors that can cause my heart rate to be so high while at rest
It is not normal to have a heart rate of 160 bpm at rest. You will need an ECG of the tachycardia to determine the underlying rhythm, which is unlikely to be a sinus rhythm, and let those results determine the next step in evaluation. Also, basic laboratory evaluation would be recommended including checking your thyroid levels.
Hi, I’m 51 year old male 5 10 and 12 stone, my resting heart rate is always between 56 – 60 is this ok?
Yes, that can be normal for you, especially since you are asymptomatic.
Dr Jason. I have a question. My sitting down during the day rhr is between 70-80 sometimes. When I lay down its 55-65. And when im standing or just walking around the house its between 80-110. I’m an athlete that runs 2 miles 5 times a week and have already had ekg. Echo. To make sure my heart is okay. But sometimes just from standing not doing much activity at all my hr will go up to 105-115 and stay there for as long as I’m standing. (Could be hours) when I check my wife’s shes only at like 70-80 from doing similar tasks. Is it normal when standing or doing very light walking to be between 105-115 if I’m in pretty good shape. (6ft tall 210lbs)
Yes, that can be normal for you, just make sure you are staying well-hydrated. Also, the fact that you can exercise and run several times a week is reassuring.
Hasnain Noshahi says
September 23, 2021 at 9:48 am
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hello sir,I am 28 year old After taking beta blockers my resting pulse rate is 55-61 and blood pressure remain 90/50 to 100/60 should i worry about bradycardia?all the health test are normal ecg,echo,thioriod ,cholestrol etc all the normal..
That heart rate could be normal for you, especially with the normal tests. However, I am not sure why a 28 year old would be on a beta-blocker.
hello sir,I am 28 year old After taking beta blockers my resting pulse rate is 55-61 and blood pressure remain 90/50 to 100/60 should i worry about bradycardia?all the health test are normal ecg,echo,thioriod ,cholestrol etc all the normal..
I’m 25 I’m 138ib my sys is 220 my dia is 110 and pul per min is 106 is that normal?
No, that is not normal. With a systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg, you should see you physician about treatment for hypertension (i.e. high blood pressure). You can read more about hypertension here: https://myheart.net/articles/uncontrolled-hypertension-including-hypertension-emergencies/
At the moment I’m am sick with a cold not Covid, but when I walk from my sitting room to the stairs my heart is racing, so I’m wondering what causes this to happen as I be active enough I’m 68years of age doctor think it’s down to the virus, but when my pcr test came back negative it made me wonder why
Yes, acute illnesses (viral or bacterial) can cause an increase in your resting heart rate. Your heart rate should improve back to your baseline as the illness improves.
Hi i am in the military and my resting heart rate is from 90s to 120s sometimes 130s.. i have issues running bc it gets too fast and was wondering what i should do or if it was normal.
It could be abnormal to have a resting heart rate of 120-130bpm. This would likely need to be confirmed with a heart monitor to determine if you are in a sinus (i.e normal) or non-sinus (i.e. abnormal) heart rhythm. I would recommend you discuss this further with your physician.
Hai sir, my age is 40 but my resting heart rate is 96 bpm my bp is 120/80, what kind of exercises do I take and which food is better for heart and does my heart rate good or bad?
That is a high resting heart rate for your age. I would recommend a moderate exercise program with resistance training and a whole food plant-based diet.
DR MY HEARTS GOING UP TO 115 110 BACK TO 90 AND 81..IF IM JUST STANDING..WALKING SLOW ROUND HOUSE WILL IT GO ABOVE 100?? 😏😣
It is hard to say. A recent or previous coronavirus infection can cause elevated heart rates. Also, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which you can read more about here: https://myheart.net/pots-syndrome/. If your symptoms continue, you can discuss more with your doctor.
I’m 31 years old lately I been loosing alot my oxygen an it’s taked a while to catch my breath i so been checking my sys mmHg it’s come out as=160-175
DIA mmHg=106-108
Pulse=95-99 it’s this normal
No, that is not a normal blood pressure. I would recommend discussing your findings with a healthcare provider for further work-up and management.
I am a 28 year old white female, roughly between 4 & 5 months pregnant with my 4th child. Previous pregnancy was twins done thru C-section, first pregnancy was regular birth. No miscarriages. Possibly pregnant in my tubes because I’d filled out the necessary paperwork B4 c section for my twins in June 2017 to make sure I’d never be able to have anymore kids again after them. But here I am, pregnant. Point of me sharing that is because I’m told there are a lot of dangers should it be a tubal pregnancy. I jus walked a mile on a TreadClimber in 18 minutes and 26 second my heart rate was 159, machine said I burned 98 cal. I’m not as active as I should be, but I’m not sloppy. I’m 5’5″ & usually weigh between 145 to 150. I’m not flabby like the BMI would suggest by saying I’m over weight. So given my age, weigh, & circumstances, is the heat rate ok? When id first started it was high in the 160s but I’d focused on slower paces & put my hands back on to check it & it would go back down to 160 something. The entire 18 mins I’d slow & recheck my heart rate. @ the main end I tried hurrying to get the mile before the 20 min. Mark so I hadn’t gt the chance to slow my myself to lower the heart rate again. But I wasn’t really out of breathe, not was m to heart beating too fast/hard. Honestly it felt good so is that safe for me or am I pushing my luck?
Yes, what you are describing can be normal for you. A reasonable exercise heart rate would be around 160-170 bpm in your case without pregnancy. Probably discussing with your OB/GYN about heart rate parameters while pregnant would be reasonable.
Im 27 years old, i got a 120-144 heart beat, i work at plant, but i got those heart beat during lunch break and before to go home.
Yes, that would be a faster than normal heart rate especially at rest. It would be reasonable to have a 24- to 48-hour Holter monitor to capture and evaluate your fast heart rates.
Hello doctor, I am Ayo and am 33yrs I recently noticed that my heart rate was between 85 – 104 and I have palpitation when I wake up in the morning alone. I did an ECG but the ECG result is normal. What do you think is wrong?
It is hard to say. Your heart rate is within the normal range and you say that your ECG was normal. If you continue to have frequent palpitations, then you can discuss with your physician if a 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor might be helpful for evaluation.
Dear doctor ,,,my age 35 and weight 112 Kg,, my normal heart beat 70 to 90, but when I eat hot or eat much calories items my heart beat on 90 to 110, I have gastro problem, pl advice
I cannot fully explain why your heart rate increases with eating, but for some people that can be normal.
DR MY HEART RATES GOING IP TO 110 109 WHEN STANDING..IVE JUST BEEN WALKING SLOW ROUND HOYSE…FEEL LIL DIZZY. SHOULD I WORRY?? CALL EMS OUT??
Hey I’m Antoinette I also have heart problems too I take medicine for taquicardia to and some time my blood pressure is 130/87 heart can be 100 can you tell why
It is difficult to say. I would discuss with your physician to inquire if further evaluation or monitoring would be needed.
Hi, I’m Bright. It began a few years ago, I would get light headedness once in a while and it would go away. Sometime Nov last year I found lots of blood in my stool. This only happened once then few weeks later I started having palpitations and light headedness. After diagnosis it turned out I had esophageal and stomach ulcers, I took calcium blockers and beta blockers for the palpitations but none was effective in stopping it. The palpitations stopped 2 days after taking Omeprazole. The thing is ever since ave been very concious of my heart rate, that’s when I notice my RHR is around 48 – 70, 48ish very early in the morning while still in bed. When I was younger I do alot of intense exercise like weight lifting and I’m still very active. The light headedness and palpitations are gone, the doctor suspects I was anaemic due to the bleeding ulcer but my HRH is still in the low range even though I don’t feel funny or dizzy at all.
Yes, it can be normal to have a resting heart rate ~40-60 bpm and be asymptomatic. It is generally a good indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness.
My heart rate is 120 I just wanted to know could that indicate problems yes I smoke cannabis so could that be a factor in me having a high resting heart rate when high
A resting heart rate >100 bpm, in your case 120 bpm, can be abnormal. It would be reasonable to discuss with your physician and obtain an ECG.
I will be 80 in April. I’m a white female who weighs 148 pounds. I believe I have had resting heart rate around 90 for many years. I just took my blood pressure and it was 123/72 with a heart rate of 89. My last visit at my general practitioner showed a resting heart rate of 103 (one test only). He prescribed 25mg of metoprolol three times a day. I do not want to take a beta blocker. What should I do?
If your heart is in a sinus (i.e. normal) rhythm, then there is no need necessarily to be on a beta-blocker.
My resting heart rate(when laying down in bed) is between 50 to 60.
When I work like cooking it’s between 60 to 65.When I do light exercise it’s between 75 to 81.
I am 30 yrs old.Is this normal?
Yes, that can be normal.
Hi doctor I have pots syndrome. My heart usually races or stays resting at late 60’s-100 laying down but tonight I realized my heart is staying around 56-68. Is it normal for your heart to be in the 50’s range like this laying down at night?
Thank you
Hi i have started working out running 5 to 6 kms 5 days a week. I have some anxiety which plays with my heart rate. I am 41 years old and find my resting heart rate jumps around from being 55-62 some weeks and then 66-73 for a few days. What causes changes in resting heart rate? Can over worked muscles increase resting rate? I have had ecg, holter monitor, echo and they came back fine. If something was wrong with arteries or the heart they would appear on these tests?
It is hard to say what caused your changes in heart rate, but those ranges are within the normal range. Any issues with your coronary arteries would not necessarily be detected with the ECG, Holter, or echocardiogram.
Hey doctor I just turned thirty and have a Fitbit most of the time my resting heartbeat is 74-78 when excercings not full throttle but about eighty percent I get to 183. Is the average or something else please
That exercise heart rate is a little high for your age, but still within the upper limits of what can be considered normal for you.
I’ve been on clonazepam for 10+ years, take 4 mg daily. I am now down to.5 mg and having trouble getting off it totally, having severe withdrawals. IE; severe leg cramps, can’t sleep. I quit taking it for 36 hrs and had a SVT, recorded it on my bp cuff. In a restful state my pulse was 147. The dr said it could go to 200 bf being a SVT. I moved to a different state and the drs say I can no longer take that for my “confirmed “ SVTs. I’ve been on beta blockers before and since I have hypothyroidism my vitals stay low which makes my body LOW. I was switched for health reasons. The therapist keeps telling me it’s due to depression, and has given me buspirone, escitalopran, and mirtazapine. I’m a heathy 63 ur old woman, weigh 115 lbs. very energetic and have my depression problems now in tack. The only meds I take other than clonazepam is thyroid medication. What else can I take or due, get to control these? I’ve had them since 1990 which they only lasted a few minutes, the last one, without clonazepam lasted 3hrs! I don’t feel I’m taken seriously
Beta-blockers should be OK in the setting of hypothyroidism. If you have confirmed SVT episodes and symptomatic, then an SVT ablation would be reasonable in your case.
I have a question I got the correct shot the 22nd of last month and Having a lot of issues with my heart rate going up-and-down I was having like a shock sensation for a long time Hospital put me on a better blocker But now when I’m at rest it goes to 54 sometimes 50 but when I stand up it goes to a 100 when I’m walking around Is that normal can you tell me please all my tests have been coming back normal I wore a heart monitor for 3 days when I was having the sensation in my body I’m not having that sensation no more so it’s not the same as when I had the monitor on I don’t know where to go from here
If your tests have been coming back normal, that is reassuring. While on a beta-blocker, your resting heart rate can be a little lower than normal.
Hi there I’m 28 year old my heart rate is usually 64-68 bpm resting, but its raised between 74-80bpm resting, I am full of the cold right now, blocked nose and bad sinuses could this be the reason?
Yes, being sick can increase your resting heart rate.
I am a 27 year old mom of 3. I recently birthed my 3rd baby 5 months ago. I have a history of POTS but it had resolved. I began having problems with my HR and thought it was recurring POTS until I was diagnosed with postpartum thyroiditis. I was hyperthyroid. Well that phase passed and was not suppose to come back. (I don’t have antibodies) I am suppose to go hypo which typically causes a low heart rate. I have been waiting for this to occur for the past 3 weeks since my levels normalized. I have had a completely normal heart rate variability. Well the past 3 days I have noticed some palpitations and some heart pounding more. My hr is between 60-90 resting and when I get out of bed, it goes up to 115, and that’s without walking around, just standing in one place. It’s uncomfortable and resolves throughout the day. I am scheduled to check my blood levels again and also scheduled for an angiography for some chest pain I have every once in a while. I suffer from anxiety as well. Hypothetically If I am not hyperthyroid again and if my angiography is normal , Could this be due to stress and anxiety only? Or could be considered normal? I want to start excercise to undo any effects that stress has done to my heart from thyroid and stress of anxiety but I’m afraid to start. I just want to do brisk walking on my treadmill, is this risky? Thanks.
Those area all good questions. I would wait until your procedures and follow-up visits are completed before pursuing any exercise program. However, if everything comes back normal then that would be very reassuring and starting a mild-to-moderate exercise program with resistance training could improve your resting heart rate and the way you feel during the day.
Hi im a 24 year old male I have a question when I sit down or lay down when I’m watching tv my heart rate is on the 50’s and when I stand up it goes back to normal I feel dizzy every day I already saw a cardiologist and I did a echocardiogram and he gave me a heart monitor and he said my heart is fine what should I do I get scared when I feel dizzy
Hi im a 24 year old male I have a question when I sit down or lay down when I’m watching tv my heart rate is on the 50’s and when I stand up it goes back to normal I feel dizzy every day I already saw a cardiologist and I did a echocardiogram and he gave me a heart monitor and he said my heart is fine what should I do I get scared when I feel dizzy
Hi
Its been 3-4 days , i have been feeling anxiety a lot.
My heart beat is varying from 75-95bpm.
Is that fine, i am just 30 but i feel scared when i get anxiety.
Thanks
Hii I am prachi I am 20 years old and my heart rate 89/min nd from some headache is too mch my doc says ur heartbeat is fast in normal time what should I do
A heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute is indeed normal. There may be something else that your physician is concerned about and would discuss the specific concern at your next doctor’s visit. Thank you for your question!
I am 19 and sometimes my resting heart rate while asleep and just laying down will get into the 40s. Is this normal ? I have started working out some
Yes, especially given your age, that can be normal for you.
So I wear my Apple Watch to sleep and I saw where all in one minute it went from 60s to 39 and then back up to like 60s all in that one minute. My normal sleeping heart rate is is 50s-60s and a lot of times 40s but I never knew it had gotten down to 39. I saw it had done that 2 times before with my Apple Watch while I was asleep. Is that bad ?
Wearable devices are not always correct, especially when the episodes in question are very brief. As long as you are in a normal sinus rhythm during the day, then the low heart rates at night can be normal for you.
Doctor my heart beat is normal at rest like 69 to 84 bpm, when I get up to grab something I’m home goes from 109-115bpm, if I clean do laundry not light duty goes from 120,130,150 maybe even 160
Sleeping 50-42bpm
When I’m out shower it’s like 120 130
That is a significant rise in heart rate due to only a mild amount of exertion. I would suggest trying to improve your diet (try a whole-food plant-based diet) and starting a mild-to-moderate exercise program with resistance training, hopefully this will improve your overall cardiorespiratory fitness.
I am 58 female, my resting heart rate is 84-92, when showering or just walking around the house, my heart rate gets between 106-120, but goes down after an hour usually. Sometimes it takes a couple of hours to go back to normal. My ekg and blood test were normal. This worries me, what should I do.
This could be normal for you, however, I would suggest improving your diet to a whole-food, plant-based diet and starting a mild-to-moderate exercise program with resistance training. These two changes will improve your cardiorespiratory fitness and resting heart rate.
Hi im a 24 year old male I have a question when I sit down or lay down when I watch tv my heart goes down to the 50’s and when I get up my heart rate goes up I have anxiety I just want to know if anxiety affects the heart and if I’m at risk of having a heart attack or a cardiac arrest from anxiety ??
What you are describing can be normal, and the normal evaluation by your cardiologist is very reassuring. Yes, anxiety can affect the heart, but it is very rare/highly unlikely to have a heart attack or cardiac arrest from anxiety.
Doctor my heart beat is normal at rest like 69 to 84 bpm, when I get up And walk to grab something goes from 109-115bpm,If I’m asleep and get up to give my baby a bottle it goes 109-120 if I clean do laundry, get out shower vacuum, goes from 120,130,150 maybe even 160
Sleeping 50-42 I just got a watch so it’s making me nervous seeing those numbers I did also just get over covid, ekg is normal
Also, what you are describing has been seen after COVID-19. It should hopefully improve over the coming weeks to few months.
I am 59 am having syncope episodes. I have complicated migraines that are intractable. I have been known to have bradycardia, but in the past few months have had very rapid Heart rate and high blood pressure at times. Your thoughts
You should probably see your physician and speak with them. It is possible that you are having a tachyarrhythmia (i.e. fast heart rate) that could be causing your syncope. In your case, a temporary heart monitoring device to assess your heart rhythm and rate would be reasonable. You can read more about that here: https://myheart.net/articles/holter-monitors-explained-by-a-cardiologist/. Your blood pressure should be monitored and if it remains high (systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg), then it should be treated with lifestyle modifications or medications if lifestyle modifications are not effective.
Try taking a Magnesium supplement first it may do the trick ?
Hello so I’m 19, and resting heart rate is 71, but when laying down it’s at 60-71? But one time I caught it in the 59 but dropped back in the 60’s… not sure if it’s my anxiety causing it.. because I have Fitbit and back then my heart rate was at steady rate and now when I keep looking at my Fitbit and neverous in high 80’s. ( I work out 5/7 days )
A resting heart rate can vary between 60-100 bpm, so this can be normal. The heart rate variation that you are noticing can be normal variation during the day. Thank you very much for your question!
Hi I’m 23 and I go through periods of training all the time then I can go weeks with out training. I’m not the fittest I have been in the past but I’m still fairly fit. My resting heart rate is around 55. Is this normal? Do I have to be worried. I have experienced chest discomfort before but I did have a period of taking cocaine every other weekend but quite a lot of it! I never feel chest discomfort whilst I’m training and I have had tests and everything seemed to be fine. Am I being paranoid or is that resting heart rate not normal?
Yes, that resting heart rate can be normal for you especially if you are asymptomatic.
Hello! I am 29, female, about 100 pounds. Was more active under age of 18 but have been fairly sedentary for a decade now. Started being consistent in exercising on August 10th. 8/19 I awoke from a nap with a swollen neck I believe it could be my thyroid. Had a scary night 8/22 I woke up about 2am and felt right side of thyroid was swollen, I started to sweat profusely and felt very faint and my anxiety was through the roof. My temp dropped as low as 96.4, bp was 98/54, and my heart rate kept fluctuating up and down constantly as low as 54 and as high as 90. I have been experiencing heart rate of about 57 while at rest and if I get up and move around it rises to about 90-112. Wondering if all these symptoms could be due to my thyroid? Thank you for your time!
Yes, it is quite possible. I would recommend discussing with your primary care physician for a further evaluation.
Thank you Dr. Guichard! Will discuss with my doctor on Friday over the phone. Hopefully I can get tests done soon. 🙂
Doc,
I’m 28 years old and recently my resting heart rate has dropped. I lift 6 days a week for about an hour and half because high bp runs in my family. Currently on medication for it. I’ve noticed that even after eating a high protein meal with a complex carb my heart rate will still be between 66-72bpm.
That is within the normal limits for heart rate.
I am 28 years old and have always had a lower than normal heart rate at about 53-55 bpm. For the past 6 months I have been working out regularly by lifting weights and running. My heart rate now is 49 bpm. Is this normal? I feel fine except that I am tired and ready for bed early in the evening – but that could be from working full time and having a 2 and 4 year old… 🙂
Yes, it can be very normal for young athletic people to have heart rates in the 40-60 range at rest. Check your heart rate while you exercise and if you are able to attain a heart rate >100, then your chronotropic reserve (i.e. your ability to increase your heart rate with exercise) is intact and you should be fine. Working full time while exercising and caring for two kids will definitely wear anyone out!
y father had recent heart attack and using storvas 40 mg but his his LDL and triglyceroids seem to be increasing just near the border. So which medicines would better reduce his cholesterol levels.
He should discuss with his physician about increasing his atorvastatin to 80mg everyday. Additionally, he should try aggressive lifestyle measures to reduce his LDL and TGs. If these changes are not enough, then ezetimibe could be considered. Thank you very much for your question!
Hi am mayra a 31 yr old female i recently have been working out and keeping healthier and doing things during the day and have a 4 and 6 yr old girls so am Pretty busy all day and my pulse is 56-60bpm am in amlodophine a very low dose. Im Worried is that normal
I would not be worried about your heart rate, especially since you are able to work-out and keep up with your two young kids. Lower heart rates can be normal in younger and healthier people, and a heart rate of 56-60 bpm is just right at the lower limits of normal.
Hi Dr Guichard.
I am a 33yr old female
Weighing 119lbs 5ft 6in
My resting heart rate is anywhere from 80-92
I know that is within “normal” range but I keep reading things that say anything above 80 is unhealthy or poor
I went to the ER with some concerns recently and my bl was 102/88
Should I be concerned?
I typically eat healthy and try to workout mostly walks and weights what else could I possibly do to improve my heart health?
It seems like you are doing everything right, your BMI is very good, you eat well, and you exercise. Your blood pressure is also very good. I would not let a single number (resting heart rate) bother you, especially since it is within a normal range.
