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What Causes High Pulse Rate Despite Taking Medication For High BP And Following A Strict Exercise Regime?
Question: Had a physical yesterday. I take 80 mg of Micardis daily for HBP. No weight issues. No diabetes. Non-smoker.Bp is 125/85, but pulse is 155-160. No symptoms. Pulse rate has never been an issue. Referred to a cardiologist. Appointment in 2 weeks. What should we be looking for? I exercise regularly. Cholesterol goals are 158.
Brief Answer:
Different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Elevated heart rate (tachycardia), can be due to different possible causes.
Typically investigations into tachycardia include-
(1) An EKG- this looks at the heart rate and heart rhythm. Some causes of tachycardia would show typical changes in EKG that would identify the reason for the increase in rate.
If the EKG does not show the reason for the increase during the time the test is being done (sometimes the increase is intermittent and does not show up at the time of the EKG), then a Holter may be suggested. A Holter is a 24 hour EKG.
(2) Blood tests such as complete blood count and thyroid function tests are sometimes also done because anemia and high level of thyroid hormone can also cause tachycardia (increased heart rate).
Some causes of increased heart rate are-
(1) Changes in the heart rhythm/rate by conditions such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia. These conditions occur when there is an intrinsic issue with the heart. It is sending abnormal 'signals' that cause an increase in heart rate. There are medications that may help with this.
(2) Anemia and thyroid disease.
(3) The side effects of medication or caffeine.
(4) Infection/fever/trauma/anxiety.
The EKG would point your doctor in the right direction.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Elevated heart rate (tachycardia), can be due to different possible causes.
Typically investigations into tachycardia include-
(1) An EKG- this looks at the heart rate and heart rhythm. Some causes of tachycardia would show typical changes in EKG that would identify the reason for the increase in rate.
If the EKG does not show the reason for the increase during the time the test is being done (sometimes the increase is intermittent and does not show up at the time of the EKG), then a Holter may be suggested. A Holter is a 24 hour EKG.
(2) Blood tests such as complete blood count and thyroid function tests are sometimes also done because anemia and high level of thyroid hormone can also cause tachycardia (increased heart rate).
Some causes of increased heart rate are-
(1) Changes in the heart rhythm/rate by conditions such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia. These conditions occur when there is an intrinsic issue with the heart. It is sending abnormal 'signals' that cause an increase in heart rate. There are medications that may help with this.
(2) Anemia and thyroid disease.
(3) The side effects of medication or caffeine.
(4) Infection/fever/trauma/anxiety.
The EKG would point your doctor in the right direction.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Any reason to back off of the normal 2-3 times per week exercise regimen? I do a combination of cardio and free weights. The goal is fitness and retention of muscle/muscle tone not to increase muscle mass and buy new clothing.
Brief Answer:
Would be best to hold off till your assessment.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It would be best to decrease the physical activity until the appointment with the cardiologist.
The exercise would cause a further increase in heart rate and though it would decrease at the completion of the activity, it would be best not to stress out or work the heart more than necessary.
Carrying out your normal daily activities would be fine.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Would be best to hold off till your assessment.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It would be best to decrease the physical activity until the appointment with the cardiologist.
The exercise would cause a further increase in heart rate and though it would decrease at the completion of the activity, it would be best not to stress out or work the heart more than necessary.
Carrying out your normal daily activities would be fine.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
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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