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What Causes Fluctuating Heart Rate In Elderly?

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Posted on Sun, 15 Mar 2015
Twitter Sun, 15 Mar 2015 Answered on
Twitter 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
doctor
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!
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3817 Questions

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What Causes Fluctuating Heart Rate In Elderly?

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!