I am 37 and I’ve had bradycardia for the last 15 years (resting average was around 50 sleeping was around 40). For the past 6-8 months my resting went up to the 60s and 70s (sleeping 50s and 60s). For a few months it would go up and down and now it’s just staying higher. I’ve had labs done, holter monitor, echo, thyroid labs, etc. and it’s all normal. My thyroid is diseased (based on ultrasound) and with minimal activity (even just showering) my pulse hits 130s. While sitting it often hits 110-120 a few days a week out of nowhere. I don’t smoke, drink or use drugs and don’t drink caffeine. My blood pressure is fine. Doctors and cardiologist said it’s within normal range on my tests so won’t do further testing. I don’t know why my resting went from bradycardia to 60s and 70s. I also don’t know why I keep having random episodes of tachycardia. I have gone to ER during those times and they say normal sinus rhythm. Only other thing to add is I am worried about POTS, thyroid, and I take toprol ER now (tried propranolol previously) to try and lower my pulse but it doesn’t help. I also deal with exercise intolerance and shortness of breath (O2 is fine). Do you have any advice or recommendations?
Yeah, that is a tough one. The normal work-up and evaluation is reassuring, and the fast heart rates appear to be just sinus tachycardia based on your recent ER evaluation. I am not sure what further recommendations to make, however a mild-to-moderate exercise program with resistance training and a whole food plant-based diet can improve the symptoms of POTS.
I am 25 Year old Working Man in a Company As Finance Officer.Sir my resting heart rate always lies between in 55-65 bpm when i wake up but after getting ready for my office and for the rest of the day it always lies between 80-100bpm. In my whole day I Usually sit in my chair doing office work on computer , for a little i walk during my office times but i feels my heart rate is over 90, due to this i have a panic disorder and when i become scared that why it is above 90 ,my heart rate suddenly jumps over 100 due to fear,, i dont know what is this but i always think about my heart rate now & some time due to panic by bp also jump to 130/90,. In normal conditions my blood pressure always remains 120/90. My doctor puts me on atenolol for this, but when i take it for long duration i feel dizzy & my blood pressure also goes low & by taking it i dont feel very well As like my heart is pumping low…so i dont know what to do sir..please give me some advice
It is possible that you have inappropriate sinus tachycardia: https://myheart.net/articles/inappropriate-sinus-tachycardia/. You should discuss your symptoms with your physician. I would suggest an exercise regimen as a way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and most likely lower your resting heart rate. You can find exercise recommendations above in this post, or here: https://myheart.net/articles/10-lifestyle-habits-of-super-heart-healthy-people/. Thank you very much for your question!
Good info, thanks.
What would be a good heart rate at rest for a 76 year old male? 5’9′ 210 pounds and in pretty fair shape with type 2 diabetes?
A good resting heart rate for you would be 60-80 beats per minute. Thank you very much for your question!
Hi I’m 38 female, my resting heart rate is between 78-82, now, during the day my rate is always above 100, when I’m on couch watching TV it stays between 82-94, it rarely gets below 79 when I’m asleep at night, I think it’s normal?
Yes, that heart rate can be normal for you (a heart rate between 60-100 bpm is normal) – but maybe not ideal. I will say that, in general, your heart rate is on the higher-side of normal for a female of your age. If possible, starting a structured mild-to-moderate regular exercise routine would be beneficial to improve your overall cardiorespiratory fitness and achieve a lower resting heart rate. Improved dietary changes along with weight loss can also improve markers of overall cardiorespiratory fitness.
Hi i am a 55 year old white male 150 lbs… i do have mild emphysema from 44 years of smoking and working hard on quiting.. My question is i use a pulse ox and usually when im sitting around like now on the computer my pulse reads anywhere from 60 to 88 bpm, o2 between 92% and 97% but when i get up and walk say to the kitchen it goes up to between 95 and 115 but comes back down when sitting.. is this is a sign of heart failure?
U sound like ur in good shape..not bad heart
Hi i am a 55 year old white male 150 lbs… i do have mild emphysema from 44 years of smoking and working hard on quiting.. My question is i use a pulse ox and usually when im sitting around like now on the computer my pulse reads anywhere from 60 to 88 bpm, o2 between 92% and 97% but when i get up and walk say to the kitchen it goes up to between 95 and 115 but comes back down when sitting.. is this is a sign of heart failure?
Reply
A heart rate increase with exertion is normal and, in your case, may also be due to hypoxia while ambulating due to your underlying COPD. The fact that your heart rate returns to baseline means you have appropriate heart rate recovery. However, an increase in heart rate with such mild exertion is somewhat concerning. This shows that your cardiorespiratory fitness is quite poor. You should talk to your doctor about cardiopulmonary rehab and ways to improve your overall fitness. The heart rate changes you are currently experiencing are not necessarily concerning for heart failure. Thank you very much for your question!
Hello. I am Chris, 43 y/o, exercising regularly (3-4x run + 2 swim per week). My HR at rest is around 43. I have a wrist based HR and it sometimes goes > 205 when I run (not extremely hard… usually when I run uphill in the mountains). If I follow the “industry standard” max heart rate for my age, I should never get anywhere near 200.
Should I get it checked out? And if so where should I go?
PS: I feel fine when I reach this level though
Thank you
Chris
Hey Chris, thank you for your question! Your resting heart rate at 43 bpm is excellent and is likely related to your optimal physical conditioning. Your predicted maximal heart rate is 178 bpm, so an HR >205 would definitely be abnormal. You should know that HR monitors, especially the wrist-type, can be erroneous and I would manually check your HR to confirm the results. My guess is that the wrist HR monitor is probably wrong, especially since you feel fine, with an HR of >205 would probably wouldn’t feel normal. However, if you confirm that high of a heart rate with manual checking then you probably need to be evaluated by a physician. You could have an underlying arrhythmia that needs addressing. Your primary care physician would the place to start, who might then refer you to a cardiologist. You would likely be given a heart monitor to professionally monitor your heart during the day and with exercise, which would allow for further investigation of rapid heart rates. You can read more about those here: https://myheart.net/articles/holter-monitors-explained-by-a-cardiologist.
My heart rate is 93. but i am suffering n chest pain from last 1 month. I feel very scary. I checked by a MD doctor. He said , I am suffering from fibromyalgia.
I would have to defer any decisions to the physician that evaluated you, but if you are unhappy with their evaluation, you can always get a second opinion.
I’m 37 yo female, 5ft5, 130 lbs.I work out every other day. My routine includes 20 min of strength training and 15 min of HIIT training on the treadmill at 3 speed for a min and 7 for 30 seconds. I have been doing this workout for about a year now. My concern is my resting heart rate is 93 bpm which it has been for years. (Note: I don’t smoke or drink caffeine) My doctor says that this is high for my age and is concerned because my exercise regimen should have made my resting heart rate decrease but it has not. All of my labs are normal except I am prediabetic.
I am going for a stress test and echo this week. Has anyone else experienced this and what was your outcome?
Yes, I would also expect your resting heart rate to be a little lower given your age and exercise routine – however, between 60-100 beats per minute is normal. I would assume you have had an ECG that was interpreted by a physician and was normal. A stress test and echo may be appropriate, would suggest an exercise stress test (treadmill or bicycle), to observe your heart rate and rhythm response to exercise.
Hello,
I’m a 25 year old male, my resting heart rate is usually around 80-85, I noticed that when I am walking around during the day or at work my heart rate can go up to between 90-110bpm. When I sit down again for prolonged periods my heart rate returns to 80-85. However, I have noticed that on occasion when I go from a supine position to a standing position, my heart rate can shoot up to 130-140bpm for around 30 seconds before coming down to around 100bpm. I am relatively fit and active but suffer a great deal with health anxiety. Are my symptoms normal?
Yes, what you are describing can be normal for you.
How did your stress test and echo go?
My HR became high as it turns out from a thyroid problem (Graves’ disease)- treatable with meds…
Yes, hyperthyroidism can be a cause of an elevated heart rate and can be easily diagnosed by a simple blood test. If all your labs were normal, I would have assumed they tested for hyperthyroidism, but maybe not and you should check with your physician to be sure.
Im 23 years old i noticed when im sleeping my heart rate is around 46 to 58 beats per minute. I notice this when i went to the e.r not so long ago . Is it normal. I really don exercise that much. Im 210 pounds .5.6 hieght.
Sometimes my restibg heart rate when im laying down is 54 to 65 beats per min
I dont use drugs . I usally just drink sometimes.i suffer from anxiety here n there and this has me a lil worried.
I went to the e.r and pressure is good. All test where good. I went for acid reflux . But i notice this while i was thrre.i had a few palpitations during thr past month but no other systoms. And this has happem when i been fully awake .is it normal for rate to drop like that. I only have high cholesterol its around 210 total
try taking some magnesium supplements. effervescent kind. take the 100% rdi for a couple of days. and log your palpitation progress afterwards. definitely start exercising, and changing your dietary habbits.
Thank you for responding to my previous question… one other thing i would like to ask you is…… i notice my 02sat from my finger pulse ox registers between 94% and 97% most of the day and sometimes 98%.. when i am lying down and almost asleep i check it and it is between 91% and 95% until i cough or take a deep breathe which then it goes back up to between 96% and 98%.. i was diagnose in my doctors office with irbb when he did a quick ekg… Also i get pac’s and pvc’s once in a while. my heart rate sometimes drops to between 40 and 59 bpm when im resting in bed then i wake up in the morning and its 60 to 80 bpm while still in bed waking up . when i get up and walk to the kitchen and start doing a few things it climbs to between 100 and 130 only in the morning right after i get out of bed… it does goes back down within an hour if i sit down … i do not take any kinds of meds.. but i do have alot of anxiety about my health… could this be due to my mild emphysema? could i possibly have ling cancer even though i had 3 chest xrays and 3 different urgent care centers and 1 ct scan 4 months ago that only showed mild upper lung emphysema? could i be having pulmonary hypertension or heart isssue.
This is likely due to your underlying COPD. However, you should be evaluated for sleep apnea which could be causing your SatO2 to be low when you are sleeping. With that many imaging studies completed, you are probably low risk for lung cancer. Mild COPD is unlikely to cause pulmonary hypertension, but with a right bundle branch block, PACs, and PVCs getting an echocardiogram would not be unreasonable. Thank you very much for your questions!
I am a healthy athletic 46 y.o. male that has recently started tracking my heart rate at night. I have found that a dozen or so times throughout the night my heart rate goes from 40 bpm to 70 or higher. Is this considered normal or should ones heart rate stay within a few bpm throughout the night? Thanks for your time.
Yes, that kind of variability during the night can be normal. This variation likely tracks with your stages of sleep throughout the night. Thank you very much for your question!
I’m a 31 year-old female. According to my FitBit, my resting heart rate is usually between 63 and 67 (the latter when I’m stressed out during exams). While I slept this morning, the FitBit tracked my heart rate at a 47, which is the lowest I’ve ever seen it; 50 was the lowest before then, a month ago. I usually see sleeping heart rate between 54 – 62. I walk 2-3 miles almost every day, intensity varying but never over 120 bpm. I haven’t done cardio in years because I’ve been sick for a while. I was wondering if it dropping to 47 while sleeping was anything to worry about. I did have some breathing issues last night while I walked but I thought it was the acid reflux and cold weather. Before then, the lowest sleeping rate I’ve had in weeks has been 54, a week or two ago.
Other info: they diagnosed me with malnourishment a year ago due to a restricted diet (food intolerances), so I have low iron (though borderline anemic), low calcium (at a 9 out of 10), and they just figured out my pancytopenia might be caused by my low folate level.
Yes, a heart rate of 47 while you sleep can be completely normal. 47 is very close to your baseline of 54-62, and likely just represents some mild nightly variation. Sounds like you are getting your nutritional deficiencies addressed, which will be a good thing. Thank you for your question!
I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto and graves around August of this year, so far I’m only taking half of the 5 mg of Methimazole once a day. In the beginning when I didn’t know I had those two diseases, I had a running heart that went up to 178 that how I was diagnosed after so many times going to ER with a resting pulse of 120, and told it was anxiety, which I knew wasn’t. Anyway after being on this 1/2 of Methimazole I wasn’t sure if the 102 pulse I got today while standing up could be a sign of the graves trying to kick in again since I’m on such a small dose of medicine, or could have been something else that kicked my pulse up like that for a few minutes then went down to the 90s while standing. Any comment Sir? Thank you.
It’s difficult to say, but it’s likely just your normal heart rate variation, and should continue to improve (meaning, a lower heart rate) as you continue taking your medications. I would recommend continued close follow-up with your endocrinologist.
Hi I am 29 years my heart beat resting is 102 and on stress is 147 is it normal or what thanks
There is variability with a normal resting heart rate, but it normally falls between 60-100 beats per minute, your heart rate falls just outside of the normal upper range. I would expect that for your age, your resting heart rate should be lower. I would continue to monitor your heart rate before you sleep and when you wake up, and monitor for any potential heart symptoms throughout the day. I would also recommend an exercise program to improve your cardiovascular fitness and a dietary program to achieve your estimated ideal body weight or a BMI between 18-25, if that applies to you. If you have any symptoms or exercise intolerance, then it may be a good idea to be evaluated by a physician. Thank you very much for your question!
Check your potassium and magnesium. Intracellular. It’s low …
Hi,
I am a 23 year old male, I run about 15KM everyday with a heart rate around 157BPM sometimes lower sometimes higher, I’ve been excersizng for years now. I’ve noticed recently that when I wake up checking my heart rate straight away it would be around 44-47BPM. Then throughout the rest of the day when I find my self resting or laying down not doing anything stressful my heart rate sits anywhere between 70-90BPM, this is while resting and sitting and won’t go down again till I wake up and check the next morning, is this normal with my training regime?
And also once while resting I felt my heart beat harder in my chest, then out of nowhere it started speeding up from 100 to 140 to 150 all while still lying down, this occurred along with pins and needles in hands and feet. According to the doctor who did an ecg and checked things like blood and so on, it may just have been a panic attack, I didn’t feel very panicky at all and would have had no reason to panic at that moment as I was t even stressed, just wanted to know if this was normal as well.
Thank you so much for your advice in advance 🙂
To answer your first question, yes, that can be normal. It is normal to have that kind of heart rate variability during the day, even with excellent physical conditioning. With regards to your second question, it is difficult to say what was going on during your tachycardia episode. It sounds like an episode of a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), but could be a number of different things. If the tachycardia episodes increase in frequency or duration, then an evaluation by a physician could be considered. SVTs are not life-threatening and there are very good treatment options, most of the options are curative, for patients who are symptomatic with their SVT. Thank you very much for your question!
Hi,
My husband is 44, doesn’t have time for exercise of any kind at all. His resting heart beat is usually around 60 bpm. His problem is having extreme fatigue with no obvious reason all of a sudden during the day. When it happens he has to sleep. I checked his heartbeat when he is having one of those moment . It was 42 bpm. As I said he is not doing any exercise, not at all. But I wonder why his heartbeat is all of a sudden becomes 42 when he is having extreme low energy. I am not sure if he is having low energy because of low heartbeat or heart beat is going down because of the fatigue. I guess my question is does low heartbeat indicate that there is something wrong in heart?
It can be normal to have a heart rate of 40 bpm during sleep, however, in most cases, it is abnormal to have a heart rate of 40 bpm during the day with activity. My guess is that the low heart rate is causing him to feel tired and fatigued. I think it would be worthwhile to schedule an appointment with a physician for an evaluation (history and physical, ECG, basic laboratory work, thyroid function tests, etc.). A couple of reasonable tests to further evaluate his heart rate would be a Holter monitor (you can read more about that test here: https://myheart.net/articles/holter-monitors-explained-by-a-cardiologist/) and an exercise (e.g. treadmill or bicycle) stress test. These tests would provide more information about his daily heart rate and rhythm, chronotropic competence (i.e. heart rate response during the day and with exertion), and exercise capacity/tolerance. All of this information would hopefully shed some light on these symptomatic bradycardia episodes. Thank you very much for your question!
Hi,My name is Aleks I am 43 years old,I am 6′ high by 230 pounds,allready 2 mounts I am running 4 times per week 5 miles for hour,My heart rate droped from 70-80 bpm on 50-60 bpm,I am taking medication for high blood pressure is my heart rate is too low.Thank you
No, your heart rate is not too low. It sounds like your heart rate has dropped due to your increased physical conditioning, and probably losing some body weight as well. A low heart rate will be of concern only if you are having symptoms (e.g. tired, weak, dizzy, etc.). If you feel fine, then your reduced heart rate is likely due to the positive and beneficial neurohormonal changes from your exercise routine. Thank you very much for your question!
Dear Doctor,
What is the difference between the minimum heart rate and the average resting heart rate? I have a wrist exercise band with a HR monitor. It tells me that my minimum heart rate is between 38 – 53 and my average resting HR is 48-63. I am 48 year old male, 167 cm, 60 kgs.
Thanks,
M
I am not sure how your wrist exercise band determines your heart rate parameters. When we monitor someone’s heart rate, we look at the minimum heart rate (bpm), average heart rate (bpm), maximum heart rate (bpm), tachycardia (>100 bpm) burden (%), bradycardia (<60 bpm) burden (%), ventricular beats (%), supraventricular beats (%), as well as heart rate variability during the day and circadian heart rate pattern. Your minimum heart rate is the lowest rate (single number) of your heart beat and your average heart rate is the average (single number) of your heart beat, not sure why you have a range for each one. Having a range of heart rates seems to be confusing. Thank you for your question!
Dear Doctor
I am 35 years old suffering from anxity and hypertension. Currently I am under medication. I have habit checking heart rate through my mobile app. Most of the time it would be between 60 to 100.
I do brick walk for 45 minutes and 5 days in a week for past 3 months. Now I observed some time during night before sleep and morning just after sleep my heart rate falling between 53 to 58.
Is this something wrong? Please advise
Yes, it is normal for your heart rate to fall at night while you sleep and still remain low until you wake up. Your heart rate will then increase during the day and with activity. This would be considered normal heart rate variability, which can also be somewhat exaggerated in young people (less than 40 years of age).
Thank you doctor
I checked my heart rate at rest and it’s 32 bmp is that heart attack level. I had a mild heart attack last yr.and My heart rate is always fast at rest constantly it never goes below 89
I checked my heart rate at rest and it’s 32 bmp is that heart attack level. I had a mild heart attack last yr.and My heart rate is always fast at rest constantly it never goes below 89 I am 45 yrs Old
There is technically no heart rate that is “heart attack level,” but I understand what you are trying to say, a heart rate that is dangerously too high or too low. In your case, a low heart rate would be concerning if it is causing symptoms. Otherwise, low heart rates can be well tolerated. Sometimes heart rate machines will report a low heart rate, but it is actually not low, one cause could be frequent PVCs. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) cause this phenomenon, and you can read more about them here: https://myheart.net/articles/pvc-heart-beats-are-they-dangerous/. These can be easily detected at your next doctor’s appointment with an ECG. I would suggest monitoring your heart rate manually, and recording it periodically throughout the day, this information will be helpful for your physician.
One issue I have had is when my heart or whatever is the problem feels in a strange mood, it takes me a very long term to get my heart rate down if I have been walking or exercising. Like on 19th October I had been exercising for an hour and a half and my heart rate was 113, and jumped to 127 the following afternoon and didn’t return to normal until 23 hours later. It was between 95 and 127 when I was in bed all that time.
Yet when I went ten pin bowling on 7th November it was 69 five minutes after I had finished. I was walking on Tuesday and it was normal, on Wednesday it was 103 and took an hour and a half to return to normal levels.
My heart rate has been unstable since early October with palpitations on and off, dizzy spells on and off, flutters in the chest on and off, a wobbly heart rate, an erratic and unpredictable heart rate. I am fine some days and others I am not. I get sharp stabbing pains in the center of my chest, my heart area and a warm burning feel in the center of my chest. I have gone over 100 bpm since 19th October on 26th October with 103 and 108, on 12th November with 113, 119 and 122, on 30th November with 103 and 3rd December with 112.
Thank you very much for sharing your current health concerns. I would recommend discussing your symptom and heart rate logs with your physician. Further investigation and data gathering may be required.
Hi I am Narendra a nd my age is 42. In resting position at night my pulse rate is 77 rpm and during day time (working time) my pulse rate becomes 110-125. is this normal?
Yes, that can be normal heart rate variability. However, if you have a sedentary job, a heart rate of 110-120 while working is a little higher than would be expected. If you have a mild-to-moderately active job, then a heart rate of 110-120 while working would be somewhat expected. It all depends upon how much activity you are experiencing throughout you work day.
I am 38 years old, general good health but a bit out of shape and overweight ( working on it!) I do have anxiety and take Zoloft, also battle anemia…my resting heart rate is around 60bpm…I do see a spike up to around 115bpm as I’m walking around work at a school (sometimes brisk walking and sometimes not) but still goes up… but does recover quickly….seeing numbers between 60’s up to 120….normal?
Yes, this is very normal for someone your age and can be somewhat exaggerated in someone with anemia. Your heart rate recovery (i.e. the time it takes for your heart to get back to baseline after exertion) appears to be good as well, from what you are describing, so that is reassuring.
I am a 57 year old male with a rhr in the 50 to 60 range
I am trying to train for a half marathon.
In the past when my hr got above 172 I would slow down
During my last half my hr got up to 180 to 185 and I slowed down to avoid any problems.
The calculation formula gave me a value of 168 which seems good.
What is the problem with going up to 175 to 180 during a race?
What max and 85% rates would you recommend…
The age-predicted maximal heart rate would be 168 bpm and for a 57-year-old person, I would recommend not going above 151 bpm during your exercise sessions. A heart rate of 185 for a 57-year-old is very fast and unlikely to be driven by the sinus node, was this detected manually or with a heart rate monitor? I would recommend checking your pulse manually because heart rate monitors can sometimes be erroneous.
