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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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57 Years Old. Have High Heart Rate. Gets Too High While Exercising. Recommendations?

Over the last year I have had a high heart rate = average 94 - sometimes well over a hundred even after just sitting. I have been to see my GP who says I just have to accept that it is high. I have stated going to the gym as I thought it might help. I get on the cross trainer and within 2 mins it is telling me to slow down to reduce my heart rate as it is too high (approx 150-160). This means that I am simply walking (not fast) and I feel I am getting nothing out of the excercise. Can I push myself harder. I am 57 years old and weigh approx 50kgs (looking to lose about 7lbs) plus get fit.
Thu, 18 Apr 2013
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Dear Sir /Ma'm
Thanks for writing to HC magic
1. There is no fixed optimal heart rate for an individual. if your routine HR is 94 bpm and you are comfortable with it, then i would tend to agree with your GP's observation.
2. If your heart rate goes up too quickly during exercise, my first inference is that your body is not habitual of doing exercise. Second possibility can be that you have a diseased heart but in that case you would feel too short of breath along with increase in heart rate and it will take time for you to get your breath back, in that scenario you may have chest pain or feeling of being drowned in water also. (in this case you must see your doctor on priority).
In both the cases pushing harder is not advisable.
if you did not experience any troublesome symptoms, you must build up your stamina slowly and then see the results. Go for exercising but start from level 1 of difficulty , do not straightaway go for level 4. gradually increase your level. if anytime you feel unusual discomfort/undue shortness of breath/ chest pain, please consult your doctor.
i hope i cleared your doubt.
sincerely
sukhvinder
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57 Years Old. Have High Heart Rate. Gets Too High While Exercising. Recommendations?

Dear Sir /Ma m Thanks for writing to HC magic 1. There is no fixed optimal heart rate for an individual. if your routine HR is 94 bpm and you are comfortable with it, then i would tend to agree with your GP s observation. 2. If your heart rate goes up too quickly during exercise, my first inference is that your body is not habitual of doing exercise. Second possibility can be that you have a diseased heart but in that case you would feel too short of breath along with increase in heart rate and it will take time for you to get your breath back, in that scenario you may have chest pain or feeling of being drowned in water also. (in this case you must see your doctor on priority). In both the cases pushing harder is not advisable. if you did not experience any troublesome symptoms, you must build up your stamina slowly and then see the results. Go for exercising but start from level 1 of difficulty , do not straightaway go for level 4. gradually increase your level. if anytime you feel unusual discomfort/undue shortness of breath/ chest pain, please consult your doctor. i hope i cleared your doubt. sincerely sukhvinder