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What Causes High Heart Rate During Third Trimester?

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Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016
Question: I'm a 33 year old female with a history of anxiety, PVC's, and sinus tach. I take Atenolol daily (25 mg twice daily). I'm 38 weeks pregnant and am struggling with spikes in heart rate. My weight gain is typical (I've gone from 135-170) and my BP is alwaYs fine. I have seen the ARNP at my cardiologist office periodically through this pregnancy. She has adjusted my meds a little and suggested I really try and up my water intake. My resting pulse can vary from low 70's to mid 90's, but any physical exertion (even just standing) can increase it to 140+. It's frustrating to see and feel it get that high, especially being on medication. I only feel comfortable laying down or sitting, and that makes caring for my son and housework extremely challenging. I want to ask for an EKG, but I'm afraid they'll just tell me it's all anxiety-induced. I've had all the heart tests you can think of about 2 years ago (and nothing significant found). Is a spike in pulse typical in this stage of pregnancy? Because of anxiety, am I just super sensitive to it?
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Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

The spike on heart rate and pulse is typical in this stage of pregnancy. Your baby at this stage is in the upper part of abdomen and push hard agains stomach, diaphragm. These organs are in close affinity with lungs and heart. This is why it's typical to experience tachycardia, palpitations and dyspnea with minimal physical activity.

Since this is a common findings and all your cardiac exams were previously normal you shouldn't worry about these symptoms. Appart from discomfort and distress (both physical and psychological) nothing wrong is going to happen.

Wish you all the best!
Dr. Shehu
p.s: If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

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What Causes High Heart Rate During Third Trimester?

Brief Answer: Following advice. Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you for asking! I read your query and understood your concerns. The spike on heart rate and pulse is typical in this stage of pregnancy. Your baby at this stage is in the upper part of abdomen and push hard agains stomach, diaphragm. These organs are in close affinity with lungs and heart. This is why it's typical to experience tachycardia, palpitations and dyspnea with minimal physical activity. Since this is a common findings and all your cardiac exams were previously normal you shouldn't worry about these symptoms. Appart from discomfort and distress (both physical and psychological) nothing wrong is going to happen. Wish you all the best! Dr. Shehu p.s: If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.