I’m 67 years old ,when I run 3 miles in 30 minutes my heart rate ( using monitor on treadmill ) will go as high as 181BPM during last 7 minutes . The max calculations for someone my age really scare me . After I finish and rest for 5 minutes I’m ready to shop ,ect. ….note ..I do suck a lot of air near the end but no leg cramps or dizzy effects have been running this four times a year and usually run 2.75 miles in 30 Min. weekly with no effect . Do not want to damage heart tissue but really enjoy this test ? ….Please Reply …THKS
The first question would be how are you measuring your heart rate? Heart rate monitors are notoriously inaccurate, you would have to double check your heart rate measurements manually over a minute to get a true reading. But yes, a heart rate of 181 bpm is higher than your predicted maximal heart rate of 161 bpm, which is why I am skeptical of the measurement. In any case, you should limit your heart rate to no more than 90% of your predicted maximum, which for you would be 145 bpm. This is a safe zone for high-intensity exercise given your age. Congratulations for your exercise accomplishments!
I am a 29 year old, inactive, female. My resting heart rate has been average of 58, dipping as low as 52, the past week. I just got a Fitbit to track it, so I don’t know if this is normal for me or new. When I stand up and walk quickly, my heart rate jumps to 110-115. I’ve been sleeping a lot more lately as well. Do you think this is cause for concern? Some research has led me to believe a possibility of hypothyroidism- thoughts?
Thank you!
Your heart rates at rest and with exertion can be normal. It is normal to have an increase in heart rate when standing, and moving around will certainly do it as well. I would not be overly concerned about hypothyroidism, unless you are having additional symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism. However, hypothyroidism is very easy to test for and would discuss with your physician.
Hello Doc,
First of all thank you for answering so many questions, i am 34, male, 68 kgs. Lately, i have been feeling dizzy sometimes with my resting heart rate between 80-98 bpm while i am sitting and working on my laptop. When i wake up from sleep it is around 60-70 bpm. I have started jogging everyday since past few days, however i have a constant feeling that something is wrong with my heart, what is the reason that i am having this feeling, is it because of the dizziness ?
I am not sure, those types of feelings are very non-specific so it is difficult to say for sure what could be going on. If it continues, then you can discuss your symptoms with your physician.
Hi – I’m a 27 year old female, I haven’t exercised for a while but over the past 2 weeks I have started couch to 5k and I’m doing around 40 minutes of exercise per day. I am also taking 40mg propanalol a day for anxiety. I have notice over the past few days that whilst resting, my heart rate occasionally dips between 50-60 (usually around 56) is this normal? Should I consider not taking the propanalol?! Thank you
Hello ,sorry to bother.
I’ll make this very simple and fast because I know you’re busy.
I’m 21 year old female. 5’4 &175lbs. Yes, overweight but working on that.
My heart rate at rest or relaxing with fall into the 50’s even low 50’s. But when active and moving around is within the normal range and sometimes above 100 when very active.
I do not workout nor am I an athlete. Sometimes very randomly I will have a heart palpitation. Not everyday or even every other day , just randomly.
I do sometimes feel tired, weak and SOB. I do have an apt with a cardiologist but was just wondering your thoughts? Very scared since I’m only 21:/
Yes, having sinus bradycardia (i.e. a low heart rate) can be completely normal in young people especially at rest and while sleeping. It sounds like with mild activity your heart rate increases appropriately, an appropriate moderate exercise heart rate for you would be in the 130-140 bpm range. I am not sure what to think about your palpitations, they are not very frequent or long-lasting and you don’t seem to be too symptomatic from them. Based on the information you have provided, an ECG would be appropriate as an initial starting point. Your cardiologist may also order an echocardiogram (https://myheart.net/articles/echocardiography/) and/or a Holter monitor (https://myheart.net/articles/holter-monitors-explained-by-a-cardiologist/) for further evaluation if they feel that it might be necessary after talking to you in person.
Hello doc, I came up on this and I think the advice is really good..I am 42 and I always notice that I have a heart rate of 53 to 55bpm…recently I changed dr and my ekg shows the same thing. He had me wore a monitor over night but they called and said everything looks fine…I have 2 questions is there a monitor you wd recommend that I cd use to track my hr when sleeping and what shd be my target hr when I am exercising…thanks for the free tips…great job
There are lots of heart rate trackers out there. Fitbit has a good selection, and of course, the Apple Watch is very versatile. Your target exercise heart rate should be in the 120-130 bpm range.
Doctor I have mital valve prolapse with mild/trivial MR . Ejection fraction is 70% . Taking medication for high bp. Age is 23 I am working professional. I want to enjoy my life sir.Is is fine for next 30+ years. I am doing yoga and jogging on a regular basis. My resting heart rate is around 55-62 at night and 66-82 during day time.My height is 178 cm and weight is 72kg My heart recovery rate is around 35 bpm after 2 min of exercise. Please suggest so that i have a bright and healthy future.
I would not worry at this point in time. Your MVP with resultant MR appears trivial-to-mild, which is good. It may remain that way for the rest of your life, or in some cases, it progresses. You will need follow-up with a cardiologist every 1-2 years, and your follow-up may become more frequent if the MR eventually worsens. You can follow these 10 lifestyle habits that will keep you healthy and living longer: https://myheart.net/articles/10-lifestyle-habits-of-super-heart-healthy-people/.
Doctor, I have been feeling bad most of the time. My SYS/DIA is fluctuating more each and everyday and night. My pulse is 121, my hand are sweaty plus I can hear my pulse in my head. I have been to the ER and they say that I am fine according to lab work. My primary doctor agrees with the ER. But I feel awful, scared and very concerned. What do you advise Sir?
A resting heart rate of 121 bpm is definitely not normal. This can be due to a number of things from inappropriate sinus tachycardia (https://myheart.net/articles/inappropriate-sinus-tachycardia/) or other heart rhythm issues to simply just anxiety or depression. In either case, a proper work-up and evaluation are very reasonable. If you can speak with your current physician or seek a second opinion.
James, I’m responding to a post you did 5-6 years ago! Your post seems like anxiety (I’m having anxiety now) I thought if you replied it might help me with mine. Thanks for listening after all this time and I’m wondering if you’re still there? Charles
Hi Dr.
Im a 29 YO male that weighs 190. Dont really exercise other than chasing a 1 year old =) 2016 has been quite the roller coaster year for me personally. Its started with the birth of our 1st child in January! Then took a “negative” turn in February when we were at his DR’s office and my heart starting pounding and I started to sweat. Afterwards I went to a 365 day DR and they did an EKG (came back normal) and said I suffer from Anxiety. I went through several episodes of the “heart racing and pounding”, maybe 5 in 4 months. It kind of calmed down, but then I started to develop the feeling of a single heart beat that just “drops” and then everything is good. I had several panic attacks and ended up in the ER on my birthday weekend, everything was fine on their machines, again just anxiety. I went on anxiety medicine and I guess you could say the “heart dropping sensation” has gotten better. It is extremely rare at this point…But now there are days where I get a little dizzy and light headed. Sometimes with the dizzy spells, I feel hot. I don’t actually sweat but just feel hot. According to my Fitbit, my resting heart beat is anywhere from 55-62. While working behind my desk (as I type this) my heart rate is 57. If I walk to get some water or go to the bathroom it will rise to 75-85ish. If I take laps around the outside of our building, I can get it up to 100-110, but then declines when I “slow down” and rest.
Ive had EKG’s, stress test, 1 24hr Holter and a calcium scan. Everything came back “normal” to the DR’s eyes. My Holter did show like 600 superventricular events, no pauses greater than 1 second, etc. I guess these results were ok and normal.
But more so now is the dizzy and lightheadedness feeling. (not at the time, but does happen) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
It sounds like the abnormal heart beats you were feeling were probably premature atrial contractions (PACs), as evidenced by the ~600 supraventricular events on your 24-hour Holter. Now that your palpitations are better, it is tough to provide an etiology for the dizziness and lightheadedness. My best guess is that it could be due to a new medication that you were recently started on. I would speak with your physician and start there first.
Thank you, are the PAC’s anything to worry about?
I’ve been on this anxiety medicine for 3-4 months now, but the dizziness just started about 1 month ago. Could it still be the meds? (That’s the only med I take)…
I plan on going to my PCP soon
No, PACs are nothing to worry about. PACs can give you the feeling of palpitations, or skipped beats, but they are benign. It could still be the medications causing your dizziness. Now that your palpitations are better, maybe you could decrease or stop your anxiety medications? All of this would definitely be something to discuss with your PCP. Your PCP will likely ask what your heart rate and blood pressure are during your dizziness and lightheadedness episodes, so I would have that information with you at your clinic visit.
Doc my blood pressure is sometimes is 90 over 60 and heart rate is in 40 s look weak out of my eyes can this be fixed with meds or does it have to be a pacemaker I am 56 yr old male got a little bit of heart faluire can still run a mile with np
Both your blood pressure and heart rate are a little low, but that can be normal for some people. If you are feeling weak, then it may be reasonable to reduce your blood pressure medications (if you are on any) to achieve a systolic blood pressure of 90-120 mm Hg. With regards to your low heart rate, a 24-hour Holter monitor would assess your heart rate variability during the day and with exertion. Additionally, a graded exercise test (GXT) could be performed to assess your chronotropic competence (i.e. ability of the heart to increase its rate commensurate with increased activity or demand). If you are found to have chronotropic incompetence or worrisome heart conduction system blocks, without the use of any medications that are known to slow your heart rate (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, etc.), then a pacemaker may be reasonable if you are having symptoms. However, broadly speaking, if you can run a mile with no problems then you are probably OK from a blood pressure and heart rate standpoint.
I’m a 41 yr old female, have been getting chest pains, dizziness, feeling like I’m going to pass out, heart palps/ skipped beats for over 5 months now.. docs have performed; ECG, echo, exercise stress test and blood work. All have come back that my heart is normal. My heart rate was sitting at around 64 BPM now it sits around 50BPM.
I find that to not be normal at all and I’m still getting chest pains.
At night when I’m relaxing and watching tv my heart rate drops to between 42-49. Sleeping rate is about 45-48.
A resting heart rate can be in the 50-60 bpm range and still be normal, additionally, a heart rate in the 40s while you sleep can be normal as well (especially in younger people). A normal exercise stress test is reassuring, likely means that your blood pressure and heart rate are acceptable during exertion. A plain exercise stress test without a myocardial perfusion imaging assessment, has lower sensitivity and specificity for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease. Your physicians probably ordered the tests appropriately and are satisfied with your results (i.e. comfortable not pursuing further testing at this time). Given that you are still having chest pain, a coronary computed-tomography angiography (CCTA) is not unreasonable in low-risk patients. Given that you are still having palpitations with dizziness and lightheadedness, a 24-hour Holter monitor (https://myheart.net/articles/holter-monitors-explained-by-a-cardiologist/) or a 30-day event monitor would be reasonable.
I am a healthy 37 yr female. Recently in the last couple of months, I started having palpitations and flops in my heart. My heart rate fluctuates between 36-143. This is at any given time. Lately with the flops and palpitations my heart rate has gone up as high as 157, one reading was 215, but I think that had to be an error. My resting heart rate typically is 110-136, that’s my norm. I also have low B/P, usually 120/80. I do not have anxiety, or any health issues. I bought a heart monitor about a month and 1/2 ago because of the palpitations. I can feel the flop, and that is when it records the low number like 46, or 63. Then it goes back up to 136, 143. I have noticed that lately this is happening more frequent and can last a couple of hours. My thinking was maybe because I am more aware of it now. (This is so embarrassing, I am in the medical field and I do not want to look stupid going to one of my colleagues, but I am getting concerned).
Thank you very much for your question, and I understand how this might be concerning to you. It is difficult to say exactly what your palpitations might be from, but premature atrial contractions (PACs) or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) would be most likely. Also, some sort of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) could also be possible. I would recommend if you are having palpitation episodes reliably everyday that a 24-hour Holter monitor (https://myheart.net/articles/holter-monitors-explained-by-a-cardiologist/) would be reasonable. If the palpitations are not happening everyday, then a 30-day event monitor would be reasonable. Determining the source and burden of your palpitations would be a good idea if they are bothering you and increasing in frequency.
I am an active 45 yr old male. I really enjoy high intensity workouts. I have been running usually 3 days a week over the last 6 years. The last 10 months I have been doing 5 or 6 days a week. My resting heart rate is usually between 55 and 65 but gets into the upper 40s when I sleep. This all looks good to me. My real question is my running. I run 35-50 minutes depending on the days workout. Usually during the runs my hear rate is averaging in the 150-160s and peaks in the 180s(not long on the highest as I push hard at the end). I have been doing this a long time and worked my way up to it. Am I endangering myself or have i just improved my maximal? I was not always able to do this and im not in pain when i finish and I recover quickly. Back under 100 minutes after my cooldown and into the 70s within an hour.
All of that sounds good to me as well. However, you should probably keep your target heart rate during high-intensity exercise to only 90% of your age-predicted maximal heart rate. Sustained heart rates above 90% of your age-predicted maximal heart rate for long periods of time are likely not healthy, especially if this is done frequently (i.e. multiple times a month). This would be considered the extreme side of exercise, which is not beneficial, and may actually be harmful.
Hi
I’m 46-year-old female. I used to run as exercise but now only (brisk) walk around 2 hours 5-6 days a week. My heart beat ranges 37-42 at rest. I have never measured it when exercising. My blood pressure is usually in the low range (100-110 top and 6.5-7.00 bottom).
I feel at best when I have been exercising for a while, after which point I don’t seem to get tired. However, find it very hard to ‘start off’; I feel as though my legs weight me down, they feel extremely heavy. Is it normal to feel so weak to start with and yet can exercise for long at very good pace without getting tired (I could go on for hours if I had the time!).
Thanks in anticipation for your reply.
Have a nice start of 2017!.
Yes, you can feel a little sluggish when first starting to exercise. There is definitely a warm-up required, even for mild-to-moderate exercise. That fact that you can persist after warming up is a good thing. I would recommend to keep up the good work and it will benefit you greatly in the long term!
Hello, Dr. Guichard. I hope you will be able to read and answer my comment.
I am an 18 year old female and I was diagnosed with tachycardia about 3 weeks ago. All the blood and urine tests I have taken were perfectly fine so the cause of my tachycardia is not hyperthyroidism, anemia or anything similar.
My BMI is 26.1 so I am a little overweight and I am also physically inactive most of the time. My resting heart rate is usually around 95 bpm most of the day but when I am tired or sleeping it drops below 70 bpm. While walking slowly around the house it rises to 120 bpm and when I take shower it goes as high as 150 bpm. When I walk fast it is also high, around 160 bpm. When this happens I notice palpitations and shortness of breath and I feel dizzy and light-headed often. I also have low energy and feel fatigued even if I slept enough time.
I have to wait to see my cardiologist for at least two weeks and I am concerned about my symptoms so it is not easy to wait that long and I would be relieved if you could answer my questions:
What could be the cause of this?
Is it because I am overweight?
What conditions cause the symptoms that I have mentioned?
It is really amazing how dedicate you are and how many people you have helped by answering all this questions for such a long time. Truly admirable.
Thank you, doctor!
It is difficult to say with certainty what could be causing your elevated heart rate and symptoms, I doubt that it is your weight alone so I would not worry about that. The first thing to think about would be a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT, https://myheart.net/articles/fast-heart-rate-symptoms-causes-treatments/), but that would need further testing which your cardiologist will be able to handle. Otherwise, even though you are young, improving your diet and starting a mild-to-moderate structured exercise program with resistance training would be advisable for your long term health. Nothing you are describing is necessarily dangerous, so waiting two weeks for your cardiology appointment is reasonable.
Hi Doc, im 35 male, 251lbs down from 296lbs.in September 2016 I went to my doctor cause of chest pain and left arm pain. He did ekg and blood work and chest X-rays. Everything came back normal. I did have high blood pressure which I have had for along time. He put me on meds for blood pressure. Amlodipine and losartan. Still had pain so he ordered a nuclear stress test. The test came back normal. Still having the chest pain and arm pain. I bought a charge 2 fitbit and noticed that while I am sleeping my heart rate can drop to 40bpm. But during the day it will be between 60 and 100 depending on what I am doing. With excercise I can get it over 130bpm. So my question is 40bpm seem low for sleeping and if all this is normal why the chest and arm pain? I am also on xanax for anxiety. Thank you!
It can be normal to have a heart rate in the 40’s bpm while sleeping, but your heart rate during sleep and your heart rate variability during the day does not explain your chest pain. With regards to your chest pain, the current negative work-up and normal nuclear stress test are reassuring. However, I don’t know why you are still having chest pain. It is difficult to assess your chest pain fully based on the information you have provided, but if you are still concerned you can discuss further with your physician or obtain a second opinion if you are able. Also, congratulations on your weight loss, you are doing a great thing to improve your overall health and longevity.
I’ll try to make this brief. 4 months ago I had a baby, before baby heart rate was always in the 70’s, at rest. After baby my heartrate resting will go down to mid 50’s very rarely high 40’s. Sleeping down to 39 lowes it’s ever been. I do have sleep apnea. Does go up when walking to exertion to 120 or so its not always low. I had a Holter monitor and it showed normal but this is really bothering me. Doctor scheduled me a consult with cardiologist i think to put my mind at ease but doesn’t seem concerned about it with the normal holter. He did note possible sick sinus syndrome, kinda freaking out a bit. Is it normal after baby to have heartrate go down so much? I have 2 other kiddos and never had this happen before.
It is hard to say if this is “normal” after pregnancy, everyone’s body reacts and changes differently. I will say that heart rate changes can be seen during and after pregnancy, but should normalize in the weeks or months after delivery. Nothing about your heart rate while sleeping or heart rate variability during the day sounds grossly abnormal, and the normal 24-hour Holter monitor is reassuring. However, I agree with you, the mention of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a somewhat concerning statement. I would definitely follow-up with a specialist (e.g. a general cardiologist or electrophysiologist) for a second opinion on that matter, but from what you are describing, it does not sound like SSS.
Hi am a 39 male and my right arm has a small pain in it when to the doctor and they ran test and said everything was good but I also stay tired you have any thing that I can try I had a flu shot about a month ago could that be it
It is possible that it could be due to the flu shot, but a month is a long time to continue to have right arm pain. Aspirin and/or Tylenol are good initial medications to use for mild pain control.
Hi Doc, I’m 37 male. Currently on medication for high blood pressure. I did my stress test 6 months back and everything was great. Recently 15 days back, I had a panic attack and my resting heart rate was 120. Went to ER. They did all blood work, X-ray, ecg, urine test, D dimer, troponin I, and everything was normal. When I checked whether I need another stress test, the doc said it’s not required. He also recommended to few anxiety treatment resources. My HR during sleep is 54. HR when I wake up is 72 and 69 when I go back to sleep. And I exercise 30 mins everyday with 10 mins of jogging at HR of 165. I feel absolutely normal and my BP is also in control now. However, this is my concern – during day, I keep checking my HR almost like a hypochondriac and my Resting heart rate is 95 during day. After eating its 105 and 105 while standing. Is this due to my anxiety issue or do I still need another stress test?
If you had a normal stress test 6 months ago, that is reassuring. Usually stress tests are not repeated in less than 12 months. Your heart rate parameters look to be OK, but I would recommend expressing your concerns with your physician.
I am 38 yr old f on paxil 10mg. Have had two ecg bradycardia at 52bpm and 55bpm. Normal electrical readings . Triponin bloods normal. I brinks walk for maybe 1-2hr daily heart rate max 160bpm. Sleepi no rate is 46bpm and little breathless in day and tired had baby. Is this normal ?
Yes, what you are describing can be normal for you especially with the reassuring ECG.
I am 79 and my resting hear rate is down to 32-34 bpm at rest at night. BP 121/58-60 I feel this rate is very dangerous. However when I eat and take supplements daily my heart rate climbs to 55 bpm.
Wouldn’t this slow heart rate lead to damaged organs? My heart doctor doesn’t seem concerned.
Bradycardia would be concerning if you are symptomatic, usually with a low blood pressure but not always. As long as your blood pressure is normal then there should not be any danger to your organs. Heart rates into the 30’s is quite low. A graded exercise test (GXT) could be done to test your chronotropic competence. If your heart rate does not increase appropriately to the level of exercise, then further evaluation of your low heart rate may be indicated. If you are concerned, I would share your concerns with your cardiologist at your next visit.
Hi doctor,
Lately I have been worried about my heart and experiencing a lot of anxiety. I’m 32 and recently lost over 140lbs. Naturally my heart rate and blood pressure have gone downhill. My resting heart rate laying down or usually in the more 60s, sitting high 70s, and my standing is what is weird. Some days I’ll just be standing and is 120 and others its like 88. When it’s really fast it scares me pretty good, but it only happens when I’m standing. If I lay down it goes right back down. At my doctor’s office they checked and my blood pressure doesn’t really change. What could be going on.
Also is a blood pressure of 110 over 68 too low
Thank you very much for your question, and congratulations on losing so much weight, you should be very proud of yourself! When you lose weight and begin to approach your ideal body weight, your blood pressure and heart rate will decrease. The lowering of your blood pressure and heart rate is a good thing, it means that the autonomic tone and adrenergic activity in your body is improving. This is what produces some of the beneficial effects of improved diet, exercise, and weight loss. Standing produces a compensatory increase in heart rate without a decrease, or a very little decrease, in blood pressure. Your heart rate parameters appear relatively normal for your age, at this time. Also, your blood pressure is just about ideal for your age (systolic blood pressure 100-120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 70-80 mm Hg).
hi , I am a 31 yr old Indian male weighing 73 kgs and 168 cm . My resting heatbeat rate is 85 to 93 bpm . I dont exercise much . My blood pressure is 125/83 . Is there any to worry . How can I bring my heart beat and pressure back to normal ?
