Concerns About Heart Issues
At 16 years old, I stand about 5'7" (or 171 cm) and weigh around 68 kg. Ever since the pandemic, I’ve experienced some unsettling symptoms. Although my case of COVID-19 wasn't severe, I've noticed that during my short 15-minute walk to my new school, which requires less walking and more use of public transportation, my heart rate accelerates significantly. Whenever I walk, even a distance as short as five minutes, my heart rate can soar past 150 beats per minute, with my record high hitting 192 bpm after about 10 to 15 minutes of walking uphill. The incline isn’t the steepest, yet I feel it takes a toll. It feels particularly worse in the summer, and it seems to have gradually escalated. When I walk for more than a few minutes, I tend to sweat profusely, and I often deal with shortness of breath, along with occasional chest pain. From early 2022 to early 2025, I dislocated both of my knees twice, totaling four dislocations and two surgeries. Since then, I've had prolonged breaks from walking but have engaged in physical therapy, yet my heart rate continues to be a concern regardless of my efforts to walk to school. I find that my symptoms worsen during the warmer months; even a thrilling game can prompt significant sweating. Although I’m eager to improve my fitness, the rapid heart rates leave me feeling exhausted, so I tend to avoid physical activities. My resting heart rate typically falls between 80 and 90 beats per minute, occasionally hitting 100 even when I’m just relaxing. I’ve mentioned my concerns to my mother, but she brushed them off, attributing them to being out of shape, which is frustrating. I have researched conditions like POTS, tachycardia, and anemia, but I haven’t encountered anything that mirrors my experience precisely. I am feeling uncertain about how to proceed, particularly in convincing my mother or scheduling a doctor's appointment to discuss my symptoms further.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 7:03:12 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your heart rate and overall symptoms, especially given your medical history and the changes you've experienced since the pandemic. Your symptoms—rapid heart rate during activity, shortness of breath, and sweating—are definitely worth paying attention to.
Explanation
Your heart rate increasing significantly during physical activity is not uncommon, but reaching 150 bpm or higher, especially with accompanying symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, may indicate an underlying issue that should be addressed. Given your recent history of knee dislocations and surgeries, it's possible that your cardiovascular fitness may be impacted, but these specific symptoms could be more than just deconditioning.
Conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which you mentioned, can cause rapid heart rates and difficulty during physical activities. It’s also important to consider other factors such as hydration, heat sensitivity, and how your earlier knee injuries may relate to your current fitness levels.
Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Journal: Track your heart rates during different activities, noting when symptoms occur (like the duration, intensity, and any other sensations). This will provide valuable information for a healthcare provider.
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Hydration and Cooling Strategies: Take extra care to stay hydrated, especially in warmer temperatures. Consider cooling down before you start physical activities, which might help ease the burden on your heart.
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Gradual Increase in Activity: If you're feeling up to it, try gentle stretching or short walks to gradually build your fitness. Start slow, listen to your body, and don't push into discomfort.
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Communicate Your Concerns: It might help to express your worries to your mother with facts or even involve a supportive adult who can help facilitate a conversation. Share your symptom journal with her to illustrate why you believe it's important to seek professional advice.
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Schedule a Check-up: When you feel ready, make an appointment with a healthcare provider and bring your symptom journal. Discuss all your symptoms openly, your heart rate concerns, and your past injuries to get a comprehensive view.
Remember, your health is important, and advocating for your needs is a vital part of ensuring you receive the care you deserve. If you experience severe symptoms like persistent chest pain, fainting, or extreme shortness of breath, seek emergency help. Take one step at a time, and know that you are working towards understanding and improving your health!
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