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What Causes Heart Palpitations While Exercising?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Sep 2015
Question: Hi,
I am a 54 year old female. Last weekend I walked a 5K with with my family. It was early morning, but it was hot. I was doing great walking up hill and down until the last mile. As I walked downhill I noticed a strong flutter in my chest. I have had heart palpitations before but this seemed stronger. it went away as soon as it came. The only other thing I noticed is that my hands were swollen-as is often the case when I walk.

I finished the 5K and felt fine after eating a banana and drinking water.

Later that week I walked a 5K with my husband and I was fine. I walked up hills and down with no issues.

Today I was out my my family walking. It was hot and we were talking and walked farther than we had planned.
On our return home ( mile 6 or so) I noticed that same strong flutter. I had no other pain. I sat down for three minutes or so and finished my walk.

I have hypothryroidism. Normal blood pressure. I take a statin for elevated cholesterol.
I also noticed that my hands were swollen just as they were during the 5K. And it was hot as it was on the day of the 5k. I plan to make and appointment with my family doc.
Thoughts?
XXXXXXX XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
atrial fibrillation

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You have noticed twice now with exercise that you are having heart palpitations. These palpitations could be from various sources including exercise induced tachycardia and dehydration but it could also be atrial fibrillation. You need ot have a cardiac workup to determine the cause. I recommend that you be seen by your medical provider and get an ECG, and lab work. You may also need holter monitor and stress testing.

I think is in you best interest to have this investigated and not take a wait and see attitude

In summary
1. possible dehydration
2. possible atrial fibrillation or other heart arrhythmia
3. see your doctor
4. work up including ECG, labs holter monitor and stress test

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with your health care concerns and questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (6 minutes later)
Thank you. I suspected this might be the answer. I was drinking a ton of water while I walked. Maybe too much, not sure. I'll tell my doc. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
your welcome

Detailed Answer:
Please do your follow up with your doctor

Best of luck
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Heart Palpitations While Exercising?

Brief Answer: atrial fibrillation Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns You have noticed twice now with exercise that you are having heart palpitations. These palpitations could be from various sources including exercise induced tachycardia and dehydration but it could also be atrial fibrillation. You need ot have a cardiac workup to determine the cause. I recommend that you be seen by your medical provider and get an ECG, and lab work. You may also need holter monitor and stress testing. I think is in you best interest to have this investigated and not take a wait and see attitude In summary 1. possible dehydration 2. possible atrial fibrillation or other heart arrhythmia 3. see your doctor 4. work up including ECG, labs holter monitor and stress test I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with your health care concerns and questions