You should not worry, your resting heart rate and blood pressure are normal. However, a resting heart rate of <80 beats/min would be better for you (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26598376 and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27551034). I would recommend improving your diet and exercising regularly. Both of these lifestyle modifications will keep your blood pressure normal and lower your resting heart rate.
Hello, I am a 57 year old female. I exercise daily and have for past 25+ years. I have had a fit bit for 3 years from this PST Christmas. I have taken right under 20 million steps and 7,500 miles. My resting heart rate is usually 54-57. Is this healthy? Thanks Katherine
Yes, that can be acceptable. The average resting heart rate for heavy exercisers can be 40-60 beats per minute range. Given that your exercise capacity is very good, I would assume your chronotropic competence is also very good, thus you have no need to worry.
Hey Doc, I’m 51 female I have been very light headed when I first wake up in the morning. I found out today that my heart rate was 50 when resting. Could this be the reason I’m light headed right away in the morning.
That is a good question, but difficult to answer without more information. Usually, a low blood pressure would cause those symptoms. A heart rate of 50 bpm could cause your blood pressure to decrease, but you need to verify that. I would recommend monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure intermittently throughout the day (e.g. morning, noon, and night). You can present this information to your physician if you remain concerned.
hi.. i am a 23 years old female. i have been feeling pain in my chest on the left side and upper back and my resting heart rate is 80-84 bpm since the past one month.is it something to be woried about? thanks
Hi.. i am a 23 yrs old female.. i have been feeling pain in my chest (on the left side and centre) and my upper back between my shoulder blades since 1 month. my resting heart beat is 80-84 bpm. is it something to worry about.. thanks
Your resting heart rate is normal. However, if you are worried about your symptoms, I would discuss your concerns with your physician.
Hi I am a 32yr old male and have been diagnosed with intermittent AF which I have suffered for last 6/7 years. I have been prescribed a beta blocker type of medication, however I have started to notice that my resting hr rate regularly drops below 60bpm a lot of the time. I have read up on this and I am not an athlete but I am not in bad in the fitness area either. I also sometimes feel like I am short of breath a lot even when resting. Any advice?
Thank you very much for your question. You are very young to have atrial fibrillation (AFib). I assume you had a thorough work-up at the time of your diagnosis to make sure there were no reversible causes for your AFib? It sounds like you are in a normal rhythm (i.e. sinus rhythm) most of the time, and you are taking beta-blockers to keep your heart in normal rhythm. As I am sure you are aware beta-blockers lower your heart rate, that is indeed one of their mechanisms of action, so I am not surprised that your resting heart rate is lower than normal. A low heart rate can make you feel tired, weak, and fatigued – especially when it is caused by heart rate lowering medications or intrinsic conduction system abnormalities. So, yes, it is possible that some of your symptoms are due to the beta-blocker medication. There are other medications that can be used to keep your heart in a normal rhythm, but not alter your heart rate as much as beta-blockers. Some of the common antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) used for AFib include flecainide, propafenone, sotalol, and dofetilide. Rarely in healthy or young people we use amiodarone, which is usually reserved for patients with structural heart disease, cardiac ischemia, or heart failure. I would recommend seeing a cardiac electrophysiologist to discuss your diagnosis, symptoms, and management strategy.
MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS 160 OVER 70 OR 180 OVER 80 IS THIS OK I AM OBP MEDICINE MY PULSE RATE IS LOW AT NIT 40 AND IN THE 60 AT DAY DR TOOK ME OFF OF MY CLONIDINE WHICH WAS 02 AND DROPPED IT TO 01 MY OTHER MED WAS ADLATE SLOW RELEASE BP WAS FINE, UNTILL HE LOWERED MY CLONIDINE IHAVE BRADYCARDIA AND HE PUT ME ON BLOOD THINNER AND A HEARTMED TO REGURLATE MY HEART SHOULD I GO BACK ON MY 02 CLONIDINE SO BP WOULD BE OK
Your blood pressure is elevated and should be treated more aggressively. I would discuss with your physician a reasonable medication strategy for controlling your blood pressure.
I’m 20. I have a BP of 80/60 and my heart rate is 94bpm. Is it normal?
Your resting blood pressure is a little low and your resting heart rate is a little high for your age. In a 20-year-old, I would expect a slightly low blood pressure (100-120/70-80 mm Hg) and slightly low heart rate (60-80 bpm). However, if you feel fine and asymptomatic, then those measurements are your normal. People can have slightly different baseline blood pressures and heart rates, mostly based on your age, height/weight, and fitness level. It’s never too early to develop good dietary and exercise habits if you haven’t already.
I’m 17 and have an average resting heart rate of about 87-91. Is that normal?
Yes, that can be normal.
Hi Dr,
I am 41 years old. I used to have high blood pressure and high blood sugar (my weight that time was 91 Kg and I am 6 feet). Because I was in the boarder, My doctor gave six months to get back to normal w/o medication. I used to be a pro-athlete.I used to do 30-60 minutes cardio every day last summer. My new schedule is 30 minutes cardio, three times per week. I am on a portion control meal system as well. Now my blood sugar level is 5.3-5.9, blood pressure level is 127/87 – 135/95 (my new weight is 86 kg).
I got a fitbit during the holiday (Dec 25- 30, 2016). my resting heart rate during holiday time was 59- 65 bpm. After the holiday resting heart went up to 70-85. during the work out, it goes up to 150-160 and quickly comes down to high 70s. I was hoping to keep my resting rate below 70. Some times, while I am at the bed, it goes down to low 60s. It does not go down to 60s during the work hours. most of the time I am sitting in front of the computer. I am not taking any medication. Should I be concerned? Appreciate your input. Thanks in advance.
I don’t think you should be concerned. As you get beck into your exercise routine after the holidays, I’m sure your resting heart rate will get down to where it was before. A good resting heart rate for you would be 60-80 bpm, you may fluctuate in that range, but that would be acceptable.
I have panic Attacks regularily and my heart rate while resting is 89-93 is that bad?
No, that is not bad, a normal resting heart rate is indeed between 60-100 so you are within the normal range. However, a resting heart rate between 60-80 beats/min is probably a more ideal range for a resting heart rate. Most effective ways to lower your resting heart rate is achieving your ideal body weight, improving your diet, avoiding tobacco, and exercising more.
I am 41 years old. I have resting hear rate of 75 bpm. Should I be concerned? Thanks.
No, you should not be concerned. Normal resting heart rate is 60-100 beats/min, more ideal is 60-80 beats/min, so you are in the ideal range.
Hello I am a 43 year old female and last evening I went to the doctors because a few days prior I had a sharp stabbing pain in my left breast/rib area, it took my breath and I had to lean over a grocery cart ( I was at the store) then the next day my left arm felt like someone punched me and I had a heaviness from my left ear to my rib so that is what prompted me to go to the doctor, they did a ekg and said it didn’t change much from my last one which was almost 2 years ago, my BP average is 167/95 many times higher and my resting heart rate is 110 ( that is the only thing that changed) My doctor did put me on BP medicine & he sent me for a chest X-ray and blood work this morning. (No results yet) But my doctor acted like it was all fine and that I would probably find anything since everything was fine 2 years ago. So I’m confused, many people are telling me to get a second opinion or see a heart doctor. I also have other symptoms like exhaustion, need to take a deep breath often, had blacken vision one time in my left eye. I was wondering what your thought is on all of this should I get a second opinion?
It sounds like you have a few complex complaints, a second opinion is never a bad thing if you feel unsatisfied with your health care. Your hypertension needs to be treated. You likely need a thorough work-up for your fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
49 years old male.
While sleeping my heart rate ranges fro 47 to 56 as measured with an Apple Watch. There are spikes during my sleep where my heart rate goes up to 110. These spike last about 10 minutes, occurring about three times during sleep.
Is this normal?
Wrist heart rate monitors can sometimes be inaccurate regarding both the rate and duration of any bradycardia or tachycardia episodes. If you are concerned, you can discuss this with your physician, but it is difficult to fully rely on the information gathered from wrist heart rate monitors.
37 old female
Hi my blood pressure is 12/86 and my rest heart beating rate is 104 is that normal ?
Technically, a resting heart rate of 104 beats/min is outside the range of normal. Everyone can be different and this could be normal for you, but more than likely the high resting heart rate could be a reflection of poor cardiorespiratory fitness, abnormal endocrine function, or an inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
Hello I am a 22 year old female and my resting heart rate is normally around 130-140 when I check it manually but when I check it with a pulse ox it is still around that range but it jumps around to versions number and always have a discomfort in my chest and can feel my heart beating fast with me doing nothing Should I be concerned ?
A constant heart rate of 130-140 is abnormally high, especially for a 22 year old. If you are having discomfort and feelings of a fast heart rate, that is also not normal. I would be concerned for a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). I would recommend seeing your physician to discuss your symptoms and get an ECG. This may require further evaluation and testing, possibly a referral to a electrophysiologist cardiologist.
When going to the doctor 3 years ago he was shocked to find I had a 33 pulse. He had me do a full cardio evaluation and the cardiologist concluded there is absolutely nothing wrong with my heart – “your heart will long outlast your body”. I run a lot of marathons and low pulses are common in my family.
Recently I started to use a Garmin Watch and it correctly has shown for the past 4 weeks my rpm has been 34. What has surprised me is that it is not unusual to record some 28’s and 27’s. Yes, I am in great running shape, but I am no pro athlete. My question is when is a 27 too low..If I am not symptomatic (tired, fainting) then high 20’s are ok ?
My reflex answer would be “yes,” especially since you recently had a full cardiovascular work-up and are currently asymptomatic. Heart rates in the mid-to-upper 20’s is quite low, even for conditioned athletes, so I understand your concern. Ultimately, you have to ask yourself what we can do for very low heart rates? There is really only 2 major things, 1) stop any medications that could be artificially lowering your heart rate (which I assume some physician has addressed already) and 2) implant a pacemaker. Pacemakers are only used if you are truly having symptoms from a low heart rate (which may or may not involve further testing) or severe intrinsic conduction system disease (which is usually diagnosed by a cardiologist). You don’t seem to meet either of those conditions, so I would just continue monitoring your heart rate and continue follow-up with your physician.
Hello,
I am a 36 year young female (153 lbs 5’1″.) I am not very active but my resting heart rate is between 42-49. My husband thinks I need to go to the doctor but I am not sure. I am also always cold (if it is less than 90F, I have a jacket on.) Should I waste my time and go to the doctor?
Yes, I think it would be worthwhile to make an appointment to see your physician. The most obvious issue to worry about would be hypothyroidism, and this is very easy to test for and very easy to treat, so it would be worthwhile to rule that medical condition out. Further evaluation and work-up would be at the discretion of your physician.
Hi Dr I’m 28 Year old male some time my heart beat rate 53.58 is that normal or not? Thank you
hi Dr I’m 28 year old my heart beat some time 53.58 is that normal or not? Thank you
hi Dr I’m 28 year old my heart beat some time 53.58 is that normal or not? Thank you
Yes, that can be normal, especially in younger individuals.
My resting heart rate 54 to 58.my age 34.its normal?
Yes, that can be normal for you.
Hello sir
My name is Rick, and I need to know what would be the best way to get rid of long time acid refluxed at which causes my heart burn ? At which also drives me nuts !
Thanks
This is a good question, although outside the topic of this article. Any longstanding acid reflux should be discussed with your physician, as there could be underlying issues causing the acid reflux. Some of these issues can be easily preventable and some can be serious, so it’s best to get an initial evaluation by your physician.
Hello,
I have a fitness tracker that tracks my heart rate overnight and I have noticed that my heart rate is very unstable during the night and is regularly over 100bpm last night it spiked to 131bpm at the highest point. My heart rate is also unstable during the day, but according to the tracker averages around 70bpm resting heart rate.
Is this nightly heart rate normal?
Thanks
Fitness trackers are not the most accurate heart rate monitors, they do a good job for what they are, but are not the gold standard. You can discuss your concerns and potential symptoms with your physician. Maybe a 24-hour Holter monitor would be appropriate. You can read more about that here: https://myheart.net/articles/holter-monitors-explained-by-a-cardiologist/.
I have just had my blood test back saying bloods are fine .interestingly your digoxin level is very low and sub therapeutic, you are on very low dose 62.5 micrograms so I suggest stop taking as its not having any effect .I under stand that this drug alters your heart rate .mine being 50/55 beats a minute ,if I stop taking this pill will this increase my heart rate to much as I had a quad heart by pass 3 years ago
Many thanks Mr b.king
If your digoxin level is low or subtherapeutic (i.e. not doing anything to you or for you), then discontinuing the digoxin will likely have no effect on your heart rate.
In the past 2 months my resting heart rate has gone from 80-90 while asleep. But lately I have been frequently having a heart rate of 90-110 while sleeping. I have lupus, sleep apnea and few other joint related illnesses. I am a 41 yr old female.
Should I be worried and seek a physician.
Yes, a heart rate of 90-110 while sleeping is a little high. I would make sure that your sleep apnea is appropriately treated, as well as, improve your diet and exercise if able.
Hi sir
I am akash 31year old, and I am suffering from diabetes last 12 years. from last two days i observed at sleeping time in the night suddenly my heartbeat are going high is this serious for me now I just check my hbpm is 84(1:00am india).
A heart rate of 84 bpm is within the normal range for your age.
Hi Dr Guichard,
I am 39 years old female who recently went to the hospital feeling like my heart would explode. At resting rate was 175 – 185 bpm. with blood pressure of 90/55. My Dr say I have nothing wrong except anxiety. Can that be true? Before then my normal heart rate would be 110. I always feel exhausted. Any suggestions to help me lower the heart beat to something close to normal, pleeeasseee? Should I look for a second opinion or is this normal
A resting heart rate of 175-185 bpm is abnormal. It sounds like you were possibly in a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). I would suggest a second opinion from a general cardiologist or an electrophysiologist. A heart rate and rhythm monitoring device may be needed for further evaluation, which could include a 24-hour Holter monitor or a 30-day event monitor, depending on how often you are having your episodes. I would definitely get this issue further evaluated.
I am a 74 years old man. All my adult life my resting heart rate was below 55. The last 10 years it hovered 44 to 48 BPM. Three months ago, I carried a Holter Monitor for 48 hours and it reported a sinus rhythm with low 32 BPM at 2:37 AM apparently while asleep. The average HR was 46 BPM and the max. reported was 105 BPM (most probably while I was at the gym).
Echo done five months ago was normal. Stress Test performed two months ago was also normal, reaching 114 BPM after 13.25 minutes of treadmill exercise.
How is my overall health? My blood pressure is elevated (145/70) and I do take a 20 mg of Lisinopril. Otherwise, I have no other ailment that I know of. Surely, I need to shed 20 lbs and I am working on that.
What is my problem? Well, of late ( the last 8 months) I have been complaining of dizziness and or loss of balance while walking for 15 minutes or more. Now the subject of getting a pacemaker is getting front seat. And I am saying: Are we sure the pacemaker will quell the imbalance and dizziness? Most definitely, the cardiologist I am seeing was confounded by
my performance (actually my heart’s performance) in the stress test. But, then again, the 3.2 BPM hear rate of the Holter Monitor is sounding the bells.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Your Holter monitor, echocardiogram, and treadmill stress test are all very reassuring and you are doing very well for 74 years old. I would not be worried about a heart rate of 32 bpm in the middle of the night while you are sleeping. Your treadmill stress test shows that you have good chronotropic and cardiorespiratory reserve (i.e. heart rate of 114 bpm and 13:25 minutes on the treadmill). I would suggest checking your blood pressure and heart rate during your episodes, as well as, making sure you don’t have intrinsic conduction system disease on a ECG (your cardiologist should be able to evaluate that). Without knowing this information I would be reluctant, at this point, to attribute your episodes to a low heart rate that would require a pacemaker.
Hi,
I’m a 58 year old male, and former sub 3 hour marathoner — I was high mileage runner for about 27 years until my knees & hips started to wear down & I gave it up at age 54. At my last physical my doctor had me get an echocardiogram because he suspected LVH (from EKG)
Echo shows cardiomegaly, slight thickening of the ventricle & a sigmoid septum…. high normal ejection fraction, and mild valve regurgitation …. Everything else normal except occasional isolated systolic hypertension. Resting pulse is 55; Aerobic capacity still good & runs about 126bpm at 10.0 METs. My question is, how does one distinguish physiologic heart remodeling (after 27 years of long distance running) from pathologic changes (from aging)?
That is a very good question. Exercise-induced remodeling of the left and right ventricle depends on the type of exercise. Endurance training increases left ventricular (LV) internal dimensions with little change in LV wall thickness, whereas strength training increases LV wall thickness with little effect on LV cavity dimensions. To answer your question, an “athlete’s heart” will usually reverse in 4-6 weeks after deconditioning – certainly by 3-6 months. It is hypothesized that long-term (i.e. lifelong) sustained excessive endurance exercise (e.g. chronic training for and competing in extreme endurance events such as marathons, ultramarathons, ironman distance triathlons, and very long distance bicycle races) may be deleterious in some individuals (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23197444), so your previous exercise history could be of some concern. So, the changes you are seeing on your echocardiogram are not likely due to physiologic heart remodeling from your previous exercise – but it also doesn’t mean that your heart is abnormal either. If I had to guess, I would say that the changes you are seeing are due to aging (e.g. sigmoid septum) and hypertension (e.g. LV hypertrophy or slight thickening of the ventricle). You should be mindful of your systolic blood pressure and make sure it remains <130 mm Hg, due to the presence of the LV hypertrophy.
I am 48 years old and overweight. I am on a diet and have lost 12 pounds. My sitting heart rate is usually around 95-105. Is this normal?
A resting heart rate of 95-105 bpm, is a little high. However, your resting heart rate should decrease to <100 bpm with improved diet, exercise, and weight loss.
58 year old female, running for four years, BP 110/65, good cholesterol, weight 128 pounds. Resting HR ~58 (Resting HR was about 75 prior to running for exercise) When I run, not at maximum pace, but at a relatively hard pace, my heart often gets between 150-180 bpm. No problems, other than a little out of breath. No fainting, no vomiting. Have seen it over 200 in a race, with no major symptoms, just really out of breath. Always comes down pretty quick. Years ago I was diagnosed with Accelerated AV Conduction. Could that be why I have the high rate when I run? I’ve tried to keep it in the appropriate range for my age, but can’t run more than a few seconds and it goes up past 130s.
Yes, with accelerated atrioventricular (AV) conduction (AAVC; short PR interval) you can have paroxysmal episodes of tachycardia. In that case, it is considered Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome (LGLS). A short PR interval in the absence of paroxysmal episodes of tachycardia is usually just a benign ECG finding. If you are concerned about your heart rate or symptoms, an electrophysiologist would probably be the best to evaluate your situation.
Hello,
I am a 29-year-old female diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. When I first started physical therapy school, I was not very active, but my HR was generally around 60 bpm and BP was ~110/70 even during stressful practical exams.
Since then I have become significantly more active (with Fibromyalgia pain/fatigue being somewhat of a limiting factor), but my HR while sleeping is in the upper 70s, and during the day fluctuates between 100-130 bpm. When doing cardio, my HR tends to stay the same (in that 100-130 range) and even seems to decrease a little sometimes. I can often feel my pulse in my chest and sometimes in my head during the day, and have recently been having dizzy spells. Yesterday I was feeling particularly dizzy and nauseous; HR was 140 and BP was around 140/90, and my boss said I had gone completely white. All of this concerns me, but I went to the MD who basically told me not to worry so much and to try Xanax (which makes me way too sleepy to be able to work). Am I just overreacting, or should I seek a second opinion? Thanks!
Based on just this information, it is difficult to determine if there is anything to worry about. If your physician (or you) believe this is due to anxiety, I agree with you that Xanax (alprazolam) is not a good choice, but low-dose Klonopin (clonazepam) is a reasonable long acting benzodiazepine. Remember, you can always seek a second opinion if you are not satisfied with your physician’s evaluation and plan.
Hello. I am a 21 year old female college athlete (4″10, 103lbs). I exercise (weight lifting, cardio, etc.) at least 15 hours a week every week and have been doing so consistently for about year. I don’t know for how long, but for at least the past three years I have realized my resting/sleeping heart rate averages around 86bpm, and I have a hard time doing rigorous cardio or endurance exercise. The lowest I have ever recorded my heart rate to be was 80, one time. My heart rate spikes easily with exercise– I have recorded it at 184bpm after jogging 1/4mi. at 5.5 mph. on a treadmill. Even just walking short distances or up one flight of stairs my heart rate will most of the time exceed 100bpm. It feels like it is beating very hard unless I’m resting. My primary physician found my concerns to be of merit, and I have had an ECG and a 2D echocardiogram and basic PFTs performed. However, my physician reports no abnormalities except for some slight evidence of air trapping on my PFT. I’ll be going in for asthma diagnosis tests later but I’m concerned that the problem could still be my heart. Is this normal for a competitive athlete? Should I request stress tests or other imaging?
