So what's a good pulse rate?

[JayKew]

Got an added burden to COPD with something called Giant Cell Arteritus.

Doc tells me it's inoperable but is cured by three years treatment of steroids.

That's at the rate of 60 mgs a day.

Even with exacerbations and flare ups I've never had more that 30mgs per day.

Now I normally after a record breaking walk of 80 or 90 paces come to an exhausting rest with a pulse of 132/140.

Trouble is with this new 60mgs limit, 132/140 is my resting rate.

If I keep idle I can get through the day at 115/120.

But doing my normal stop start of 80ish steps at a time my pulse is pushing 155/165 and surely that's much too high.

I lean against shop windows or doorways almost immobile and to be honest it's getting a little scary now.

Does anybody know if the pulse increase is purely related to the steroid increase because if it is then I'm kicking them into touch.

Can't be doing with this.

I'm hoping its the ale menopause!

Meanwhile to join in about the weather ..... today is the last day of my Barcelona week and it was 31C at times here today!

John

[Hidden]

I am afraid I cant help, JayKew, but have to say it is the clearest easy to read message I have seen.

I am sure that somebody better qualified than me will help you. I do think you need to talk to your GP asap. Gather you are still abroad - perhaps you could ring BLF 030000030555. Good luck with everything. Annie80x

[Hidden]

Hi,

My Dad had giant cell arteritis and within a year of taking prednisolone also developed high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes...don't want to scare you unnecessarily but...?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

PS...Forgot to mention stupidly that Giant Cell Arteritis left untreated can cause sudden but irreversible blindness so please don't stop your medication!

[Hidden]

I can't remember what I was looking up or why (oldtimers disease) but I know I saw it recently and that I was very surprised at how high a pulse can be and still be okay. If you are worried then don't push the exercise tomorrow. If you are returning home tomorrow then perhaps calling your GP or the BLF helpline would set your mind at rest?

[Hidden]

Predicted maximum heart rate - this involves using a mathematical formula, called the age-adjusted formula.

For adult males: 220 minus your age. For a 25 year-old man it would be 195 bpm (220 minus 25)

For adult females: 226 minus your age. For a 25 year-old woman it would be 201 bpm (226 minus 25)

It is important to remember that this formula gives a rough figure, a ballpark figure. Ideally, you should have your maximum heart beat measured clinically.

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[richardcrossroads]

thanks this is a question I have been going to ask some one, or look up, now I know thank you have a good day