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Rapid heart rate with the slightest physical exertion

Hello,

I'm a 28 year old male. My resting heart rate is in the 70's but it increases rapidly with the slightest physical exertion that I do. I once clocked it going at 120 bpm after only going up a single flight of stairs. Another example is when I'm on the stationery bike (which is my main mode of exercise nowadays). I would break the 100 bpm barrier after 30 seconds of easy pedaling. It would quickly climb to 130's within minutes although I don't perceive much effort on my part.

I was once told that I had a slight irregular heart rate by my doctor. I'm in otherwise decent physical condition.

Can you help me shed a light on what might cause something like this and if it's a cause for worry?

Thanks in advance for any advice and help you could give.

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Avatar universal
I'm not a doctor but I recently turned 50 and have always been healthy and strong until a month ago when I passed out, and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  It takes the medicine 5 to 6 weeks to take effect so until then I'm dealing with a similar issue with the addition of weakness in my legs.  My resting heart rate is 65-75 but when I stand it was rising to anywhere between 105 - 120.  Now it's getting better and I just got in from a short, easy walk and it was 118.  What you explained might be normal but just to rule out any issues; like what I have, I would recommend visiting a doctor and having a complete check up.  If it's something like a thyroid issue it can be taken care of quickly instead of waiting like I did and crashing.  
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Avatar universal
My best friend of 22 years just turned 50 and has been experiencing rapid heart rate for a couple months now. The doctors she has seen have told her they don't know why her heart rate is constantly changing and with the very slightest movement. She is in a hospital right now, and as she adjusts in her bed the heart rate jumped from 94 to 128. Finally the doctor has ordered a CT scan and suggested it maybe a clot. I'm very worried for her as I am 21/2 hours from her and feel her fear & frustration. I just want to know if she has anything to really worry about or is she in danger of heart attack or stroke? She quit smoking about 3 years ago if that has anything to do with it. If this is some kind of normal thing then that's fine but she is clearly scared and isn't getting very far with the doctors she has seen so far. If anyone can help by giving me some hope or maybe some answers I'd be grateful. Thank you
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1 Comments
Did your friend ever receive answers? I have the exact symptoms as her.  
Avatar universal
I experience the same symptoms.  I am an active 35 year old 95 pound physical therapist, wife, and mother of two.
I have been cleared by cardiology as to a cardiac origin for the phenomenon.
I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation which may or may not contribute to these symptoms.  Arnold Chiari causes the cerebellum to crowd the brain stem (control center for autonomic function such as heart rate).
I have seen several doctors and have been advised a range of options:
do nothing and modify activity accordingly to brain surgery.
Healthcare is a matter of skilled opinion...  trust your instincts.  
I choose to view this issue as a blessing.   Who else can get a full work out in doing minimal activity?  Take care of yourself and seek knowledge.
In love.
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730414 tn?1403952873
Check out (Pots) postural orthostatic tachycardic syndrome and/or IST (inappropriate sinus tachycardia)

Both of these conditions can cause an increase heart rate
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11305861 tn?1417042519
My resting heart rate can between 50 and 70 but when move to fast are walk upast stairs it jumps to 120-140 is this bad.I'm only 22
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Avatar universal
Your post sounds very familiar.  My resting heart rate is around 60-65 and is seems to be around that all day.  When I do the slightest bit of physically activity, I seem to get the same result in that my heart starts pounding and racing and I get several skipped beats for about 15 mins or so.  Walking up a single flight of stairs is an example I would give as well.  Walking to the mailbox and back is another.

I am 30 years old and Im 6 foot 190 lbs.  I belileve it is due to simply being out of shape as well, but part of me feels like exercising will make me things worse (bring the skipped beats on stronger).   I think this is just overthinking the matter.

-RJ
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Avatar universal
you sound pretty average... What did your doctor mean by irregular heart rate? that
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Avatar universal
When my heart starting racing like that in my early 20's, it was from stress and anxiety.  Too much Adrenalin being released- Fllight or Fight syndrome.  It was really scary, but was benign.

By all means, get it check out, but if it's ok, then find out what is stressing your life and learn to relax.  You may even have to have a little relaxing pill (or piece of one) at times until your body calms down.  I did.  The worst thing you can do is fear it.  

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Avatar universal
I was just throwing out possible causes, however unlikely they are. I'm no MD either so I would take anything I say with a grain of salt. People go to school for 6-8+ years to learn this stuff. I've just picked up tidbits of info from experiences and the internet. That hardly makes me qualified.
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Avatar universal
Really, I dont want to minimise anything here but you sound totally normal.  Resting heart rate in the seventies is fine.  Standing alone will increase the heart rate by an average of 10-15 bpm.  Walking or even 30 seconds of cycling will increase it even more.  It is normal for the heart rate to increase going up a flight of stairs! Mine increases to 145bpm up a flight of stairs! I have been checked by cardiologists and I am fine.  I see myself as fit and I have a morning resting heart rate of 64.  It rises in the afternoon to about 84 and returns in the evening.  Walking will increase it over 100.

And to the person who replied to this post? How did you deduce the possibility of an enlarged heart from the above symptoms? That is just needlessly worrying people.  Of course I am not a doctor, so I need to be careful, but from what I read, you are totally normal!  
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Avatar universal
Could also be numerous things. Enlarged heart, heart failure (unlikely at your age). Caffeine intake, cigarettes, lung disorders, illicit drugs, etc.
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Avatar universal
Tachycardia sounds likely. You could also be out of shape. Certain medications/drugs can cause tachycardia. This could also be "normal" for you.

Talk to several doctors.
Helpful - 0
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