To answer your question, this is not the typical resting heart rate or heart rate response to exercise for a competitive athlete. However, it is within normal limits for the average population. One aspect of your situation that could confound a “normal” heart rate for you, is your smaller stature (4’10”, 103lbs). To be honest, I’m not sure how a small stature would effect heart rate – and, if it does, by how much. An example would be the resting heart rate of a mouse (480-600 beats per minute) versus an elephant (30 beats per minute), this is an over simplification, but you get the idea. The first thing is to determine if you are in sinus rhythm (i.e. the normal rhythm of the heart) or an abnormal rhythm, which can be evaluated by resting ECG or graded exercise testing (GXT). A GXT may be helpful if you are only having the tachycardia with exercise. A 24-48 hour Holter monitor (https://myheart.net/articles/holter-monitors-explained-by-a-cardiologist/) may also be helpful to evaluate your heart rate variability during the day, as well as correlate your heart rate with any symptoms. The second thing is to determine that you don’t have a medical reason for an elevated heart rate, e.g. thyroid issues, anemia/nutritional deficiency (especially since you are female), medications, caffeine, chocolate, underlying infection (not likely), fear/anxiety/stress, etc. The echocardiogram was very reasonable and I’m glad for you that it was normal. You are very low-risk for coronary artery disease, so I do not think cardiac stress testing would be of any value. Additional imaging could include cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA), to look for anomalous coronary arteries, but your symptoms do not suggest concern for that particular issue. Once everything has been evaluated and ruled-out, then diagnoses like inappropriate sinus tachycardia (https://myheart.net/articles/inappropriate-sinus-tachycardia/) could be given consideration.
My 55 year old husband is suffering with a very low irregular pulse rate of between 35 – 44 bears per minute. He saw his doctor earlier this week and after an ecg was prescribed a very low dose beta blocker. He collapsed yesterday evening after feeling faint as his pulse rate plummeted but he refused an ambulance. This morning his pulse rate was at 32. He says it’s just the tablets taking effect and has still gone to work. Should he be in hospital for more tests?
A slow, irregular pulse can only be a few things (e.g. atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response, certain types of heart conduction system blocks, or frequent PVCs). Most of these conditions can be determined via ECG. Based on what you are describing and the prescription of a beta-blocker, I am assuming he was having frequent PVCs. Frequent PVCs, in the short term, are usually not dangerous. However, given his heart rate and fainting episodes, this is somewhat concerning. It would be reasonable to be re-evaluated either in an outpatient clinic, urgent care clinic, or emergency room to make sure there is nothing more dangerous or concerning with regards to his heart rate and rhythm.
Hi, I’m female aged 39 with Fibromyalgia that I’ve had for 19 years. I’ve just started to do some exercise at the gym ( first time in over 10 years! ) As soon as I start to exercise my hr goes up to 130 and stays there for quite a while. Resting hr is normally between 80 and 90. Is it normal to go so high so quick?
Yes, it can be when you are deconditioned and just starting to exercise. Your heart rate variability and resting heart rate should improve as your exercise tolerance and duration improves. Congratulations on your exercise program, keep it up!
Hello. 56, I am currently living with intermittent afib (every 3 to 4 months I have an episode that lasts under 24 hours, 15 years). I also discovered I had total occlusion of my RCA, I have made some major life changes like eating only veggies and fruits, eliminating salt, coffee etc. Normal echo 60% , x ray and normal blood gas, but i do have atherosclerosis. I walk 10,000-15, 000 steps a day, However I have noticed something strange is happening when I get up and go to the sink my heart rate will jump from a resting of 60-65 to 95-100 bpm, when i stand with little movement it will go back down). However during my walks at normal speed my heart rate will stay at between 90-110 (and on occasion will jump up to 130) until about 15 minutes then it will suddenly drop to 50. If I continue to walk it will return to normal again. No dizziness,. If i didn’t look at my oxi meter I wouldn’t have noticed. Also i was advised to go on warfin however i have ulcerative colitis. What med would you recommend.
If a physician recommended warfarin for your non-valvular AFib, then I assume your CHA2DS2-VASc Score was high enough to support that recommendation. In that case, even with ulcerative colitis, Eliquis would be a reasonable anticoagulant for you.
Hello my age is 65 .. i had heart block in 2014 and then had to put three rings in my heart ..nowadays my pulse rate is 52-53/min .. is it okay for me or i should take some treatment or what do you suggest me ? Thanks in advance 🙂
Update I went for another eco and my injection fraction went up to 77. The cardiologist check blood flow etc and told me that my heart was good. Possibly due to my exercise and diet changes. I read that high was not good. Also read that it could be hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I also read this is common symptom as you get older. Should I be concern?
I was admitted to icu after a 24 hr heart monitor due to heart rate dropping to 18 during sleep. It was determined to be sinus pauses caused by digoxin toxicity. I was 26 at the time. It was determined that I no longer needed those medications as heart function had improved since I had a valve repair. Now, 20 years later as I am having valve issues again, I wonder if this medication will be off the table for me if needed. Are there other medications that are comparable that will not drop heart rate? How important is this? I have forgotten to mention this to my cardiologist every time I see him.
I am a 30 year old female with random spinning feelings throughout the day. My resting heart rate is getting as low as 51 on most days. Never going over 59. I try to ignore the “number” but it’s hard when I have these horrible symptoms. I’ve seen a cardiologist on more than one occasion and I’ve done very test they’ve asked me to do. They tell me that I don’t have pauses over 2 seconds long so they aren’t worried. I feel like my heart will get so low in my sleep that it will stop. What are the odds? This is causing me all kinds of anxiety.
It is highly unlikely that your heart rate will get so low at night that it will eventually stop, the natural rate and rhythm of your heart does not work that way. If you have undergone appropriate testing (e.g. 24-hour Holter monitor, graded exercise test (GXT), basic blood work, etc.) under the guidance of a cardiologist, and everything was normal, then you should be reassured at this point that your heart rate and rhythm are not an issue.
hi sir I m 29yr old but my problem is blood pressure 130/90mmhg what should I do for this I feel dizzy and lethargy
A blood pressure of 130/90 mm Hg usually does not cause dizziness or lethargy. If you continue to have symptoms, I would recommend you see your physician.
Hello.
I´m a 43 year old female 168 cm and 67 kg. I have been very tired last 4 years and I recently bought a garmin watch and it shows that my average resting heart rate is around 40, (38-43).
Should I go to the doctor?
Thanks, Ragga.
I forgot to say that I am not well trained, I maybe go once a week on the bicycle around 20 km.
Fitness trackers used to measure heart rate are not very accurate (https://consumer.healthday.com/fitness-information-14/misc-health-news-265/fitbits-other-trackers-may-be-unfit-to-measure-heart-rate-720442.html). I would recommend measuring your heart rate manually to confirm that your heart rate may indeed be low. If your heart rate is low, and you remained concerned, then it would be appropriate to discuss your symptoms and findings with your physician.
Hello Dr. Guichard, my name is Katie and I am 50 years old. I am being tested next month for POTS. I’m going for a tilt table test. This morning I simply made changed my sheets on my bed and I went from 105 to 120 in seconds with a bp of 138/87. Just by doing a simple everyday task, of course I was lightheaded and heavy armed and short of breath. Ive had too many EKG’s and X- Rays and heart monitor halter and blood work, ect. In and out of the ER and Dr’s. Til finally I have a Cardiologist looking into things. It wont be a while til I go for this POTS test, and my question is even though my heart is healthy, how is this healthy to go everyday like this for my heart? How much is enough before there is something other than POTS? This has been going on for at least two years that I can remember. I also have Fibromyalgia. I’m so confused. I dont really understand what is a resting heart rate is and the difference in a simple house hold chore raising my heart rate in seconds high. I dont get any of this. I know I could save my questions for next month with my cardiologist but I dont feel there is any harm in asking my questions earlier with you. Thank you, Katie
You can review our excellent information on Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), here: https://myheart.net/pots-syndrome/. There are certain criteria to meet for the diagnosis of POTS. Transient elevations in heart rate from sinus rhythm will not affect a structurally normal heart. Waiting until meeting with your cardiologist should not put you at risk, especially since it seems that you have had previous evaluations in the recent past. In the meantime, I would recommend a structured exercise program. Exercise has been shown to improve symptoms and improve your heart rate response to exertion.
I am a 27 yr old male who used to run 5-10+ miles a day. I ran a 12k in 54 minutes, so I was in really good shape then with a resting heart rate around 40bpm. I stopped running and working out over the last 2+ years and my resting heart rate was in the 60s for a while. I have been running daily (2-5 miles) at a slower pace than before, but still under nine minute miles. I wear a fitbit that says my resting heart rate has been about 46-48 for a few weeks now. Is it normal to have my heart rate go back down again because I’m running again. I also play basketball 3-5 nights a week and lost 30ish pounds since I started exercising again about 4 months ago. I’ve had heart tests done before just because of my low heart rate and haven’t had anything show up. I just hate seeing my heart rate in the 40’s. When I check my pulse myself it’s in the low 50’s most of the time.
Yes, it is normal for your resting heart rate to decrease because you are exercising again. It sounds like you are feeling fine and able to tolerate a high-level of exercise, so I would not worry about a low resting heart rate – especially since you are young (in your 20s). Additionally, Fitbits and other trackers may be unfit to measure heart rate as these devices were as much as 34 beats off per minute during certain exercises one recent study has found.
Hi doc I’m 22 years old, it is ok to have blood pressure 140/90
That is slightly high for someone your age, ideally a systolic blood pressure of <125 mm Hg would be normal for your age. If your blood pressure continues to remain around 140/90, then I would discuss with your physician.
Today morning after taking a normal shower and about to go to work, my heart beat peaked to 141 bpm (reading from my Garmin Vivosmart HR) i was very worried since this is my first time to get this high, last time i have a high bpm was 117 last November and my BP was 170/115
My doctor has prescribed my Amlodipine Besylate (Norvasc) 5mg and Bisoprolol Hemifumarate (Concor Cor 1.25mg).
Please advise. Thanks
Heart rate trackers may be unreliable to measure heart rate as these devices were as much as 34 beats off per minute during certain exercises one recent study has found. If you are particularly concerned about an especially high or low heart rate, it would be best to confirm the heart rate with a manual heart rate check as described above in the post. Additionally, checking your blood pressure would also be helpful. If there are still concerns about a high/low heart rate or high/low blood pressure, then contacting your physician would be reasonable.
Thanks Dr. Guichard,
I’ve met my Doctor recently and checked my BP and HR, he found it okay. Maybe i’m not suited with Concor Cor. I was prescribed before with Atenolol (Tenormin) for the same case but he changed because of i have some complaint against it like trouble in sleeping, i feel bloated all the time, shortness of breath even in a short distance walk and mild depression.
Please advise.
It is possible that you are intolerant of beta-blockers. Shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion, and mild depression can be side effects of beta-blockers. In that case, there are other medications that can be tried. I would discuss your symptoms with your physician and see if switching to a different class of medication would be right for you.
Thanks again Dr. Guichard.
If in case i am intolerant to beta-blockers. What are the alternatives with regards to my case?
For high blood pressure, the first line medications are 1) angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or 2) dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (i.e. amlodipine (Norvasc) or felodipine (Plendil) or nifedipine (Procardia)) or 3) diuretics (i.e. chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide). Those classes of medications can be tried before beta-blockers for high blood pressure.
Dear Dr. Guichard,
Last week, my doctor has change my beta blocker from Concor Cor (bisoprolol) to Inderal (Propranolol) he told me that this could be the last alternative brand he can think of. But it’s now about a week since i started Inderal, and seems nothing has changed, im still having more than 150 bpm while taking a shower only. Even in light movement my HR will strike up to 140 bpm and even im taking beta blocker paired with Amlodipine Besylate (Norvasc) 5mg daily, im still having 150/100 on some occasion. I’m very confused now.
It is possible that you could have inappropriate sinus tachycardia (https://myheart.net/articles/inappropriate-sinus-tachycardia/), but this is a diagnosis of exclusion (i.e. you have to rule out everything else first). There are many other medications that can be used for high blood pressure including, ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, thiazide-type diuretics, mineralocorticoid antagonists, beta-blockers, and hydralazine. Adding medications to control your blood pressure should not be a problem, but your high heart rates with minimal exertion is a little more difficult to manage. I would still recommend improving your diet, weight loss, and a structured exercise program.
Hello, 30 yr old male here and my latest HR reading was a 54, with 109/75. I’m 5’6 (173cm) and 150 lbs (68kg). I do the equivalent of 10 burpees twice a day, 3 times a week. I’m otherwise literally sedentary. I stay home and I’m mostly in bed all day. Is this unusual? Do I need to see a doctor?
Hello, I’m a 30 yr old male and my latest HR reading was a 54, with 109/75. I’m 5’6 (173cm) and 150 lbs (68kg). I do the equivalent of 10 burpees twice a day, 3 times a week. I’m otherwise literally sedentary. I stay home and I’m mostly in bed all day. Is this unusual? Do I need to see a doctor?
**Apologies if this is a double post**
No, for a 30 year old a heart rate of 54 and a blood pressure of 109/75 is not unusual. What is unusual is staying at home and mostly in bed all day, even though you get some mild exercise during the week. If you suffer with anxiety or depression as the reason for staying home and in bed all day, seeing a physician or talking with someone might be of great benefit for you.
If I may inquire further. My impression was that for my current lifestyle (ongoing multiple years, I am indeed dealing with depression) I am a bit surprised its that low. Data online suggests my HR is that of a really fit person. But my general understanding leads me to think I could probably do with more exercise in my life. I realize without more context or hands-on, ‘diagnosis’ would be difficult but any ideas that might explain those numbers?
Thank you
Cardiorespiratory fitness is way more complicated than just a heart rate. A simple heart rate measurement cannot fully evaluate or grade a fitness level. A resting heart rate is just a surrogate marker that we can use for some cardiovascular endpoints in generally healthy people. For example, your heart rate could be low because of hypothyroidism, which could also explain your depression. So, many different things can effect your heart rate all the way from normal variations in physiology to underlying medical conditions and prescription medications.
I recently had a heart attack and had 3 stems placed in….I’m only 32 years old….was wondering some days my pulse would be near 120 just sitting and then some days it would be normal…is this something I should be worried about….I do have meds but I take them in the morning and these pulse jumps only happen towards nite time
You can ask your physician if it would be reasonable to take some of your medications at night, or be prescribed long-acting versions of your medications (if indicated). You should also ask your physician about cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs, as this would likely be of great benefit for you.
My heart rate is 136 and the hospital said it is too high. I was also told i have pneumonia and my white cells are extremely high too where they want to do further testing for leukemia. Once I heard that i left the hospital against the doctors wishes. Should I be concerned?
Yes, you should be concerned. You should find a physician or hospital that you trust and get reevaluated as soon as possible.
Hello Dr Guichard
I am 27 years old 6’4 268lbs not in great shape at all. The only medication I take is omeprazole. Over the last year I have been having papitations, minor chest pain And serious heartburn which was causing me serious anxiety. I have been to the cardiologist countless times and I have had a EKG, Stress test and 24HR holter monitor. All tests were fine but for the last few months I’ve have had a very low heart rate. It have been between 48-55 just as I’m sitting doing nothing. It also raises and drops tremendously when I stand then sit down in just a few seconds. When I stand up I feel very dizzy/lightheaded as if I’m going to faint. Usually I can tell when it’s low because I start to feel dizzy, lightheaded and shaky then all of a sudden get become nervous and I get the palpitations. It’s been driving me insane sir. It doesn’t help that I check my HR all the time with my Fitbit. Is this normal or should I be worried ? Is this anxiety or heart problems ?
Thanks Doc
Your work-up so far (i.e. ECG, stress test, and 24-hour Holter monitor) is reassuring that it is not your heart. Have you considered starting a weight loss and exercise program? I think you would benefit greatly from weight loss and some mild-to-moderate exercise.
Yes I am and definitely need to thank you. I am scheduled to have a echocardiogram done as well as an event monitor for 1 week. I have high blood pressure along with family history involving heart related issues. It’s a nuisance feeling dizzy every time I stand up or move my head. It feels as if my head is full of pressure along with headaches. So dr it’s normal to feel lightheaded, tired and shaky with such a low heart rate ? Can weight have such a big impact on the way I’ve been feeling ?
Everyone responds differently to low heart rates. For example, Lance Armstrong has resting heart rates in the 40s and feels normal. But a heart rate of 40 in someone else could cause someone to feel weak, tired, lightheaded, and dizzy. If your heart rate increases appropriately with exertion (which your stress test should have evaluated) and you do not have intrinsic conduction system disease (which your ECG should have evaluated), then your low heart rate at rest could be normal for you. Your symptoms could also represent inner ear issues, and that should be evaluated as well. And, yes, excess weight can have a big impact on the way you feel.
Thank you I just saw my cardiologist. He didn’t give me an exact diagnosis. He just told me my event monitor recorded a rare supraventricular ectopic heart rate of 151. I told him I do have panic attacks associated with anxiety. He also stated that my heart rate tends to rise high quickly then drop very low quickly when I’m relaxed. He doesn’t want to put a pace maker on me because he says my heart is fine “structurally” and there’s too many complications also I’m too young at 27 years old. He then stated that he wants me to start training my heart to beat faster by using the treadmill more with less intensity. He wants me to keep my heart rate to 125. I do get very dizzy and light headed every time I lay down sit up and stand. Throughout the day my bp is usually low 92 over 55. But when I stand it raises high then i become very dizzy with chest pains under my left breast and under the middle of my chest. I just finished jogging slowly up and down my stairs in my home for 30 minutes. I noticed in just a matter of a few minutes my heart rate increased to 155. No symptoms followed until I decided to sit down. Once I sat down my heart rate decreased to 92 in a matter of seconds to mintues. Then followed were the dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain and bloated pain. I truly want to become fit but I become nervous or feel terrible when I try to. I feel as if there’s something wrong with me but no one i have seen has given me the answer yet. Sometimes my arms and muscles ache when I press them or press on my chest and sometimes I cant point out the pain. Do you think I’m fine or could I be at risk of a heart attack, disesease or stroke ?. I truly need your great professional opinion.
Your symptoms are difficult to explain. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and muscle pain after you exercise are not classic symptoms associated with heart disease or stroke. You should continue your moderate exercise program to improve your cardiopulmonary fitness and mental health. I would also recommend a whole-food, plant-based diet to optimize your weight and overall well-being. I think you will find that as your exercise tolerance improves, and you clean-up your diet, you will feel much better and your heart rate variability will improve.
Hello Dr,
What a wonderful thing you are doing by reassuring/answering all these questions – thank you.
I’m a 32 year old male who started having the odd SVE, thus I saw a cardiologist who confirmed 35 isolated benign supraventricular ectopic beats.
He performed:
Echo
24 hour blood pressure and Holter which returned as normal.
My GP performed:
Blood work – all nornal
My SVE’s have been increasing revelry so I went back for another checkup which revealed the same results as last time.
My question is, I’ve noticed that my heart rate (as per my Apple Watch) will sometimes dip to 48, 50, 53 when at rest during the day. These appear as single readings I.E. I only have two or so readings at these rates. The rest are normal.
Are this dips normal? I don’t have any symptoms and my heart rate is in nornal upon standing, moving and exercising.
Thank you
Thank you very much for your kind words. Yes, these dips can be normal at rest (especially in younger people). Your previous work-up is reassuring, additionally, you are asymptomatic and your heart rate appears to respond appropriately to exertion/exercise.
Hi Dr Guichard,
Let me echo your excellent services as well. And thank your for that
I am 74 + years old (25 lbs over) with a history of Bradycardia the lat year having imbalance issues after 15 minutes of walking. As a result, the last year I went through a battery of tests (EKG, Echo, treadmill, Holter Monitor, hearing and vertigo tests and Neurology tests (EMG).
ALL THE TESTS came marginally okay. In other words, nothing no test result stood out to raise AHA’s. Of course, my heart rate is alarmingly low, going as low as low as 32 at 3:00 am in the 48 hrs Holter-Monitor study.
My cardiologist softly pushes for the pacemaker (he is afraid of a sudden low low heat rate) , but my primary doctor feels that I am a healthy guy for my age and that if I were to lose the 25 lbs and do a lot of exercise, I would get out without a pacemaker.
What is my position? Obviously, I want to exit without any implants. But if it would correct my current imbalance problems it would be worthwhile having it. However, my fear is that I might end up having an implanted foreign object in my body AND STILL HAVE MY CURRENT IMBALANCE. That’s why I leaning on primary doctor’s advice, which is essentially, DON’T TINKER WITH THE OLD BODY IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO.
What say thee?
Imbalance issues are usually not a classic symptom of bradycardia. If your cardiologist was reassured by the normal ECG, Holter monitor, and exercise stress test, then I would likely not pursue a pacemaker. I would also make sure that you are not taking any medications that could lower your heart rate, hopefully that has been reviewed already. Physical therapy or occupational therapy might be able to help with your imbalance issues. However, if you ever develop lightheadedness, dizziness, exercise intolerance, or syncope then you should probably be reevaluated. Thank you very much for your question and kind words!
Hi doc, I’m a 40 year old female. I’ve been feeling tired lately, but my job is draining at times, I work my body as well as my brain, my brain more so though. Anyway I checked my bp ( I have a bp machine) because I felt like it was going to be low or high and it’s low. I am on bp pills by my physician though, but my heart rate seems low to me. Anywhere from 50-56 bpm. I’m just wondering if that’s normal? I’m worried about the low numbers.
A heart rate of 50-60 bpm can be normal for you, but it is on the lower side. There are blood pressure medications that can also lower your heart rate, you can make sure that you are not on those type of medications because, in addition to lowering your heart rate, they can sometimes make you feel fatigued and drained. It is possible that with diet and exercise you can lower your blood pressure, and maybe not need blood pressure medications anymore. These are all things that you should discuss with your physician.
