What Causes Fluctuating Heart Rate In Elderly?

Posted on Sun, 15 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Mar 2015 Answered on

Sat, 11 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : hi there, im a 51 yr old female, my pulse rate is fluctuating between 95-98 when resting, but even If I just walk half a dozen feet or so it goes right up to 105-110

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is a high heart rate that needs investigation

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

a high heart rate needs investigation. I'll mention some potential causes:
- thyroid disease. A very low TSH value in the blood would prove it.
- anemia. A full blood count would be required for the diagnosis.
- various heart conditions, like arrhythmias, myocarditis etc. Electrocardiograms and perhaps ultrasound scans and blood tests might be needed.
- lung disease. History of smoking, shortness of breath, cough etc is needed.
- anxiety! This is a common cause that cannot be proven. Excluded organic causes would be required.

I hope you find my answer helpful!
If you'd like further information about your condition, you can contact me again using your follow-up questions.

Kind Regards!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar