Post-Exercise Heart Rate Increase
I'm uncertain about the right forum for this discussion. I’m a 33-year-old woman, standing at 5'6" and weighing 124.5 lbs. Today, I completed a light weightlifting session and, despite my general dislike for them, concluded with a set of 10 split squats on each leg. After the workout, I felt overheated and somewhat unwell as I rested on my couch. I checked my heart rate and found it at 120 bpm; upon standing up, it surged to 145 bpm. This sudden increase caused me to experience tunnel vision, making me feel quite alarmed. I have not yet received an official diagnosis of dysautonomia, but I do experience similar episodes (often with significantly higher heart rates) that don’t typically occur immediately after exercise. Following my last Zio patch test in January, I've been feeling a lack of confidence in my heart's rhythm—it indicated a short run of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) with heart rates fluctuating between 93 and 193 bpm, averaging 146 bpm, and I felt nothing during that period. Now, I’m anxious that this latest incident might have triggered NSVT. My electrophysiologist seems unfazed by the NSVT findings, describing it as an unusual but not uncommon rhythm, even though it’s new to me after five years of monitoring. Am I overlooking something important? Would it be wise to seek a second opinion? I recall undergoing a stress test in either 2021 or 2022, but the details escape me.
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 11:40:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your heart rate and symptoms after exercise, especially given your history. A heart rate increase after physical activity can be normal, but the specifics of your situation merit careful consideration.
Explanation
After exercise, it's typical for your heart rate to rise as your body works to deliver more oxygen to your muscles. However, if you experience notable symptoms such as tunnel vision, feeling unwell, or a significant rise in heart rate, these can be signs your body is reacting in a way that might not be typical for you, particularly given your episodes of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT).
While your electrophysiologist may not see the NSVT as alarming, your feelings of anxiety and displacement in your heart rhythm experiences are valid.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to your symptoms, especially during and after exercise. Keep a log of your heart rate, duration of exercise, any feelings of discomfort, and specific exercises that trigger these sensations.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay well-hydrated before, during, and after your workouts, as dehydration can exacerbate heart rate changes and low blood volume can lead to dizziness and tunnel vision.
-
Exercise Modification: Since you mentioned disliking some exercises, consider adjusting your workout to include lower-intensity activities that don't provoke such intense cardiovascular responses. Gradually increase the intensity to see how your body reacts.
-
Follow-Up with Your Electrophysiologist: It's reasonable to discuss your concerns again with your current electrophysiologist, especially with your recent experiences. Clearly articulate your symptoms and anxieties, and inquire about the relevance of prior tests and any potential need for follow-up testing.
-
Consider a Second Opinion: If your concerns remain unaddressed or if you feel your current provider is not recognizing the severity of your experiences, seeking a second opinion would be a productive step. Look for an electrophysiologist who specializes in arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders.
-
Avoid Triggers: If specific exercises (like split squats) tend to create distress, consider finding alternatives in your workout routine that feel more comfortable and less intense while still allowing you to stay active.
Taking these steps can help you feel more in control and informed about your heart health. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance with this topic!
Related Questions
Is This Just a Hangover?