Hi, I’m a 26 yo girl, 5 ft 7, 120-125 lbs. My heart rate is 84-88 bpm when I first wake up. If I stand it’s between 100-110 even if I stay still. Its about 100 when I sit. Is this ok? Also I noticed that right after I took a really hot steamy shower today, my bpm was 188. It dropped fast when I got out of the steam,tho. My bpm jumps quickly from about 100 to 146 if I do about 15 jumping jacks but falls back down fast. I feel fine, but these high numbers sound scary. Are they ok?
The heart rate elevations with just standing and minimal activity are higher than you would expect for your age. I would recommend measuring your heart rate manually, to verify the elevated heart rates. If your heart rate is confirmed to be that high, then consulting with your primary care physician and obtaining some blood work to rule-out any endocrine disorders would be appropriate.
Hello Dr.,
Thanks for answering my questions. I actually got those heart rates manually. Do you think it would be ok for me to monitor myself for awhile before going to see a Dr.? I don’t have a PCP. To be honest, Drs. frighten me a little. I always try to eat healthy (vegetarian, no processed foods, etc.) and I walk a lot–trying to keep the Dr. away. Is it possible that im just not ready for running/jumping type exercise or a little out of shape? Or is this something I need to deal with right away?
I don’t think this issue urgent or emergent, but probably needs to be evaluated if it doesn’t improve. You can continue your improved diet and exercise routines, but I would suggest that if there is no improvement in 1-2 months or if you develop any other concerning symptoms then you should find and see a primary care physician.
Thank you!
Dr. Guichard,
First of all, I can’t believe you are still answering comments so long after the original post. Thank you for taking the time to counsel and reassure so many people for so long.
Some background- I’m a 31 year old female who weighs somewhere between 135-138 pounds. I eat a mostly pescatarian diet although I sometimes have trouble getting enough calories in each day (working on it). I do have anxiety with panic disorder which I am seeing a CBT for. I have been taking Xanax as needed (between 0mg on good days to 3mg on panic attack/high anxiety days with a average of 1.75 mg a day) but hope to come off it soon. I’m trying to start exercising more as due to anxiety I am mostly sedentary. My sleep schedule is inverted as it’s very hard for me to fall asleep at night, but easier once the sun starts to come up.
Recently I’ve had trouble staying asleep for more than two-three hours without waking up with left sided chest pain and a pounding heart. When I wake up in the morning my heart rate can quickly climb to the high 90s/110’s. I feel sick and nauseous and have to sit up in bed to deep breathe and calm down (if I stay laying down or try to go back to sleep it gets worse). Usually the chest pain lasts for a hour or two after waking and my resting heart rate will eventually settle into the a range in the high 70s-high 80s. If I get up during the day/get anxious my pulse usually goes up to 97-100+ and then slowly settles back into the 80s.
As the day goes on my RHR goes down to the mid to low 70s (still jumps up to the 90s of I get up/get stressed but quickly falls back to 70’s once seated again)
As it gets later my RHR will get down to anywhere from 55-69 it will raise slightly if I get up/get anxious but immediately will drop down to the low 60’s once I sit back down. Sometimes it barely budges from anxiety/exertion.
When it drops below 60 I sometimes feel strange, kind of disoriented or dizzy for a second.
When I lay down to sleep it can get as low as 53 and my chest can hurt and I can feel slightly sick.
I manage to fall asleep for a few hours but then something jolts me awake and I have to go through the whole process all over again (racing heart, localized chest pain, consistently high RHR that slowly subsides into a normal RHR and then falls rather low and stays there with mild chest pain and periodic feelings of disorientation)
My BP can fall anywhere from 86/58; 86:74; 90/70; 102/68 throughout the day. It never gets very high unless I’m at the doctors office (I have white coat syndrome) then it might hit a 120/80 range.
When my pulse is low and my body is low it freaks me out a bit. I don’t know if I’m waking up with a racing heart bc my pulse/blood pressure went to low in my sleep or the pulse pressure was too small.
The vast difference in the numbers in the first third of my day to the last third of my day confuse me.
I’m not in 55bpm shape. I can get winded climbing three flights of stairs and 30 minutes of walking is a workout for me. I’m always told my pulse is faint. I’m not dehydrated. my CBC is normal (if a little on the low end of normal for many things), metabolic panel good, every ekg I’ve ever gotten has been good, I had a stress test 1-2 years ago that was fine. Other than some severe lack of nutrition here and there from anxiety issues making it hard to eat and irregular/little sleep and anxiety I’m considered healthy.
Then again my doctors have never seen my systolic bp below 100 or my diastolic below 60 the way I have. They’ve also never seen my pulse below 80 as they never see me at night.
Sorry I realize this was a lot of information. Does anything jump out as unusual to you? I’m going out of my mind with anxiety over my inability to stay asleep/morning chest pain/high pulse mixed with my low nighttime RHR and my chronically below average BP.
It just seems like a lot of variance for one, extremely anxious person. I’m actually yo the point where I’m afraid to go to sleep because waking up is so miserable.
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you again for taking the time to do this.
Dr. Guichard,
First of all, I can’t believe you are still answering comments so long after the original post. Thank you for taking the time to counsel and reassure so many people for so long.
Some background- I’m a 31 year old female who weighs somewhere between 135-138 pounds. I eat a mostly pescatarian diet although I sometimes have trouble getting enough calories in each day (working on it). I do have anxiety with panic disorder which I am seeing a CBT for. I have been taking Xanax as needed (between 0mg on good days to 3mg on panic attack/high anxiety days with a average of 1.75 mg a day) but hope to come off it soon. I’m trying to start exercising more as due to anxiety I am mostly sedentary. My sleep schedule is inverted as it’s very hard for me to fall asleep at night, but easier once the sun starts to come up.
Recently I’ve had trouble staying asleep for more than two-three hours without waking up with left sided chest pain and a pounding heart. When I wake up in the morning my heart rate can quickly climb to the high 90s/110’s. I feel sick and nauseous and have to sit up in bed to deep breathe and calm down (if I stay laying down or try to go back to sleep it gets worse). Usually the chest pain lasts for a hour or two after waking and my resting heart rate will eventually settle into the a range in the high 70s-high 80s. If I get up during the day/get anxious my pulse usually goes up to 97-100+ and then slowly settles back into the 80s.
As the day goes on my RHR goes down to the mid to low 70s (still jumps up to the 90s of I get up/get stressed but quickly falls back to 70’s once seated again)
As it gets later my RHR will get down to anywhere from 55-69 it will raise slightly if I get up/get anxious but immediately will drop down to the low 60’s once I sit back down. Sometimes it barely budges from anxiety/exertion.
When it drops below 60 I sometimes feel strange, kind of disoriented or dizzy for a second.
When I lay down to sleep it can get as low as 53 and my chest can hurt and I can feel slightly sick.
I manage to fall asleep for a few hours but then something jolts me awake and I have to go through the whole process all over again (racing heart, localized chest pain, consistently high RHR that slowly subsides into a normal RHR and then falls rather low and stays there with mild chest pain and periodic feelings of disorientation)
My BP can fall anywhere from 86/58; 86:74; 90/70; 102/68 throughout the day. It never gets very high unless I’m at the doctors office (I have white coat syndrome) then it might hit a 120/80 range.
When my pulse is low and my bp is low it freaks me out a bit. I don’t know if I’m waking up with a racing heart bc my pulse/blood pressure went too low in my sleep or the pulse pressure was too small.
The vast difference in the numbers in the first third of my day to the last third of my day confuse me.
I’m not in 55bpm shape. I can get winded climbing three flights of stairs and 30 minutes of walking is a workout for me. I’m always told my pulse is faint. I’m not dehydrated. my CBC is normal (if a little on the low end of normal for many things), metabolic panel good, every ekg I’ve ever gotten has been good, I had a stress test 1-2 years ago that was fine. Other than some severe lack of nutrition here and there from anxiety issues making it hard to eat and irregular/little sleep and anxiety I’m considered healthy.
Then again my doctors have never seen my systolic bp below 100 or my diastolic below 60 the way I have. They’ve also never seen my pulse below 80 as they never see me at night.
Sorry I realize this was a lot of information. Does anything jump out as unusual to you? I’m going out of my mind with anxiety over my inability to stay asleep/morning chest pain/high pulse mixed with my low nighttime RHR and my chronically below average BP.
It just seems like a lot of variance for one, extremely anxious person. I’m actually to the point where I’m afraid to go to sleep because waking up is so miserable.
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you again for taking the time to do this.
I am a 52 year old woman. I’m 5.5ft and 16 stone. I do have regular palpitations. My Fitbit has recorded my sleep rate at around 64 bpm but it fluctuates. It has shown two episodes of 120 during the last two nights. One when I awoke and went to the loo but the other was during sleep. I am also recording my snoring wondering whether I have sleep apnea although I get none of the symptoms. I am getting some hot flashes and wondered whether this could increase my heart rate during these spikes but the reason I wanted to monitor my sleep more closely was because on waking I’m feeling a weird sensation in my body, a mild wobbling feeling that fades as I wake a few seconds or so. I have been checking my heart rate on waking with these sensations and the rate is around 70. I am starting a serious diet (I lost 5 stone before) and am working on my health and to improve my heart rate but is there anything that I should go to the Dr about in the meantime please?
I don’t think there is anything overly worrisome about your heart rates. I would continue with your diet and exercise plan. I hope you will see significant results. Thank you for your comments and questions!
Good evening. I’m a 20year old female. Currently training in a hospital. I only work like 6am-2pm. Yet my heart rate ranges from 100-115bpm. Even though I am not doing anything or do not feel tired. Is there any problem with my HE? Hoping for your response. Thanks a lot in advance.
There is not a problem. Many people can fall outside the normal range for various things, and that is their normal, especially if you feel fine and do not have any symptoms. However, your heart rate is a little on the high side especially given your young age. I would recommend a moderate exercise program and weight loss to a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-25 for improvement in overall cardiovascular health – and this would likely lower your resting heart rate as well.
I’m 51 years old. I started doing low-impact aerobics a year ago following my annual physical. In the past year I’ve dropped 20 lbs and am currently 206 lbs standing at 6’1″ tall.
I consider myself stressed much of the time, and have high anxiety and panic attacks. I have become more hypochondriac due to all of this.
I was at my dr. today for my annual physical. My blood pressure was 120/70. My resting heartbeat was 66 bpm. I’ve never before had a heartbeat that low for an exam. Typically, in the low to mid 70s. About 5 years ago, my PCP at the time placed me on blood pressure medication with a beta blocker to slow my heart down since my heartbeat was into the 90s, possibly even higher.
I’m not athletic, by any means. For the past year I do about 30-40 minutes of low impact aerobics each day, occasionally taking a rest day. I’m just concerned that my bp and heartbeat per minute may be too low. Am I being too much of a hypochondriac?
Your blood pressure and heart rate are both within normal limits.
I am a 45 year old female with mild hypothyroidism which is well managed. I exercise regularly and am within a healthy weight range. Currently challenged with potential IBS.
My resting heart rate is typically mid to high 50s with Blood Pressure being around 100/70.
Lately, I started tracking my sleeping heart rate and found that it normally drops to around 40 and has on occasion dropped to 37. Should I be concerned?
Your sleeping heart rate can be – and usually is – lower than your resting heart rate. This is true for most people. From what you have described, I would not be concerned at this time. However, it would be important to confirm that your hypothyroidism is indeed well-controlled.
Dr.,
I have recently had gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. I’ve lost about 30 pounds. I’m down to 280lbs. I’ve noticed that my resting heart rate can get as low as the 50s while sitting, especially when I’m very relaxed. I’m worried it’s going to low while
I sleep, but I don’t have a definite number. I’ve noticed it down to 51 while lying down. Is this normal, and what keeps my heart rate from going too low while I sleep?
I forgot to mention that I take 1 mg Clonazepam and 30 mg Paroxetine for anxiety. Will that cause it to drop too low?
A resting heart rate into the 50s is not that uncommon, and if you feel fine, then there is nothing to worry about. Your heart rate probably does get a little lower while you sleep, and that is quite common as well, and should not worry you. Your heart has normal intrinsic mechanisms to keep it from getting too low while you sleep. Also, your medications for anxiety should not effect your heart rate to any significant degree.
Hi my name is Lella, I called the ambulance for my mother last night and when checking her heart rate they told me it was like she had just finished running on a treadmill it was 180 bpm she has a history of heart problems pretty sure it’s 2 blocked valves. Anyhow they wasn’t saying much when I was asking what they thought about how much danger she was in maybe because they could see the fear I had in my eyes but could you please tell me what your thoughts are towards how high her heart rate was going and what could happen if she ever experiences this again because it’s not the first. Thank you
If I had to guess, based on the information you have provided, it seems like your mother had atrial fibrillation (AFib) with a rapid ventricular rate (RVR). You can read more about that here: https://myheart.net/articles/afib-with-rvr-when-the-heart-races-out-of-control/
Thank you for your quick response. My mother was discharged this afternoon and while in there they didn’t know what was causing her heart rate to go so fast. They done all the tests and after going home 2hrs later she gets a call from the hospital (not happy with the hospital ATM) saying that they had a better look at all her scans and noticed that she has blood clots in her chest. Can’t believe they never checked everything thoroughly before discharging her.
I AM 85 YEARS OLD, TYPE 2 DIABETIC FOR 30 YEARS KEEPING MY A1C IN THE 6.2 RANGE BY TESTING SEVERAL TIMES DAILY . I HAVE BEEN EXERCISING WITH FAIRLY HEAVY WEIGHTS ( 130 TO 200 LBS) FOR MANY YEARS, ONE HOUR EACH SESSION.. I USE THE TREADMIL 15 MINUTES AT A SLOWER BUT INCREASING TO SLOW JOGING PACE. ON A DIFFERENT DAY I USE THE ROWING MACHNE FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BUT i CAN DO 1 HOUR WITH LITTLE EFFORT. I TRY TO GET TO THE GYM DAILY BUT DUE TO BACK OPERATIONS, THREE OR FOUR TIMES WEEKLY IS MY USUAL ROUTINE. MY RESTING BLOOD PRESSURE IS USUALLY 125 TO 130 OVER 60 AND MY HEART RATE IS 52. MY BMI IS 31. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?
I would say that you are doing very well for yourself! The one thing you did not mention was your diet. A healthy dietary pattern is higher in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low- or nonfat dairy, seafood, legumes, and nuts; moderate in alcohol (among adults); lower in red and processed meats; and low in sugar-sweetened foods and drinks and refined grains. And lastly, of course, avoiding all tobacco products – especially cigarette smoking.
Hello,am idris, am 20years old, my heart rate while relaxing is 63bpm,but while standing its goes to 80-83bpm,although am having anxiety,and when am scared it goes to 80-90bpm when relaxing,I want know if its normal,thanks
Hello, my name is idris, am 20 years old,my heart rate while relaxing is 66bpm, and when standing its 80-84bpm,although am having anxiety,and anytime I scared or worried alot my heart rate while relaxing goes 80-90bpm,I want to know this normal or not thanks
It can be normal for your heart rate to increase if you are stressed or have anxiety. It sounds like you are asymptomatic from these episodes, which is encouraging. If your anxiety continues to cause you problems, I would discuss your anxiety symptoms with your physician to see if any treatment could be provided either with medications or therapy.
I had a holter monitorio for 24 hours my doctor told me i needed a pacemaker since my hr drops to 35 bpm during sleep.
You do not need a pacemaker if your heart rate dropped to 35 bpm and you remained in sinus rhythm (i.e. sinus bradycardia) while you slept. However, if your heart rate dropped to 35 bpm because of a serious heart conduction system issue or block while you slept then a pacemaker may be indicated.
Intervals pr,qrs,qt within normal range…did not identified any av block with the 24 hour holter.
A permanent pacemaker should never be placed for asymptomatic sinus bradycardia while you are sleeping.
Dr.
They didáctica another 24 hr holter and am having a 33 bpm while asleep and ano evento of 160 bpm tachycardia. I apreciate your help
I would defer to the expertise of the cardiologist taking care of you. There are many factors that play a role in arrhythmias, including the rate and origin of the rhythm as well as your symptoms. The physicians involved in your case are best suited to handle those types of decisions.
Im 23 years old dont take meds only for acid reflux . When needed. Dont use drugs now. I have used drugs before . Have anxiEty sometimes while a anxiety attack my heart rate goes up to 125 is it normal . Latly i noticed my heart rate while sleeping is 46 to 57 beats per min i started to keep track of it when i went to the e.r for acid relux episode And 57 to 65 wile im resting .sitting etc. My pressure checks out good the e.r said i was ok. Only thing is i been told my total cholesterol is 219 which is kind of high. Im weight 210 im 5.6 inches. I been having trouble sleeping cus of this idk if its normal or not .
I had palpitation but when i been fully awake . But i was wondering if my heart rate are bad? I dont exercise that much .so i know my rate aint considered athlete rate .
In young people, it is common to have heart rates into the 40s-50s when you are sleeping. Your BMI is 34, you should strive with diet and exercise to obtain a BMI of 18.5-25. This would improve your cholesterol numbers and reduce your risk of future cardiovascular events.
Hi Dr. Guichard,
The past few weeks I have had chest pain and fast heart rate I’ve been to the doctors 3 times and a and e twice had two ECGs and blood test told everything is ok.
Now when I’m sitting down my heart rate is 74, but when lying down is 54-60 I’m now worried that my heart is too slow I’m also having palpations and dizziness, the doctors have told me the dizziness is from a middle ear infection. I was just wondering what you think.
Thank you
Daisy
From what you are describing and what you have had done, it sounds like everything is reassuring. It would not be unreasonable to have a 24- to 48-hour Holter monitor to evaluate your heart rate and rhythm.
Hi Dr. Guichard,
I’m 31 year old male, used to workout and play basketball a 3-4 times a week before corona virus shutdown. Still try to workout now from home the best I can. My resting heart rate on my fitbit is in the mid 40s and gets to high 30s while sleeping. I had EKG done for bradycardia and machine read it came back as sinus bradycardia, early repolarization, and voltage criteria for LVH. So my doctor ordered an echo and that came back normal with no evidence of thickening of the walls or anything and ejection fracture was 60%. He told me my heart was fine and maybe I’m worrying a little too much and stressing myself out. My question is even after the echo, is that enough testing or should I still be concerned of the low heart rate and what the EKG picked up?
Yes, that should be enough testing in your case. Asymptomatic sinus bradycardia is common and can happen in young people and athletes. Your ECG with early repolarization and voltage criteria for LVH, should have prompted an echocardiogram, which happened in your case. From what you are reporting, the echocardiogram was normal, so that is reassuring. Sometimes in young, thin people of black African descent (in general, not sure if that describes you in particular, this is for educational purposes only) those types of ECG changes can be observed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22094072/).
I’m a 60 year old woman with a resting heart rate of 60 in the a.m. before rising; however, it climbs to 89 by the end of the day. Is this unusual? I lost my husband 2 years and 1 month ago, and I wonder if this is at all related to my grief. I’ve trying my best to be physically fit and take care of myself in spite of my situation. I’m 5’4 and 137 lbs – trying to shape shift down to 128 lbs.
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Your reported heart rate variability during the day is normal. In most cases, your heart rate is lowest in the morning and will increase throughout the day. Thank you very much for your question!
Good Afternoon Dr. Guichard,
I am a 30 year old female with GAD and occasionally panic attacks. I was overweight and had high blood pressure (140/90) but have made some changes in lifestyle over the past year or so (i.e., losing weight, exercising more, yoga). I also just had my second child this past December and made sure to do everything in my power to have an extremely healthy pregnancy. It has resulted in my blood pressure lowering to an average 110/70, which I know is pretty ideal and with that my RHR has lowered from my old normal of 70s to the low 60s and sometimes mid 50s when I am sitting on the couch or even doing work at my computer. Because of my anxiety (I know I should stop this) I own a pulse oximeter and BP monitor and do check it more than I should and when I see low numbers like 55 RHR it gets me very anxious since the “textbook normal is 60-100”. Also God forbid I witness my spo2 fluctuate between 94-99 – you can imagine the freakshow, haha.
It does rise when I get up and do things and exercising it averages around 140… So should I put my freaking BP monitor down and throw out this Pulse Oximeter and enjoy “healthy” or is my RHR something to be concerned about?
P.S. I just started Escitalopram 5mg this week to get this anxiety back under control.
Checking your blood pressure and heart rate from time to time is never a bad thing. Currently, your blood pressure and heart rate are in great ranges and I would not worry about it. Thank you very much for your question!
Thank you so much for your reply. It just worries me when I see the HR get so low at night 46-54 but you’ve definitely reassured me. So nice of you to help so many people with these questions.
This Lexapro has taken me for quite a ride itself actually increasing my anxiety and panic attacks but Ive been told its the storm before the calm… haha. Have a great night.
