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All My Life I Have Had A Higher Than Normal
Question: All my life I have had a higher than normal heart rate.. lately it has been skipping beats.. I work out everyday how can I lower it? Is it dangerous..does it indicate some underlying problem?
Brief Answer:
Usually not
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In most of the cases, these skipped beats or ectopics are benign and not worrisome. They may be associated with mitral valve prolapse.
However, we should rule out the possibility of ischemic and structural heart disease in such cases.
So, should have echo if not recently done and evaluation for possible arterial blockages with stress test like treadmill test or stress thallium or CT coronary angiography. May try low dose beta blockers if bp allows.
Also, thyroid function test should be done as it can cause these. Also, caffeine, alcohol and smoking may increase it so should restrict these if consumption is there for any of these.
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Usually not
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In most of the cases, these skipped beats or ectopics are benign and not worrisome. They may be associated with mitral valve prolapse.
However, we should rule out the possibility of ischemic and structural heart disease in such cases.
So, should have echo if not recently done and evaluation for possible arterial blockages with stress test like treadmill test or stress thallium or CT coronary angiography. May try low dose beta blockers if bp allows.
Also, thyroid function test should be done as it can cause these. Also, caffeine, alcohol and smoking may increase it so should restrict these if consumption is there for any of these.
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
I had a echo I had a few things mild dilated aortic vessel and abdominal anuerysm of 3.0 would that cause the higher heart rate?? I can’t seem to get it down today it is staying around 95-100..is that harmful?? What low dose beta blocker would you recommend? My bp is real good at this time and has been all day..just my heart rate is high!!!
Brief Answer:
Dilated aortic would not cause higher heart rate
Detailed Answer:
Does your heart rate rise intermittently or continuously elevated even at rest and without stress or anxiety. Even if continuously elevated, it's not immediately harmful, but in long term lower heart rate is better as it somewhat reduces risk of heart diseases.
The causes for it could be anxiety, stress, sedentary lifestyle, obstructive sleep apnea, Low hemoglobin, thyroid problems. So, get some routine test as well if not recently done.
You should have low dose beta blockers like metoprolol 12.5 which should be gradually increased according to bp. Daily exercise like walking or brisk walking according to your capacity will help to achieve low heart rate by increasing vagal tone.
Dilated aortic would not cause higher heart rate
Detailed Answer:
Does your heart rate rise intermittently or continuously elevated even at rest and without stress or anxiety. Even if continuously elevated, it's not immediately harmful, but in long term lower heart rate is better as it somewhat reduces risk of heart diseases.
The causes for it could be anxiety, stress, sedentary lifestyle, obstructive sleep apnea, Low hemoglobin, thyroid problems. So, get some routine test as well if not recently done.
You should have low dose beta blockers like metoprolol 12.5 which should be gradually increased according to bp. Daily exercise like walking or brisk walking according to your capacity will help to achieve low heart rate by increasing vagal tone.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you ! I exercise every day on the elliptical for at least 30 min..I bike as well.. I am very active .. my job requires me to stand a lot..did the higher heart rate cause the dilation of the aortic? Is that real concerning at 3.0 on abdomen and mild dilation at the part close to the heart? Sorry I have so many questions ! Just trying to get this all figured out! I appreciate you!!
Also my heart rate when I wake up is around 67.. so it does not stay elevated all the time ..it has been really hot lately maybe I was dehydrated???
Brief Answer:
No, it's not concerning but should keep a watch
Detailed Answer:
Thank you..
It's mild dilatation of aortic which is not concerning at the moment, but may become concerning in the future in some patients. So, should have echo and ultrasound once in 1 to 2 years and if symptomatic, to monitor it.
Now, if heart rate is 67 after waking then its fine. Intermittently elevation of heart rate with activities, dehydration is absolutely normal phenomenon. It's not a matter of concern in my opinion.
No, it's not concerning but should keep a watch
Detailed Answer:
Thank you..
It's mild dilatation of aortic which is not concerning at the moment, but may become concerning in the future in some patients. So, should have echo and ultrasound once in 1 to 2 years and if symptomatic, to monitor it.
Now, if heart rate is 67 after waking then its fine. Intermittently elevation of heart rate with activities, dehydration is absolutely normal phenomenon. It's not a matter of concern in my opinion.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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