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What Causes Increased Heart Rate?
Question: I am a 65 year old generally healthy woman. I can hike for many miles but the hills really get to me. On Sunday I hit a wall on a prolonged hill. My heart rate was above 220 bpm and I was hot and shaky; almost feeling faint. I was drinking plenty of water. When we made it to the top and returned to level ground my heart rate remained around 170 bpm for at least an hour. Is this ok? Could it have been electrolyte imbalance?
Brief Answer:
Need to undergo stress test and check serum electrolytes
Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,
Usually there is an increase of heart rate during physical activity, but 220bpm is too high and is already abnormal.
Of course electrolyte imbalance can cause such elevated heart rate, but it can also be arrhythmia.
I would advise you to check serum electrolytes and undergo stress test to exclude ischemia and arrhythmias during physical activity
Hope I could help you
Please, let me know if you have further questions
Wish you good health
Regards,
Need to undergo stress test and check serum electrolytes
Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,
Usually there is an increase of heart rate during physical activity, but 220bpm is too high and is already abnormal.
Of course electrolyte imbalance can cause such elevated heart rate, but it can also be arrhythmia.
I would advise you to check serum electrolytes and undergo stress test to exclude ischemia and arrhythmias during physical activity
Hope I could help you
Please, let me know if you have further questions
Wish you good health
Regards,
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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