Hi, my AVERAGE heart rate across a moderate exercise session (hour moderate cycling) is always around 160bpm. Is this unusually high for just moderate exercise? It’s way above the recommended training zones for aerobic exercise (eg this article’s own “50-70%”, but even exercising VERY lightly (ie barely putting any effort in) my rate is 120-130
(40 year old male, resting heart rate around 70bpm, max recorded heart rate this year 185bpm)
Your age-predicted maximal heart rate would be 180 bpm, and for you, 160 bpm is about 89% of your maximal heart rate. This would put you in the range of high-intensity exercise. However, studies have shown that fitness and heart rate trackers may be unfit to measure heart rate. These devices can be as much as 34 beats off per minute during certain exercises (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28395305). So I would recommend manually checking your heart rate to confirm your actual heart rate. If you do indeed confirm that your heart rate is that high with mild-to-moderate exercise, then you should train to your heart rate, and hopefully over time your heart rate variability and recovery will get better as you improve your cardiorespiratory fitness. As a side note, I will say that a rare cause of excessively high heart rates with exercise can be caused by abnormal rhythms of your heart. Two of the important ones to think about are supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) or outflow tract tachycardias (right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) tachycardias being the most common). It may be worthwhile to have a graded exercise test (GXT) to evaluate your heart’s rhythm response to exercise.
Thank you very much for the thorough reply (and for replying at all). My heart rate measurement was by means of a chest worn heart rate monitor, so I believe should be accurate.
Those ?high? heart rates during exercise are consistent across last three years I’ve been using a monitor (and have used two different ones in that time, with same results), and based on roughly 3 rides of one hour per week (none during the winter period) – I consistently average 155-160bpm during moderate bike rides, varying between a min of 140 to a 170 max across a moderate ride (185 max only if pushing to my limit, not during a moderate ride)
I did have some heart monitoring done a few years back (ECG, 48hr monitor) due to occasional fluttering sensation. ECG was normal, 48hr monitor found some ectopic beats, and slightly fast heart rate – neither of which were thought to be a problem.
Would any of the above have any bearing on your advice? (I ask here purely as it has always SLIGHTLY concerned me, but don’t wanna waste an actual docs appointment just to ask “Is this normal”)
Thanks in advance 🙂
That is good information. I would still check your heart rate manually from time to time, just to make sure it correlates with your heart rate monitoring device. If you have had your heart rhythm evaluated with exercise, then you should be fine. I would train to your heart rate to avoid excessive heart rates for prolonged periods of time.
I’ve not had any evaluations under exercise, but thanks. You’re a star for taking time out to advise random strangers on the internet and helping put people’s minds at ease 🙂
My resting heart rate is 65 and the low during sleep hits 50. So the delta in awake-deep sleep is about 15. I am 49, so is this delta adequate for my age? Is a sleep test required?
Your current resting heart rate and sleeping heart rate can be normal for you. A sleep study would not be required for a low heart rate while you sleep, unless you have other appropriate indications for a sleep study. Thank you for your question!
Hi Doc , l cant believe you find the time to help all these folks with their questions and concerns…simply amazing and hero worthy!!! One question concerning max heart rate…riders of the Tour De France are hitting max heart rates of 190 and above , are they hurting their hearts and l guess two questions really if your an pro athlete or or are in good shape and exercise regularly can you exceed your max heart rate during exercise as long as you have no pain , discomfort ect. ? Thank you for all you do ! Tim
Thank you very much for your kind words! The discussion of too much exercise doing harm to your heart is a very hot topic right now. This is a very good article here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23197444. In it, the article states, “The take home message for most is to limit one’s vigorous exercise to 30–50 min/day. If one really wants to do a marathon or full-distance triathlon etc, it may be best to do just one or a few and then proceed to safer and healthier exercise patterns. Running too fast, too far, and for too many years may speed one’s progress towards the finish line of life.” Just like almost everything in life, moderation is the key, and the same should apply for exercise.
Hi doc,
I appreciate your work on this blog. I have a serious concern with regard to my blood pressure. I am 27 year old male. I smoke 6 to 8 cigarettes/day. My bp always read 110/85. 10 days ago, I had a strong coffee and in a matter of 90 mins, I had severe headache and my bp read 145/120 at the doctor’s clinic. I’m on medication with mild dose for hypertension. What could be the concern?
Thanks in advance.
You could be very sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants, I would recommend keeping caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc.) to a minimum. If your blood pressure remains elevated, you might need some blood tests to look for secondary causes of high blood pressure. Your physician should know the important things to look and test for. You should completely stop smoking and take care of yourself with improved dietary and exercise habits. Thank you very much for your question!
Hey I’m 27 me resting heart rate in from 59 to 68 range some times when I get up my heart rate goes to 108-112 r if I’m fast clean can range around 100 in if I check it after a while standing it 88 idk if it pot r if its normal I feel fine I do get anxiety some times I just had a baby 7 weeks ago in have 4 other children I’m 110 pounds not overweight r anything
From what you are describing, those appear to be normal heart rates for you during rest and with mild exertion.
Hello Dr. Guichard,
I’m a 33 yr. old male with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. I also have a history of Afib. 2 months ago I was diagnosed with IBS-C. I’m in a flare up st the moment and it’s hard to eat certain foods. I’m on a Fodmap diet to avoid bloating and discomfort. In the last 2 months I’ve lost a total of 30lbs. My weight for the last 2 years was 187. I’m now 160. I’m 5’11 and I go to the gym daily and do moderate exercise on a treadmill to make sure that my bowels are working properly and to get things circulating. Usually walking. I have not much energy to lift weights with all that’s been going on so I just avoid it at the moment and just walk.
Last month I went into afib. This time it was the worst I’ve experienced. It climbed to 180 so I went to the hospital. I believe lack of nutrients and being weak from not being able to eat much made my afib this time worse. My vagal nerve seems to be sensitive and usually is what sets it off. I’ve had a lot of anxiety because I have a history of Afib when I would be bloated and I would drink something it would immediately set me off. Now with having IBS I feel like I’m walking on thin ice constantly. I noticed my blood pressure lately has been lower than normal. I been checking it regularly and sometimes it’s low or about normal and ideal pressure.
My heart rate is around 49 tonight and I been doing some research to see if that’s very low for me. My feet or cold sometimes and my hands. I take metropolol tartrate 100mg 2x a day.
I’m trying to have my doctors get to the bottom of all this but I would love to hear your opinion and advice. I been reading your responses in this thread and they’re great.
Yes, very good questions. With hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) your heart rate needs to be a little lower than normal, which is why you are on metropolol tartrate 100mg BID, this is part of the management for HCM. Also, patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and AFib, oral anticoagulation is indicated irrespective of CHA2DS2-VASc score. This should be discussed with your physician.
Hi, I am 40, weigh 235 and am far from athletic. I walk about 30 minutes a day, elliptical 30 as well and eat very healthy. My average resting heart is 39. I went to a cardiologist and got an EKG as well as the treadmill test and he said it is low but without symptoms I should not worry about it. I just find this very low and am concerned.
It sounds like you have had a good work-up with your cardiologist. If the ECG was normal and the graded exercise test (GXT) showed a normal heart rate response to exercise, then that information is reassuring. I would agree with your cardiologist at this point in time.
Trying to find a balance. I’ve been in and out the ER, to the cardiologist to my GP and here’s my question. I was taking 100 mg of Metoprolol XR for over 10 years. The reason I started taking it was because I was having PVCs. Over the years my blood pressure got higher. Two months ago after a crazy vacation, I started having PVC’s pretty badly after a bout of diarrhea. I ended up getting a halter monitor for two days, showing I was in deed having PVCs and racing heart. I then had an echocardiogram to make sure my heart is structurally okay. I do have a heart benign murmur I got when I was two with rheumatic fever. Other than that everything looked good. Other than my blood pressure getting pre hypertension numbers and some things higher, I was doing okay. Then…my heart rate dropped crazy low. So what was I doing differently??? I started taking 400mg Magnesium Taurate a day to help with the heart palpitations as I read a study how it can help with PVCs. My heart rate got down to 42 beats per minute. So my doctor cut my 100 mg a day of Metoprolol XR in half, 50 mg a day and he added 25mg hydrochlorothiazide for my blood pressure numbers. Things stayed pretty normal until the late evening when my heart rate would get ultra sensitive to movement and my resting was in the 80s, but when I moved it would shoot up really quickly to the hundreds. Now yesterday my doctor decided to put me on 50 mg metoprolol tartrate twice a day. Today after taking it, my pulse fell down into the 50’s and my blood pressure is hanging out around 110 over 70 ish. My question is, could the magnesium taurate causing my palse to be lower with the metoprolol? Or am I just still not on the right doesage to keep things normal. Is having a resting palse in the 50’s okay, as long as I don’t have dizzyness? I can’t seem to get a good balance with my numbers. One last thing…I did get on my treadmill and my pulse did get up into the high 80s low 90s. So my palse does rise with exercise.
It is possible that the magnesium could be affecting your heart rate, the only way to know would be to stop taking the magnesium. It is also possible that you are not on the right dose of metoprolol for you. Low heart rates can be normal, and as long as you are asymptomatic, then it is usually just fine. Making sure that you have a good heart rate response to exercise is reassuring. I think it will take a little time and adjustments to get your medication just right for you. Thank you very much for your questions!
Dear Sir,
I am posting this query for my father (75 year old) with the following details –
1.slightly ischemic heart (no surgeries were recommended).
2. On BP medicines for a period of about 15 years now.
3. Absolutely active (as compared to his age) and does all normal household as well as outdoor jobs (market/bank etc). Doesn’t play sports but is into lot of walking.
He has a pulse of around 40 per minute; however he doesn’t complain of any dizziness, fainting, clarity of thought problem, exhaustion/fatigue etc, which i see typically are symptoms of low heart rate.
Would you kindly advise is this is of any concern? If so, what needs to be done please?
Your expert advise is solicited please.
If he feels fine, then it is likely just sinus bradycardia. However, for completeness, he should at least have an ECG to confirm. It would not be unreasonable to obtain a 24-hour Holter to assess heart rate variability and/or a graded exercise test (GXT) to assess his heart rate response to exercise. Thank you very much for your question!
I’m 41 years old. My pulse rate is normally in the 55-57 range. I used to run and work out 5 days a week. Recently it has been moderate exercise 2-3 days a week and no running for year or more. I have started biking and after I stop I find that I am dizzy. Could this be due to my low pulse rate. Should I be concerned?
What is your heart rate and blood pressure during these episodes? It would be unlikely to be due to your heart rate, but additional information would be helpful.
After my bike ride yesterday which was about 30 minutes long my HR was 160. I checked it as soon as I stopped. Within 5 minutes it was coming down to the 120 range. I did not have an episode yesterday however. I made sure to eat a small snack before the ride and drink water during in case it was due to my blood sugar (my fasting glucose is usually around 75). I have not taken my BP during an episode.
You seem to have a good heart rate response to exercise and appropriate heart rate recovery. I doubt your symptoms are due to a low heart rate.
According to my garmin watch my average resting heart rate is 70bpm, however I get alerts for ‘abnormal heart rate’ whenever my rate goes above 110bpm whilst being inactive for minimum 10 minutes. I get 7-10 of these alerts(all whilst just sitting, generally for atleast an hour) ranging from 116-142bpm. Is that OK? I’m 38yo female, at 49kgs(164cms).
It is hard to say. Having intermittent tachycardia can be normal, sometimes associated with illnesses (especially COVID-19). If your episodes become symptomatic or longer than an hour at a time, then discussing with your physician would be reasonable to see if a further evaluation would be warranted.
Hello
I am 23 yrs old 5’11 160 pounds and have been experiencing heart palpitations during minimal tasks like walking up stairs and , tiresomeness and dizziness doing minimal task. But the palpations are not die to faster heart rate and I also don’t get any chest pains but i have been dealing with anxiety for 2 years without any medications. I went to the doctors and they told me it’s just anxiety but i feel weirder than my usual anxiety! Please should i be worried or move on because it feels like its all in my head but it goes away and comes back as soon as i walk up the stairs in my house.
A 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor would be easy to do in order to evaluate your current palpitations and symptoms. If your palpitations and symptoms only happen when you walk up stairs or exert yourself, then a graded exercise test (GXT) to evaluate your heart rate and rhythm during exercise would be helpful. If these tests are normal, then you should be reassured.
How are you able to manage your anxiety without medication for 2 year. Pleas do share
Recently I noticed my heart rate when would go to 100_102. When it does
I have trouble sleeping. During when I am working it stays in the 100. I have no shortness or any
problems other then fainting. I had the flu. My legs were hurting and heart rate was up when resting. When I was in bathroom I had diarrhea then I passed out. I noticed when I have trouble sleeping my heart rate is up.
It would be worthwhile to get an ECG to make sure that your tachycardia is sinus rhythm and not some other abnormal rhythm.
I am 26,
I’ve been diagnosed with POTS Dysautonomia (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) due to lyme disease, so I can’t ever really tell what my normal resting heart rate is because it’s so unstable. It will sometimes go from 55 laying flat, to 110-120 standing up. My main question is about heart rate dips at night. I sleep in an elevated position because I am usually very disturbed when i look at my heart monitor the next morning. Heart rate typically stays in the 40’s while i’m asleep, but lately, it has been dipping momentarily to 37-39 bpm. This scares me. Should I inquire about a pacemaker? My cardiologist ran an echo’s/EKG’s that came out normal but he can’t explain these “dips”. Heart rate sometimes dips to late 40’s before I even fall asleep and my BP is typically always low.
If you remain in sinus rhythm without any heart blocks that could be identified by ECGs or Holter monitoring, then it would be unlikely that you would need a pacemaker. I would point you to our POTS section on this website (https://myheart.net/pots-syndrome/) for excellent information about POTS. Thank you very much for your question!
Im 26 138lbs my heart rate pingpongs around I measured it it came back as 50 less than 5 minuets later it was 65 when I was in the exact same spot and hadn’t moved between measurements. This morning it was 49. I do have another systemic issue gastroparesis and my blood pressure has always been on the low side of normal. Should I be concerned?
Low heart rates in younger people can be very normal. If you feel fine (asymptomatic), then you should be reassured, but a simple ECG would be enough to make sure you are in a normal (sinus) rhythm.
I’m 26 years old male, my heart beats faster when i take breath in and beats slower when i give breath out, is it normal or its a symptoms of any disease?
What you are experiencing is a normal phenomenon called sinus arrhythmia. Sinus arrhythmia is a normal physiological phenomenon, commonly seen in young people. The heart rate varies due to different stages of the respiratory cycle, inspiration will increase the heart rate. You can read more about it here: https://myheart.net/articles/sinus-arrhythmia-what-is-it/
Hi my name is Amber Im 31 and I recently wore a heart monitor for 48hrs due to panic disorder they’re findings were normal but they did say my HR while sleeping was 45bpm that really scared me because Im not in the best shape (far from a athlete) it also registered that during a panic attack my HR went up to 141bpm this has really stressed me even more also my lanic attacks usually happen straight out of sleep. Could it be something else like a heart condition and not panic. I asked for a referral to a cardiologist I have a appointment in a few weeks but any advice to ease my mind or should I be worried. (Note: no real health issues besides anxiety/panic)
From what you are describing, you should not be worried. Having low heart rates while you sleep can be normal. Keep your appointment with your cardiologist and it is possible they may want to pursue further testing, if needed.
If someone has a resting hr of 100, does that change her maximal hr and aerobic zones?
A friend has a normal resting hr of 100. After 30 minutes of aerobic exercise it goes down to 80-85. She’s 40 years of age, exercises daily, and has a bmi of 33. She takes various meds for a chronic illness (not directly related to either heart or lungs).
It is not normal to have a resting heart rate of 100 bpm, and with exercise, the heart rate goes to 80-85 bpm. A resting heart rate of >100 bpm deserves a thorough medical evaluation to be sure it is a sinus rhythm and that there are no reversible causes of the tachycardia. Your heart rate should always increase with exertion/exercise. Thank you very much for your question!
I’m 51, 175lbs with avery busy and active life. Recent blood tests show every test within normal range. I’ve gotten EKGs over the past couple years & there’s an abnormal result. I researched and found the abnormality means there could be an issue with left ventricular hypertrophy. BP isn’t too bad but it is always slightly elevated even when taking 100mg losartan daily. At rest 140/90 even with 100mg losartan. I can sometimes get my diastolic below 80 but it seems systolic is always near 140 give or take. So my BP is always slightly high and pulse is in the 65 range at the beginning of my day but goes down to low 40s when at rest and I’m now worried about the EKG. Doctors aren’t pursuing anything. Should I be concerned about any of these issues?
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on an ECG could mean a few things, but most likely represents uncontrolled blood pressure in your case. It would be advisable to control your blood pressure a little more aggressively, with a goal systolic blood pressure of <130 mm Hg or even <120 mm Hg. It would also be reasonable to obtain a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) to make sure there are not any other issues that need to be addressed. Thank you very much for your question!
Hello,
First I would like to thank you for your time answering everyone’s questions. I am a 46 year old woman going through perimenopause. I do smoke. I have heart palipations the week before my menstral cycle and heart rate goes up 10 to 15 pm.
My resting hr is 64 normally but during the day just getting up and walking can’t jump to 109. The week that its higher it can go as high as 125bmp. I went to the ER a couple months ago with palipations they said everything was fine. Is this normal?
Yes, that can be normal. However, if you continue to have concerns about palpitations then a 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor could be helpful to determine the etiology of the palpitations. Thank you for your kind words!
i am 24 yr older.acctually.i quite smocking before 6 month. i have chest pain in center .so i went cardiologist doctor he took ecg,echo,strees test then he told everything fine. but my resting heart rate 90 to 99 bpm
and also when i done steers test my heart rate increasing is Upto 178bpm.is it normal
That resting heart rate is within normal range, but a little higher than you would expect for someone your age. It sounds like you have had a thorough evaluation. Yes, your heart rate can get that high with exercise when you are young.
thank u sir
but some time i have chest pain what should i do and also in my echo test HR is 114 bpm so they are noted tachycardia. is it normal
It is a little higher than normal, but if your evaluation was normal then you should be reassured.
Hi sir,
I AM 23 year old, i quieting smoke before 6 month,i have chest pain in center.so i went cardiologist doctor they took ECG,echo,chest xray and stress test then doctor told everything is normal.but my heart rate is 90 to 99 bpm. and also when i done stress test my heart is increasing and also still some time i have chest pain.is it normal to my heart
I am 64 years old,my heartbeat rate at rest is in the range of 54 to 59,is it okay?I have problem of high blood pressure for which I am taking medicines prescribed by my physician.
Yes, that is likely acceptable for you. If some of your blood pressure medications are beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, then you could change to different medications that may not affect your heart rate.
Hello im 25 year old male 5’11 about 170ish pounds not too long ago i felt like passing out was lightheaded dizzy numb fingers weak ankles and ended up going to er they did some blood and urine test and told me i was fine. Later on that week same thing and got same tests done plus an ekg or something like that and it all came back fine too. Doctor said it was probably just me with anxiety. I got a new job where theres alot of vapor and the same symptoms show up i feel like sitting but i pulled through i felt nausea but never puked or fainted. Symptoms lasted for some time. Also really gassy feel like i gotta burp or fart and a chest pain but idk if its because of the gas.at the er they told me my blood pressure was a bit high but not to really worry cuz of my age but its around 130/80 to 140/90 and probably cuz of the anxiety. But been checking myself at store and still same but also noticed my heart rate can get low 50-60 even 49 especially when i lay down at night or wake up. Which freaked me out. I saw regular was 60 and down to 40 for great athletes. I worked at a job that was hard labor 8 hours usually monday – saturday had to use my arms constant and use muscle but usually on a platform with not much leg movement so i dont know if that counts and my diet is not the best either. So just wondering if all that looks good if its just anxiety or what else?
Hi, I’m 18 yr old female, weighing 115-120 lbs. fairly inactive now however did many sports growing up, I have smoked for years though have cut down significantly and mainly only vape now, I also have high anxiety, I’ve been trying to sleep but I feel my heart racing and feel a little hard to breath ( not sure if feeling of lack of air flow is due to anxiety to something else going on) my resting heart rate is currently at 110 bpm, I have had a few tests on my heart and they have found I have “dual SA nodes” however my usual resting heart rate is between 80-96. I had muscle pain earlier in the day and took 2 Robax, and had a couple drinks later on, I’ve been laying in bed now for about 3 hours and have since felt my heart rate beating quite abruptly and had slight difficulty breathing, I downloaded 2 different heart rate apps, and both indicated my heart rate was at 110bpm is this something to be concerned about???
You probably have a paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and, in your case, most likely an atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT). The substrate for AVNRT is the presence of dual AV nodal pathways. This can be easily addressed and fixed permanently by an electrophysiologist.
62 sitting at computer just tested heart rate 37 i only eat raw food last 5 years , and last 24 dry fast . any comments 🙂
thats 24 Hours 🙂 dry fast ha ha sorry to alarm anyone 🙂
The heart rate of 37 is a little low while awake, I would verify that measurement with a manual check of your heart rate.
Hi,
I am Ravi I am 50 years old male. My BP was good till about a month back when I had a mild panic attack. Since that time I am not able to sleep properly. My BP shot upto 160/100 and pulse 120 but subsided. I have recovered form the attack. Two days back my doctor prescribed Atenolol 50 mg in the morning and zolepedim 5mg for nights sleep saying that I have slipped into prehypertension stage . My pulse rate this morning was 65 bpm. Throughout the day never as gone beyond 80 bpm. I walk about 6-7 KM daily. I commute everywhere on foot only. MY BP now is never more than 145/90 Is this a cause of worry. Please advice me
Atenolol is not the best blood pressure medication. Benazepril and amlodipine should be your first line medications, if you don’t have any reason to be on the other medications. Otherwise, continue exercising like you are doing.
Thank you so much . Are the BP and pulse ok? Should I stop atenolol. Please advice me.
You should discuss with your physician about stopping the Atenolol and starting a better medication for your hypertension.
