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Heart rate spikes with the slightest exertion.

Posted , 3 users are following.

jltylr8
jltylr8

For the last year (maybe longer) I've been having 'episodes' of ridiculously high heart rate. My resting heart rate, according to my Apple Watch, is between 55bpm and 90bpm, which is fine. When I'm just sat in bed, in one position, I'm fine. But the minute I move my body (even just going from laying on my back to laying on my side) my heart rate will spike to 140bpm upwards.

Things like walking up the stairs, doing the dishes, even just standing up, will make my heart rate spike at least 35bpm every time. It's normal for your heart rate to go up, and it wouldn't worry me as much but I also get breathless (as if I'd just finished a run, and need a second to catch my breath) and I get lightheaded. The lightheadedness varies from lasting a few seconds when I stand up (common for a lot of people, I'm told) to full on being unable to hear/see due to dizziness or actually passing out. My heart feels like it's beating so strong it'll fall out of my chest, and there have been times when I can feel my pulse in my lips or ears. My heart rate only stays high for about 2-3 minutes maximum and I have to stop whatever I'm doing and sit down usually in order for it to slow down, but the breathlessness can last for 5 minutes onwards, depending on if I sit down and rest or keep going with whatever task I'm doing (like walking).

I carried a bag with 2 books in and a small bottle of fanta upstairs the other day any my heart rate was 170bpm.

It's beginning to really worry me, mainly because I can't do things any more. I can't walk my dog without feeling dizzy and weak and my heart rate jumping up. It's ridiculous.

I went to the GP a year ago and he checked my pulse routinely and it came back as 145bpm while I was sat down and he promptly told me to go to the hospital. They wanted to give me a heart rate monitor thing to wear for a set amount of time to see what my heart was doing during these spikes (since the ECGs I have had done came back normal), but I was moving country and thus couldn't do it. I'm back now but with the COVID-19 stuff, I can't get into see my GP again.

I was just hoping for some ideas, advice, suggestions? I know the best person to talk to about it is my GP, but some clarity or vague idea or what it could be would be nice in the meantime.

For reference, I'm a 23 year old female. I don't exercise intensely, but I do walk as much as I can and I am fairly active during the day, and I eat relatively healthily. With this, it's hard though.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • renee61138
    renee61138 jltylr8

    Posted

    Hi love. Sorry to hear your having a hard time. Just a few questions. Do you suffer from anxiety? Is your blood pressure normal? Are you on any kind of meds? I have A nod reentry tachycardia. I'm not a doctor but it sounds alot like POTS syndrom. Have you done any research on it or have you heard of this. I think with pots they give you a beta blocker to help regulate the heart rate to slow it down. And I also hear people using compression socks as well. Don't know if I helped any. But pray you find answers soon.

    • jltylr8
      jltylr8 renee61138

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply.

      I'm not on any medication, and while I do have anxiety and have done for 10 years, this is not anxiety. Over the last two years, my anxiety has drastically improved to the point where it's virtually nonexistent.

      I have no idea about my blood pressure, but last time it was checked (while at the hospital), it was normal I think.

      As for POTS, I have heard of it. I wasn't sure if my symptoms fit as these symptoms with my heart don't happen every single time. More like 7 times out of 10. I do have good days where I still can't walk far but doing light tasks doesn't trigger it. Like I said, I'm not sure if that fits with POTS or not.

  • Spargo6
    Spargo6 jltylr8

    Posted

    dear jilty?

    Sounds like you hava a problem,i woul suggest you contact gp again,as they can do a consultation and prescribe medication over the phone.

    Judging by your symptoms (i had similar)you may need to take a beta blocker.

    Only problem is they can cause side effects.(just a warning,most people don't).

    Hope this helps,

    regards, Richard

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