Fast heart rate

[Sgal]

Hi. Ever since I had an episode of viral pericarditis in January I have had a fast heart rate. Initially I was prescribe bisoprolol and was on a low dose for 8 weeks and then stopped as my heart rate settled. A 24hr tape showed no abnormal rhythms and only episodes of sinus tachycardia- nothing to worry about said the GP. I have been off the tablets for 2 months now and have been feeling a lot better and back to normal. However my heart rate still sits high. Normally at rest it is 70’s and including sleeping when it goes down to 69. But any time I do anything it shoots up to 90-100. This includes minimal exertion, walking, standing. I have no real symptoms, I occasionally have an awareness of my heart but not palpitation as such. I wondering if anyone has had a similar experience. I am thinking of goi g back to Gp to discuss further. Thanks

[Sunnie2day]

Do make a point of discussing this with your GP to alert her/him of continued elevated heart rate. He/she may want to monitor you more closely - or reassure you it's expected and give guidance re if/when you should worry.

If it helps any at all, it usually take me months to recover fully from a flare (chronic pericarditis) however I always check back with the GP now during the recovery months as during the recovery from the first time I had it, I ignored symptoms thinking 'Oh, it's just part of recovery' (ignoring being easier to do than many people might think) which eventually had me in a US ER going through a pericardiocentisis. Then further bouts which led to the chronic diagnosis.

Don't make my mistake - book in and find out what your GP thinks of your heart rate. Much better to be safe than sorry.

[ILowe in reply to Sunnie2day]

If you look at the biology of the heart rate, then you will find that it varies enormously:

1/ Deep sleep

2/ resting

3/ sitting

4/walking

5/ strenuous exercise, gasping for breath

etc

Therefore on your data resting is 70 and walking is 100. There could be other factors that I am missing, so please do check with your doctor, but, on the data you have given me this is perfectly normal.

The maximum recommended HR decreases with age. Fit people have a lower HR, so for instance, they can walk up hill and still sustain a conversation.

[Sunnie2day in reply to ILowe]

I think you meant your reply for Sgal

[ILowe in reply to Sunnie2day]

Agreed

[Sgal]

Thanks for the replies. My GP was not previously concerned re my heart rate and it’s higher than average reading. However it would be wise to go back and get this reviewed again. As I say I feel fine and no symptoms jst an awareness of my heart beating faster.