HOW HIGH IS TO HIGH , HEART RATE ?

[Jodz]

When horse riding my heart rate is anything from 108 to 120 but yesterday after riding and we swam the horses in the river as it was a hot day , we sat down for lunch under a tree and my heart rate was 138 !!

Should I be worried ?

[Hopeful-Tinkerbell]

How did you feel otherwise? We’re you asymptomatic aside from the heart rate? 138 is very high but it can go up for various non serious reasons. Also how were you taking it? A lot of these heart rate apps are not accurate. Checking it frequently and worrying will affect it as well. How long did it last? I would recommend possibly keeping a journal of heart rate, date/time, duration and activity. Make a chart. Write it and forget it unless symptomatic. Do not obsess over. This will let you know patterns etc and will be helpful when discussing it with your doctor. Just don’t focus too much on it or that will worsen anxiety and symptoms. Riding horses can cause an adrenaline rush in itself which will cause it to rise. It’s just hard to advise without more info. I am trained and worked on the rescue squad and cardiac ICU. Obviously if you were having other bad symptoms with it then being that high would be much more alarming. Caffeine can also cause it to go up. I’d be happy to talk to you more if needed. I hope you are able to relax. Also note what if anything helps you get it back down. In the meantime definitely try some breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. If you start having other symptoms with it you need to get it checked. I always say it’s better to be safe than sorry. Especially if this is something you have not discussed with your doctor. PM me anytime. I try to check in frequently during the day. It’s 1:10 am here now in Virginia, USA. I’ll be going to bed in a bit. I’ll check back in though.

[Jodz in reply to Hopeful-Tinkerbell]

Thanx Hopeful-Tinkerbell. I have a fit bit tonic . I felt ok prob a little anxious as I do when I first get on my horse . My rate did come down after a while but hovered around the 95 to 106 for a few hours . Yer I suppose if my adrenaline was pumping it prob takes a while to come down .

[Hopeful-Tinkerbell in reply to Jodz]

That’s normal. It’s always good to be mindful. Just not obsessed over it. If I rode horses my heart would explode! Lol. I had a bad experience as a child and am deathly afraid. I never got back on the horse. I’m glad you are out doing things you love and not letting anxiety or depression stop you. Celebrate the win!

[Vbee]

That's not high for exercising and in hot weather. Maximum heart rate for exercising should be 220 minus your age. Mine gets up to 160 when I'm powering up a hill.

[Jodz in reply to Vbee]

Vbee thanx I just wasn’t sure . How long does yours stay high for ? Mine took a while to come down but I felt not to bad just a little anxious

[Vbee]

Mine takes about 10 minutes to go back to resting heart rate. The fitter you are the faster your recovery. I studied a Phys ed degree in the 80s so my memory is sketchy!!! Also your heart rate will stay high if you are anxious. So the fear cycle perpetuates!!!

[Jodz in reply to Vbee]

Yer I think it was a bit of both . Thanx for your support it def helps put the mind at ease

[Labanino]

No. I know palpitations are very uncomfortable, at least for me but it won't kill you. Every one with anxiety thinks it is sick, have a heart problem, and fear of death, it is the common denominator. When you have palpitations just breath very deep (if you are outside your house) and most of the time will go away, at least for me. If you are in your house, try a cold shower or put a bag of ice behind your neck or at the top of your head, also on your feed. I used to have palpitations every night around 3:30 am and after it couldn't sleep anymore. Good luck!

[Jodz in reply to Labanino]

Thanx for your advice Labanino