Concerns About Elevated Heart Rate
Overview: I’m a 19-year-old female, standing at 5’7”, and while I consider myself overweight (approximately 220 lbs), I’m not certain of my exact weight. I have a diagnosis of ADHD and experience anxiety as well. Currently, I'm prescribed 20mg of Adderall, although I'm expecting an increase in my dosage soon. I don't take any medications for anxiety at the moment. I consume caffeine sporadically throughout the week, but I've noticed that it doesn't significantly impact my heart rate issue. In the past, I exercised fairly regularly, but due to increased university commitments, I haven’t been able to maintain that routine lately. Regardless, I do manage to walk between 7,000 to 10,000 steps each day. My meals primarily consist of dining hall options, including meats, carrots, carbohydrates, yogurt, and fruits. I recognize that on most weekdays, my food intake may not be adequate, but I make an effort to eat what I can. Issue: My heart rate frequently ranges between 100 to 140 beats per minute when engaging in simple tasks or while walking. However, it generally decreases to around 80 to 105 BPM when I’m at rest. Strangely, I don’t experience any noticeable changes in how I feel, and I only monitor my heart rate because my smartwatch tracks it. Although I do feel some shakiness in my hands when my heart rate spikes unusually high, I’ve experienced hand tremors throughout my life, which complicates my ability to determine if that’s relevant to my heart rate issues. It seems more pronounced when my heart rate elevates. Medical Attention: My healthcare providers have not raised significant concerns regarding my elevated heart rate. I attend regular appointments to manage my ADHD medication, during which they routinely check my heart rate and blood pressure. My recent bloodwork results came back normal, and I underwent an EKG a couple of years ago that didn’t indicate any issues either.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 8:50:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerns about your heart rate that feel significant to you, especially with your background in ADHD and anxiety. Elevated heart rates during daily activities are not uncommon, particularly in the context of those conditions and the medications used to manage them. Let's break down your situation and identify some actionable steps.
Key Points:
- Elevated Heart Rate: Your heart rate of 100 to 140 BPM during light activity may be higher than average, but it can arise from factors like stress, anxiety, caffeine, and even the medications you're taking.
- Symptoms: You mention shakiness in your hands, especially during higher heart rates, which could relate to anxiety or perhaps the effects of Adderall.
- No Immediate Red Flags: Your healthcare providers aren’t worried based on previous assessments, which is reassuring, but it’s valid to want to address your concerns further.
Explanation:
Your heart rate increases during tasks could be related to several things:
- Anxiety and Stress: Your ADHD and lack of anxiety medication might contribute to fluctuations in heart rate.
- Adderall Effects: Stimulant medications like Adderall can increase heart rate and might be contributing to your experiences.
- Lack of Consistent Exercise: While walking is great, an absence of a structured exercise routine could affect overall cardiovascular health.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Activity and Triggers: Keep a diary of your daily activities and note when your heart rate spikes. Pay attention to any additional stressors or situations that might coincide with these rates.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re drinking enough water and getting balanced meals to support your overall well-being. Try to include protein, healthy fats, and more fruits and vegetables to sustain energy levels throughout the day.
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Gentle Exercise: Try to incorporate more structured, moderate exercise into your routine, such as 15-30 minutes of light to moderate aerobic activity (like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) several days a week. This can help improve cardiovascular fitness and possibly regulate heart rates over time.
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Stress Management Techniques: Consider exploring strategies such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or even yoga to help manage anxiety. These practices can reduce your overall stress and might help with heart rate control.
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Revisit Medication: It might be worth discussing any concerns about your current medication and its effect on your heart rate with your healthcare provider. A dosage adjustment or a different medication for anxiety may be beneficial.
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Check-in on Symptoms: If you notice significant changes in symptoms—like dizziness, persistent palpitations, or if the shakiness worsens—do seek medical advice promptly.
You are actively taking steps to understand and manage your health, which is commendable. If you feel uncertain about your symptoms or feel they intensify, do not hesitate to reach out for further evaluation or adjustment of your treatment.
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