Fast resting pulse.

I've had a terrible past five months with extreme anxiety due to a huge family rift which has knocked me for six. During that time I stopped exercising, comfort ate and generally had no will to get motivated. I just felt so nervous all the time and had no will to even get out and about. Now I'm feeling a little more upbeat but get breathless even climbing the stairs which I never used to before. Also my resting pulse rate has been noted at all my appointments as quite high. I intend to start brisk walking again and exercising and eating more sensibly but can someone explain why my pulse rate should be so high when it has always been about 56 to 60bpm. I conclude this is because of my inactivity but just exactly what happens physically to make it so high? Even my blood pressure has gone up. I'm not overweight, just inactive. But I'm intending changing! Just curious. Thanks.

[simon11]

HI Sarah im having trouble with my heartrate mine gos up to 120bpm just by climbing stairs but went down to 42bpm ended up in hospital drs stopped my beta blockers it came up to 58bpm let me go home but if my heartrate went above 70bpm start beta blockers which it did had portable ecg machine on for 24hrs 8 weeks ago still waiting for hospital to call me with results heart rate still all over the place up and down seen drs couple of times as to low or to high last dr said to me i quote what do you want to do i said your the dr so he has said take beta blocker then if it goes to high stop taking thats his opion will phone hospital today to see if my file is still sitting on his desk as i was told this 4 weeks ago will let you know what happens regards simon

[sandybrown]

HI,

Did you measure your pulse electronically?

[Hidden in reply to sandybrown]

no, when I used to sit quietly or go to different appointments my pulse was always 60bpm. I walked a lot every day and did far more exercise and watched what I ate. These days its faster. And my BP is up. It's all gradually got worse since I've been inactive for five months. All I really need to know is why does lack of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, contribute to a faster resting pulse and higher blood pressure? As in what happens physically? Thanks

[Queeniescakes]

Anxiety = adrenaline = raised heart rate & raised BP. I have been dealing with anxiety as well as heart disease. My average resting pulse is 63 (unmedicated), if I am anxious it is higher, or worst of all having the occasional full on adrenaline rush (can go double the above easily!). Dealing with your anxiety is important.Checkout the anxiety support community on here for tips & support.

[Hidden in reply to Queeniescakes]

thank you but I'm no longer as stressed. I just wanted to know WHY bp and pulse go up due to not exercising.

[Queeniescakes in reply to Hidden]

You could, like me, be experiencing adrenaline rushes or suffering from adrenal fatigue. This can happen after an extended period of stress. Last year I got married and my son left home within a space of a month. The stress was awful and it has left my adrenal glands in a mess. They will heal, but it will take time.

[patch14]

Hello sarah1942, as you say you have been under stress for some months and your body is reacting to all of that. Also, your diet has gone out of the window and your exercise regime is non existent. Now is the time to redress the balance but SLOWLY. Rushing to the gym and going on a drastic diet is NOT the way to go. Firstly, get the all clear from your GP to change your lifestyle. Walking is a good start. A stroll around your neighbourhood on a daily basis with a gentle increase in time from 1/2 hour to 1 hour over 2 weeks. Eat sensibly, with lots of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and fats. Cut out the "low fat" rubbish and eat as natural a diet as possible, avoiding processed and ready meals. Try not to worry about your pulse rate. If you worry about it it will increase! As the weeks go by, you should see a lowering and the endorphins from your exercise should start to calm your pulse. When you are doing a good brisk walk with slight breathlessness for 1 hour every day then you can think about swimming, perhaps a workout at the gym once a week and maybe, if you feel it is you, light running. I wish you well.

[Hidden]

I don't think I can run -- my back/legs are so arthritic and soooo painful when I alter position even-- but yes walking is a good idea to start with. Thank you for that.