Today, I’m not feeling my best, to say the least. Honestly, it feels as if I’m on the brink of death. Last night, I overindulged in alcohol, and now I’m suffering the consequences. I’ve been battling a severe headache and have experienced multiple bouts of vomiting, probably around ten times. My energy levels are nonexistent, leaving me feeling utterly drained. To make matters worse, my hands are tingling, and my complexion appears alarmingly pale. It’s an awful experience, to say the least. Could this just be the aftermath of a hangover? I certainly drank a considerable amount and I’ve vowed never to do this again. Age: 28, Male
Seeking Assistance for Unexplained Symptoms
Hello, I’m a 15-year-old female, weighing 48.5 kg and standing at 162 cm tall, residing in Germany. At present, I’m looking for medical advice. My current medication status is none, and I have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For the past seven months, I have been grappling with significant physical symptoms that have been largely dismissed as psychosomatic. In early 2023, I began experiencing an increased heart rate accompanied by dizziness, headaches, and episodes of near-fainting when I transition from sitting or lying down to standing. By July 2025, I noticed a gradual loss of appetite. Initially, it was mild, but it quickly escalated to a point where I no longer had any desire to eat. Once I did eat, I frequently felt nauseous, particularly with solid food, which caused painful stomach cramps and bloating. I lost around 4 kg over the initial months of these symptoms. Regrettably, my condition did not improve; it worsened, as I also experienced similar discomfort after consuming liquids. The only things I managed to take without significant pain were thicker fluids, such as drinkable yogurt and smoothies, but now even those are difficult for me. In September, I had a moderate depressive episode, for which I received psychotherapy and a prescription for Fluoxetine (20 mg). However, the medication induced severe side effects, including heightened nausea, drowsiness, muscle cramps, and weakness. My psychiatrist decided to discontinue the treatment abruptly, tapering off very quickly—after just two days at 10 mg daily, followed by 10 mg every other day for three days. One day, I became unresponsive and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, but no thorough examinations were conducted. While I was at school on October 11, I felt extremely fatigued, struggling to keep my eyes open. My condition deteriorated over the next couple of days, and by the 14th of October, I was unable to attend classes anymore. I began to experience severe fatigue along with muscle and joint pain, and general body aches. Despite sleeping extensively, my symptoms remained unchanged. I developed a significant intolerance to exertion, as even minimal activities like a brief 10-minute walk or sitting still for over an hour would lead to these overwhelming “crashes,” accompanied sometimes by a migraine or feelings of illness lasting 12 to 48 hours. Since mid-January 2026, I have been suffering from severe dizziness that sometimes prevents me from standing or walking normally. I have also experienced visual disturbances, like seeing dots in my left peripheral vision, and frequent facial numbness without relief. I was admitted to a psychosomatic unit, which only exacerbated my condition, putting me into a constant state of distress. I endured a prolonged migraine status for five days, which thankfully resolved gradually without any medical intervention. Many of my other days feel akin to being ill with the flu or suffering from poisoning. Whenever I discuss my symptoms with doctors or nurses, they attribute everything to either depression or a somatoform disorder, despite my persistent assertions that I do not feel depressed. I find the hospital I am at quite unfavorable. Previously, when I sought treatment for mesenteric lymphadenitis, they provided a placebo, insisting everything was psychological despite my existing diagnosis. I have undergone numerous tests, including a head MRI, endoscopy, ECG, echocardiogram, and various blood analyses. The MRI results were unremarkable, and the endoscopy showed no abnormalities. Both the ECG and echocardiogram returned normal results, and my blood work did not reveal much either, aside from a few slightly abnormal levels, which are listed below: - Vitamin B2: 333 - Vitamin B6: 76.3 - Vitamin A: 0.93 - Vitamin E: 32.0 - DAO: 5 - Histamine Degradation Ability: 34% - Ferritin: 19 - IgG: 192 - SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: positive - Albumin: 0.75 - Neutrophils: 66% - Lymphocytes: 9.9% - Leukocytes: 4,000 - Monocytes: 3.3 - Eosinophils: 12 - Basophils: 4.4 - Absolute Neutrophils: 0.3 None of these results appear alarming. I have also performed an Active Standing test myself, leading to the following averages: - Lay down Average Heart Rate: 75 bpm - Lay down Average Blood Pressure: 90/60 mmHg - Standing Average Heart Rate: 127 bpm - Standing Average Blood Pressure: 120/80 mmHg I am desperately seeking insight regarding my symptoms and would greatly appreciate any help or guidance on what might be happening.
Significant Increase in Blood Pressure Over Two Months
Two months ago, on December 10th, 2025, I visited a CVS minute clinic due to a sinus infection, where my blood pressure was recorded at 120/74. However, during a recent visit to my general practitioner for my yearly health examination, my blood pressure soared to an alarming 200/114. The staff measured it multiple times, suspecting an error, even using a different device. The lowest reading captured was still quite high at 191/118. After discussing my situation, the doctor inquired whether I had a blood pressure monitor at home, which I do, and advised me to monitor my readings closely. Currently, after taking multiple readings, the most favorable result was 202/114, which is causing me some concern. - Female, age 39 - Weight: 175 lbs, Height: 5'2" - Non-smoker - Social drinker - No specific dietary restrictions - Sedentary lifestyle - No known family history of heart disease - Currently taking 20mg/day of Escitalopram and 450mg/day of Bupropion for anxiety and depression Online resources suggest that my readings indicate a "hypertensive crisis," a term that sounds rather serious. Despite my weight issues, these figures appear excessively high. I plan to message my GP for a follow-up, but I am wondering how alarmed I should be in the meantime?
