Resting heart rate has gone up from ~55 to 80-100 past couple days

[Magellan407]

I have posted on this forum several times in the past and have gotten very helpful answers. I have also seen a cardiologist, and told him about this increase in resting heart rate, but he says I am still within normal range so it's alright.

So now I turn to you fine folks, what can cause a sudden increase in resting heart rate for seemingly no reason? Mind you, I am not anxious at all. In fact, I am cool as a cucumber right now (because I was prescribed benzos.)

I woke up from sleep a few days ago with a weird quivering sensation going on in my heart. I recalled the Valsalva Maneuver, and that seemed to have made it go away. But soon after that, the increase in resting heart rate occurred.

Again, I'm not scared about any of this, but just wondering, why would my resting heart rate increase so much for no reason. It has been this way for 2 days now. I have had other issues in the past that seemed like SVT, but the Cardiologist just can't catch them. I am just wondering if anyone has any idea what this could be or if I should just keep on fighting through it like I am.

By the way, I did do a power walk on the treadmill and my heart rate got up to 115 bpm. I don't think that's THAT fast for a power walk heart rate, but at the same time I don't exercise much either. Sorry for the long post.

[Magellan407]

Thanks, that was an informative and useful post. That odd quivering was the only time it's ever happened. I was actually rather suprised (and relieved) the valsalva maneuver stopped it in its track.

I have no idea if it'll happen again. I have a feeling it won't, but who knows.

I find your last line most interesting about how you had a higher resting HR after an SVT episode. Anyways, I did some moderate strength training today and got my heart rate up to 130-ish, which I am aware is perfectly safe and not even that intense as far as exercising goes. Overall I feel fine right now despite the high resting heart rate. I will start exercising on a regular basis like I used to and I believe it will help me a good deal physically and mentally.

[MichelleP_3811]

The rate isn't very high so it would not give a doctor much concern.  It very well could be due to any number of issues like dehydration or stomach issues.  the times when you feel it quiver do you know how fast it is going?  It would be helpful to have a general idea to go back to you doctor with.  If it is super high towards and even into the 200s and starts and stops in what feels like one beat that is classic reentry svt.  Valsalva Maneuvers can help in these instances.  The only way to get it diagnosed is with a monitor.  If you know you will have an episode in a months time then go back to the doctor and ask for a 30 day event monitor to try and catch it.  Otherwise you may need to take a wait and see approach and go back for diagnosis if and/or when it becomes more persistent.  But use the Valsalva Maneuvers to get it to stop will help lessen the impact it has on your heart.  Atrial tachycardias are not considered a huge health risk but the shorter the duration of the episodes then less wear and tear there will be on the heart.  Then if it does turn out that you have an svt if it becomes persistent enough you can try and have it ablated but first try to keep a diary of when it happens and what the rate was and if you notice it start and stop suddenly.  I will say that after I had an svt episode my resting rate would be higher for a few days.  Best of luck sorting it out.