23 y/o with tachycardia

[Tim1985]

Hi. I'm a 23 y/o male with (I believe to be) tachycardia. If it helps at all, I'm a volunteer EMT. In Jan 2008, I got a concussion w/minor cut (stitches) and went to the ER. When they checked my vitals, I had a fast heart rate. They gave me a few bags of saline since they figured I was dehydrated, and discharged me (the tachy remained). I didn't care at the time since it was probably due to the head injury.

When I got the stitches removed from the head injury a few days later, the nurse commented that I had a high heart rate (I think I saw the monitor reading high 90's rpm). I wasn't nervous or anxious (stress induced tachy) throughout any of the ER or nurse since I'm an EMT and know the deal.

Months before and since the incident I've put on about 5-10 pounds and haven't worked out in some time. I started working out this past weekend, and as normal, my body was dying afterwards, but I could definately feel my heart working far more (and faster) than any past workouts. Granted I haven't worked out in a while, but still it seemed abnormal.

Being only 23, I didn't know whether to be a bit worried, or if this would resolve just by getting back in shape.

[MAB22]

HR may be elevated due to injury and being out of shape.  You said you had gained a few pounds recently.  Perhaps a good goal would be to get back into shape.  A good resting heart rate, I would say, would be below 80 bpm.  Probably better to be below 75.  If you are fit, even lower (not below say 50, unless you are an elite athlete).  The best way to lower heart rate is exercise, cardiovascular.  You may think about starting a walking program (30-45 minutes most days of the week).  If you can't start out on this, split up the time or start out lower.  Perhaps you can graduate to walk/jog, then jogging.  Also, swimming or bicycling.  Sally Edward's has a book on Heart Zone Training, can get on Amazon, that gives specific zones to train in, that will improve heart rate and fitness.  Also, get a good stretching routine after exercise, as this will limit injury.  I usually stretch for 10-15 minutes after exercising.  I wish someone had told me about this, as I'm 44 yo and on medication to lower my heart rate.  I still am able to get my heart rate into 70-80 or 95% target heart rate and have seen improvements in my blood pressure (am recovering from quad injury currently).  Take HR first thing in morning before getting out of bed, they say, to get measure of resting heart rate.  Or perhaps later in the day, when resting.  You are young, perhaps under some stress and need to get back into shape.  Hope things get better.

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

Any time your body has been through trauma, your HR will be elevated. Even if you do not feel anxious or stressed, when your body senses pain, again your HR will elevate.

Being out of shape could explain the way you are currently feeling. Have you had a recent physical? If you are concerend about this then it may be best to have it evaluated by your physician.

You are young and have not indicated any other risk factors or symptoms...It is most likely nothing too serious.

I hope this resolves. Keep us posted:)