Advice Needed on Possible Heart Condition (ASD)
Greetings everyone, I am a 27-year-old individual. Towards the end of 2022, a preliminary 2D echocardiogram raised concerns regarding a potential Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Consequently, I underwent several follow-up echocardiograms and treadmill tests throughout 2023 and 2024. Fortunately, all results returned to be normal, and subsequent assessments indicated no structural issues with my heart. I also had a thorough evaluation at Apollo Hospital, which yielded normal findings as well. Later, during a consultation at Manipal Hospital, I was informed that the symptoms I am experiencing might be linked to anxiety or excessive worrying. Additionally, my lab tests revealed elevated levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, which fall into the prediabetic category. Currently, I do not experience chest pain, but I Continue to suffer from palpitations and a fast heartbeat, particularly when engaging in physical activities like climbing stairs. Despite receiving normal cardiac evaluations, these troubling symptoms persist, leading me to wonder if ASD has truly been dismissed or if I should consider further testing. I would appreciate any guidance on this matter.
Should I Request a Heart Evaluation from My Doctor?
**Personal Details**: 24 years old, no medications or substances, no existing health diagnoses, non-smoker, non-drinker, maintaining a healthy weight and height, engaging in regular physical activity. **Context**: During my time at university, I resolved to overcome my previous disinterest in academics and poor performance in school by adopting a comprehensive approach. This included selecting a challenging major, crafting a plan to finish my degree two years ahead of schedule, aiming for nothing less than As on exams, and ensuring my relationships with family and friends remained intact. However, my dedication to this plan resulted in significant stress. As I invested more time and energy into my studies, my anxiety about potential failure, looming deadlines, chaotic group projects, and unrelated personal issues escalated. Ultimately, this manifested as complications with my heart and blood pressure. What is most alarming is how I became accustomed to these health changes and dismissed the warning signs. I neglected to seek help from doctors or consider treatment options, essentially ignoring the symptoms entirely. **Health Issues Faced**: 1. **Heightened Sensitivity to Adrenaline**: Simply walking outside among people and traffic triggered noticeable spikes in my blood pressure. Roughly every thirty seconds, I experienced tingling in my abdomen, followed by a surge of pressure in my neck and a momentary slowing of my heart to manage the influx of blood pressure. Over the course of an hour, these occurrences added up, leading to possibly hundreds of episodes over days and months—quite concerning. 2. **Palpitations**: While this was not a constant occurrence, when it did manifest, it lasted for one to two weeks at a time. I would feel my heart racing, even during moments of rest at home. This would happen several times a day, persistently from morning until night. 3. **Elevated Heart Rate**: This was a continuous issue; my resting heart rate frequently soared into the 90s, even while sitting quietly. It often felt as though I was exerting effort, akin to physical activity, though I remained still. 4. **Chronic Tension and Sleep Disruption**: I dealt with ongoing feelings of tightness and inadequate sleep, at times leading to strange waking perceptions, such as seeing geometric shapes on surfaces upon waking. While not directly related to the previous issues, this level of sleep deprivation is undoubtedly harmful to one's health. These issues persisted for approximately two and a half years, but I have since regained my health. Nonetheless, I can't shake the feeling that I may have compromised my cardiovascular health due to these symptoms, which is why I am contemplating a heart evaluation with my doctor. I sought the opinion of an AI, which seemed dismissive, suggesting that given my situation and assuming no hidden health conditions, long-term damage was unlikely—perhaps even impossible. However, I would rather hear insights from healthcare professionals, so I'm reaching out for advice. Please share your thoughts!