Hello Sir
i Am 21 Year Old And My Heart Rate Is 90 To 96 At 126/76 Bp But When Bp Comes 135 Then Heart Rates Goes Up To 102 To 109 Is It Normal ?
Yes, it can be normal to have variations in your heart rate with changes in your blood pressure.
125 To 135 BP Is It Normal For Me ?
Recently I Checked My Bp And Found 131/83 And Pulse Rate 89
Yes, that can be normal for you.
I recently got an apple watch and it tracks heart rate. I am a night shift nurse. (26 year old female – 5’7″ 128lb) My resting heart rate is typically around 55-60 during the day. During night shift, usually around 0400-0500 I noticed my heart rate is in the 40’s. I see it as low as 42. (42-50 typically)**Also, I am asymptomatic. I am wide awake (working obviously). Does this has something to do with circadian rhythm? Is night shift work bad for heart heath?
I am not sure why your heart rate is lower while you are working, the circadian rhythm would be a plausible idea. With regards to your question about rotating night shift work, yes, there is an association with coronary heart disease. There was a good study among women who worked as registered nurses, very applicable to you, that showed a small increase in coronary heart disease risk (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27115377). Thank you very much for your question!
Did Weakness Causes Heart Beat Fast ?
Did Weakness Causes Heart Beat Fast ?
No, weakness does not cause your heart rate to be fast.
Hello Sir
Age 21
I Have Strgl From Maleria Before 1 Month Doc Give Me Bed Rest But Now I Feel Fine And When I Am Trying To Go To The Market My Heart Beat Goes Up To 90-96 Aprox and Little Pain On My Left Hand
Ps – At Home i Feel Fine But Out Of Home I Feel Nrvs ! Is That Normal Or Something Else
Few Days Ago I Strgl From Maleria Doc Give Me Bed Rest Now I Feel Fine , But I Notice My Heart Beat Goes High Now A Days Its About 85-95 ! i feel Fine When I Am At Home But When i Am Trying To Go To The Market Or Chilling With Frnds I Feel Nrvs Then My Heart Rate Goes Up 90-96 N Little Pain In My Left Hand Now I Everytime Think About My Heart Beat 🙁
What you are describing is probably just fine, a normal heart rate is between 60-100 bpm. Your heart rate going from 85-95 bpm, then to 90-96 bpm, is likely just normal heart rate variation.
Hey doc you are doing grt
I wanna ask one thing that did improper sleep and anxiety Can Make heart beat fast ?
Yes, lack of sleep and anxiety can elevate your resting heart rate a little but it should not persistently increase your heart rate >100 bpm for long periods of time.
Age 21
During the day when i relax on bed my heart rate 85-90bpm And when i standing or walking it goes 90-96 and At The End Of The Day my Heart Rate Goes 70-78 is it normal ?
Yes, that can be normal. Your heart rates are within normal limits at rest and with mild activity.
My BP is 138-72 and heart beat is 58 is it ok?
Yes, that is OK. However, you will need to have your blood pressure monitored. I would suggest finding a primary care provider for regular monitoring.
Is it safe to take cordarone long term? Last 2 yrs i got a fib and was given 200mg per day and now reduced to 50mg alternate day. Now my HR is normally 60-65 bpm at rest. Sometimes go up to 80++ but down gradually to round about 60 within hours. Am taking Epixaban 5mg twice a day. BP is normally 130/80 and sometimes 140-150/80. Taking bisoprolol 5mg morning, amilodipine 5mg evening and valsartan 80mg 2 times. Stented already 8 years ago. %Hb A1c in October this year is 6. Taking Metformin Denk 500mg twice a day and Januvia 100mg once a day. Please evaluate my condition and advise me for healthy life.
We usually don’t keep people on amiodarone longterm, unless there is no choice. You can discuss with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist to see if a different medication might be better for you.
Hello! I just have a quick question for you. In general what does the average persons heart rate do while in the middle of the process of falling asleep? Im doing some research for a group project at my university and am having trouble finding the right answer. Im not looking for heart rate while asleep but right before someone falls asleep.
Any knowledge helps! Thanks!
That is a good question, and I am not sure of the answer. I would think that the heart rate would begin to lower. I would imagine that there is research on this topic as sleep medicine is a large medical field. You could try searching on PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/.
So I have a question I’m just like laying here in bed and my heart rate was going between 119-127 and for the past two years I haven’t been able to exercise very much because of back issues I’m healing from my most recent back surgery two months ago but my heart rate has always been on the higher end even when I was a well trained athlete before my injury and my doc was worried about it so they did an ekg and my rhythm was completley normal but it was just really fast I mean is this something I should be concerned about?
I’m 18 btw
An ECG showing a sinus (normal) rhythm is reassuring. That is a slightly higher resting heart rate for a younger person, but can be normal. Once you heal from your surgery and your pain is controlled, then you can reevaluate your heart rate. My suspicion is that is will get a little lower after you recover.
Well I’ll make sure to let you know once I’m fully recovered thank you for your time
Hi Doctor, I just bought a Fitbit that checks my heart rate and I’ve been watching it fluctuate between 90-95. I’m a 25 year old female and I weigh around 145 pounds. I don’t think this is normal? I took an ECG last year my doctor said it was fine. I feel my heart racing sometimes when my mind starts wondering I think it may be due to anxiety, not sure though.
A normal heart rate is between 60-100 bpm, so your heart rate is within normal range. I am assuming that the ECG you had last year showed a normal rhythm (i.e. sinus rhythm). I agree that for a 25 year old a resting heart rate of 90-95 bpm is a little higher than you would expect. I would suggest lifestyle changes (i.e. mild-to-moderate exercise 3-5 days per week and improving your diet) to improve your overall cardio-respiratory fitness.
Can ECg Test Detect Hyperthyropidism ?
No, an ECG cannot detect hyperthyroidism. An ECG is simply just an electrical tracing of the heart’s conduction system.
Sir I Am Weed Smoker I Quit It Before 3 Weeks And Then Suddenly My Bp Goes High 140-145 so My Question Is That Is Withdrawal Symtomps Of Weed ? Fast Heart Beat Too
It can be, most likely related to anxiety. You should continue your cessation of smoking, congratulations. If your systolic blood pressure (i.e. top number) remains above 130 mm Hg, then you should make an appointment to talk to your primary care provider about lifestyle modifications to lower your blood pressure.
Hello Sir
Today I Got My TSH Report And My TSH Level was 5.69 ulu/ml My Doc Says Report Is Normal You Dont Need Any Medicine For Thyroid
So My Question Is That 5.69 Is Normal ?
That level is very mildly elevated, unlikely to be of any significance. If you are still concerned, you could request and “free T4” level to confirm.
So In Which level of tsh should take medicine ?
It is mainly based on your free T4 level, you should consult with your primary care physician.
Sir i am with heart palpilation and prehypertension doc suggest me pantprazole , zolent plush and aulip h and it really works for heart palpilation but prehypertension remain same 128 , 130 And sometimes 135 ( Upper num ) so internet shows daily drink of orange juice help to reduce High Blood Pressure
So my question is that can i drink daily orange juice with these medicines ? Did it good for me ?
You can drink daily orange juice, it will not affect your medications. However, orange juice will not do much for your health. Juices, in general, are not as beneficial as the whole fruit itself. I would encourage you to eat a whole food, plant-based diet. Choosing to eat whole foods, rather than processed foods (including juices).
Does meditation help to lower blood pressure and heart rate ? If yes , so how many days it will take to lower both ?
I am strgling from prehypertension and rapid heart beat 80/90 Bpm
Yes, some blood pressure medications can lower blood pressure and heart rate. The most common ones are beta-blockers and non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers. It should only take 1-2 days to see an effect.
hi doctor,
im 30 years, currently i have diarrhoea 2 3 loose stools per day, no vomit, my heart rate since 2 days goes down to 48,50,51 while resting sitting. while working increases to 90 and then falls to 54 to 51,
i am little nervous about these numbers.
From what you are describing, you appear to be asymptomatic, so these heart rates could be normal for you.
hi dr. i recently went to my physician due to my heart rate. i used to have a heart rate around 80s since i have a panic disorder. before that i used to goto the gym everyday and even went on a diet. my heart rate recently got lowered to around 60-64 but this is strange because i quit going to the gym and just went on a diet since going to the gym will cause me to have a panic attack due to the increased bpm after a few pumps of iron . this also started happening when i had some stomach problems such as acid. this has been for almost 2 weeks that my heart rate is around 60ish. my doctor did put me on a holter monitor and everything was fine. he then said my lowest rate was 39 while sleeping. also two months ago i went to a cardiologist who did ekg, stress test and ultrasound and said everything was normal. just concerned about the 39 bpm aroubd sleeping and if the diet may have played a role in my heart rate since i lost 10 pounds. my physician even saw my records from previous visits before my panic attack around june and other visits that my heart rate just plays around 60.
The tests completed by your doctor and cardiologist are reassuring. I don’t think your diet and weight loss would have contributed to a resting heart rate of 39 bpm, but it is possible. In any case, I would not worry about your heart rate given the thorough work-up by the physicians taking care of you.
Hi there,
I’m a 32 yr old woman, relatively inactive and have always been very thin (100-115lbs)
I recently got a fitbit and my RHR is ranging from 68-72 but I’ve noticed that in the morning my heart rate will jump to 90-100 bpm when I get out of bed/make coffee/get ready for work.
When I’m walking quite slowly, it will also go up to about 110bpm. Recovery time seems quite good, I don’t feel unwell during exertion, and do tend to be on the anxious side. My question is, is this variability normal?
Yes, that variability can be normal. However, wrist heart rate monitors can be inaccurate at times, so it would be helpful to check your heart rate manually just to confirm your heart rate correlates with the Fitbit reading. And, you should consider a mild-to-moderate exercise routine to improve your overall fitness. Thank you for your question!
I’m 38 year old woman overweight and don’t exercise. My heart rate used to be in the 70’s when in bed trying to sleep and now is 55. Not sure if just eating clean watching my diet could have changed this or not?
It is difficult to say what prompted the change, but your heart rate can be lower when you are resting or sleeping.
I’m 27 with BAV, 3.6 aortic root, high blood pressure(under control) and occasional arrhythmias. My cardio said i’m stable and not likely to need surgery until 50’s 60s. This year i got echo, stress test, ct scan, ekg, blood test and 24hr monitor. None of these tests caught the arrhythmias, but she said it is NOT afib. Suggested it is probably a sinus arrhythmia. I’ll describe the episodes below:
+ They happen in-frequently…sometimes multiple in a week, sometimes i go a couple weeks without any. I’ve gone months now without one during the day.
+ They last 5-30 seconds mostly, 1-5 mins sometimes, but in the past have had episidodes that lasted 20 to 45 mins.
+ They occur mostly at night in bed, laying down, but also from sudden/awkward change of posture, or drinking coffee/alcohol, from stress/anxiety.
I took a beta blocker for blood pressure but it knocked me into the 40s sometimes and gave me ectopic beats. Now I’m constantly checking my heart rate. Off the beta blocker now, my heart rate is usually in 50s/60s…but sometimes when anxious or during the day it gets up to the 80s/90s…is that normal? My cardio said I have a very abnormal, though sinus heart beat…
Do you think it’s likely i’ll need a pacemaker? Sure hop not
That kind of heart rate variability can be normal for your age. Based on what you are describing and the normal heart studies you have completed, I think it would be unlikely that you would need a pacemaker anytime in the near future.
So I’m 23, 5’4 and weigh around 135 pounds. Generally my resting heart rate is 110 and when I do something simple like walking five feet to pick up my 5 pound cat, my heart rate goes up to 134. I sometimes do have minor chest pain, but I’m also asthmatic so I have no idea if it is because of that or not. I haven’t monitored my heart rate while or really after actually exercising, but I get winded and start sweating pretty quickly.
I walk around 4 miles every other day, but even doing that I’ll be so sweaty, hot, and winded. I’ve walked for going on two years but that hasn’t helped much.
Should I be worried?
It is a little unusual for a 23 year old to have a resting heart rate of 110 bpm. I would make sure that you are not taking any excessive stimulants or prescribed stimulant medications. It would be a good idea to have an ECG completed to make sure that your heart rhythm is normal (sinus rhythm) and to have basic blood work completed to make sure your thyroid function is normal at least. You don’t need to be worried, but I would investigate your high resting heart rate a little further. Thank you very much for your question!
Hi
I’m 28 years old. I had a panic attack few months ago after a period of severe stress and anxiety. Since them I’ve been paranoid about having heart disease whenever I have any chest pain. Sometimes I get stabbing pain mostly at the middle or left side of chest. It lasts for few seconds which scares me and causes tingling in hands and feet. Sometimes I have heart palpitations as if it skips a beat and I feel my heart beating strongly in my chest although my blood pressure is 110/75 and my pulse is usually between 70 and 80 daytime and sometimes around 65 at night. Could anxiety cause this or should I be concerned about a heart problem?
Thank you!
Your chest discomfort is atypical and most likely related to your anxiety and palpitations (which could be either PACs or PVCs, in either case, these are usually benign). Being a young female with a normal blood pressure, the likelihood of you having any significant heart disease is very low. Thank you very much for your question!
Hi dr. Jason,
Thank you for taking the time to look at and answer all of our questions.
I was having bronchitis on 10/6/18 and while driving my car I felt my heart rate extremely elevated (a hot flush went through my body before that). I pulled my car and went to the nearest pharmacy where my bp and bpm were measure with a BP machine. My heart rate was 178 bpm at rest and my BP was somewhere around 140 over 90.
I rushed to the nearest ER but until I got there my heart rate was back and settled to around 100 bpm and they could not catch anything apart from sinus tachycardia.
Since then, I’ve experience same episodes around 5-6 times, where my HR at rest was peaking between 165-175 bpm. I could never catch it on an ECG.
I’ve had numerous ECGs done, 2 echos (trivial MPV with mild regurgitation & tricuspid mild valve regurgitation, but they say that’s structurally normal heart and the findings are trivial).
I also had a stress test, which came back normal with a few PVCs during the test and during recovery.
I’ve had 3 different holter monitors all of them coming back normal with the exception of acceptable amount of PVCs (as the doctors said).
However, my last Holter monitor caught an episode of monomorphic wide complex ventricular tachycardia – 3 beats at 160 bpm, lasting 1 second. I’ve also seen an EP for that who told me to just forget about it, which is really hard for me to do.
One more thing is that my HR drastically changes upon standing. It can be 80 sitting and as soon as I stand up it increases to 120-130 bpm and stays there. Even the slightest movement increases my HR drastically. I’ve been advised to exercise but I cannot imagine doing that, since my HR is 130 bpm just standing.
I am reaching out to see what might me your opinion as I am clueless as of what to do next.
Are there any additional tests I need to do. Is there anything that can be done?
Thank you so much for your time.
I am looking forward to hearing back from you.
Yes, occasional PVCs (usually a burden <10% in a structurally normal heart) and short isolated runs of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia are usually nothing to worry about. However, if they are symptomatic to you, then you can consider medications or in very symptomatic cases an ablation procedure. I worry that you could be having an undetected supraventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. My question is if the Holter monitors detected the rapid intermittent heart rates of 150-170 bpm that you have been having? If not, then a 30-day event monitor or even an implantable loop recorder could be helpful. As a last resort, an "EP study" can be done to induce certain abnormal heart rhythms and potentially arrive at a diagnosis. Most of these options can be discussed with your EP physician at your next visit.
Hi Dr. Guichard,
Like Polly said, thanks for taking the time to respond to an article you posted over two years ago.
I’m 55, 5’8″, 145 lb male with a resting HR of 55 BPM. I was pretty much sedentary until 2 years ago (lost about 20 lbs since then and my BFI is now around 10 (yes, i’m that skinny)). I didn’t start exercising because of a medical condition but because I wanted a change in lifestyle. I cycle about 3,000 miles per year (commute by bike to work from April to December at an avg speed of 17 mph), run about 300 miles per year (5K followed to 2.5K HIIT or 10K per run at 6.5 mph), cross country ski about 70 miles per year and do about 15,000 steps per day, including 10 to 30 stairs climbed. I also do weights training about 200 minutes (including rest time) per week. So I went from pretty much nothing to lots of activities in a short time.
When running, cycling or doing X skiing, I can now easily get my heart rate in the low 170s for over 20 minutes at a time. Yes I have to breath trough my mouth then but can still carry a small conversation (but not a debate lol) and not even close to puking. The max I managed to get my HR last year was 180 BPM.
If I stop exercising when I reach 170, my HR drops by about 50 at the 2 minutes mark. Depending how long I worked out, it will take about one to two hours before it get back in the 60 BPM range. I had my pressure taking while _doing max effort_ last year and it was at 160/80.
I’m saying all that because my max HR is much higher than calculated by any given formula. Should I worry that I’m pushing too hard? My doctor said I should try to stay at a max of 150 BPM but I find I’m not giving any effort at that heart rate. It’s like a “stroll in the park”.
How do you check your pulse? Is it manually or with a monitoring device? A manual check, how many actual heart beats in 60 seconds, would be best to confirm your heart rate if you are concerned. Overall, I would continue your exercising based on your exercise tolerance. You appear to be doing very well for your age.
I have a Wahoo Tickr chest strap and a Garmin VivoActive HR activity watch. I’ve confirmed the accuracy of both by taking manual reading and when I had my pressure taken while doing max effort last year.
Thanks for your input, much appreciated.
I sometimes feel like my heart is beating fast but the highest my pulse has been at these times us 104bpm. I do have some anxiety. I also take 50mg of noritryptiline at night and it says one of the side effects can be tachycardia. I recently started monitoring my heart rate. I am 30 years old, female and have a bmi of 24%. I quit smoking after 15 years about 3 months ago. My resting heart rate us 78. I am a high school teacher and on my feet most of the day. While at work I notice my heart rate varies between 80bpm up to 112 or so. Is this normal? It does go below 78 bpm sometimes at home but I have to be super relaxed. I am just curious if this all sounds normal so I can quit stressing about it! Thanks!
Yes, that kind of heart rate variability during the day can be normal.
mY WIFE HAVING ASD DEVICE CLOSER IN2015. NOW SHE HAD PAIN. AND MILD VALVE CURVE. DOCTORS SAID SHE HAS aRRTHYMIA. IS THERE ANY SOLUTION TO RESOLVE THIS. SHE HAS HEART PAIN, VOMATING, GIDDINESS, WEAKNESS.
kINLDY ADVICE WHERE SHOULD I GO AND WHAT SHOULD I DO
Her symptoms could be due to many different things. She should be evaluated by her cardiologist to further answer all your questions.
Hey Doc,
I’m 22 y/o 5’8 135lb and I have anxiety and tons of panic attacks (recently). I get chest pains but my doc says that it’s due to my anxiety and panic attacks. I’ve been getting a bit more worried about my heart health so I started to monitor it. My resting heart rate is 59-65bpm and throughout an active day it will fluxuate from around 70-90. My worry is when I have a panic attack. During the panic attack my heart rate will go between 120-140bpm. Should I be concerned with my heart health?
Your heart rate could be a normal response to anxiety. However, that is a little higher than expected. If you have these episodes on a daily basis, then a 24-hour or 48-hour Holter monitor could be helpful to determine that the high heart rates are normal.
I’m 34 yrs old, obese female with chronic back problems that prevent most exercise. Doesn’t excuse being obese, of course.
I was recently diagnosed with hypertension (175/115) and tachycardia (resting HR of 95 but normally 110+ as high 201 sometimes) been averaging 135/95 on toprol xl.
My father has PAT syndrome. My Dr hasn’t referred me to a cardiologist nor ordered any further testing with the exception of a sleep study. Should I request more cardio tests?
Your fast heart rates need to be evaluated, to determine if the fast heart rates are sinus (i.e. normal) rhythm or another abnormal rhythm, and this can be easily done with a 24-hour or 48-hour Holter monitor.
.
I’m 29 healthy but not very active…i usually have a higher resting heart rate around 70-80 I’m 8 weeks postpartum and I’ve noticed my heart rate is lower at rest than normal around 50-54 no symptoms just anxiety because of lower rate. My heart rate increases with activity. I have daytime fatigue but I also have a 2 month old so I’m not getting great sleep. Could this be normal and should I worry?
This can be normal. If your heart rate increases with acitivity and you do not feel limited (no symptoms), then that is reassuring.
I’m 22 years old with a resting heart rate of 90 bpm; do I need to see a doctor?MY actual weight 80 kgs.My Pulse rate 88 per min…Is It normal…i can not feel batter. Every day i feel fever….
I thing I have gastric problem..Please Doctor(As like god) help me
Yes, a resting heart rate of 90 bpm can be normal. Normal heart rates are usually between 60-100 bpm at rest. I don’t know why you are having fevers and abdominal pain, that is not normal. If you are concerned, then you should discuss those symptoms with your primary care physician.
Thank you Dr. Jason L. Guichard…
Hi Dr. Guichard,
Thank you for so generously answering people’s heart health questions.
My question is regarding the equation for max heart rate…does that equation still apply if a person has a pacemaker installed? And if they are exercising with the goal of moderate intensity, would that still be the 50-70% of max heart rate? How reliable is monitoring heart rate with pulse ox in this situation, or is it best to use RPE, or both?
I appreciate your time. Thank you.
Yes, it would still apply if there was a pacemaker present. If needed, a pacemaker will track the upper chambers of the heart and pace the lower chambers accordingly. However, most standard pacemakers are placed for abnormally low heart rates so high heart rates will not be affected by the pacemaker. And yes, the goals would be the same. Heart rate monitoring with pulse oximetry is fine, but manual checks are the most reliable and accurate. Thank you very much for your question!