Elevated Resting Heart Rate During Illness
Greetings! I’m a 14-year-old male, and approximately two days ago, I began experiencing symptoms starting with just a sore throat. About five hours later, a fever set in. Despite feeling unwell, I continued to care for myself with my dad’s assistance, even though I was aware my heart rate was elevated; I simply didn’t bother to check it. When I woke up today, my condition seemed unchanged. I decided to monitor my resting heart rate and found it to be between 125 and 130 beats per minute, which constitutes tachycardia. Typically, my resting heart rate ranges from 80 to 85 bpm, but I am somewhat overweight (5'5" and 170 lbs). I suspect I might have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), although I haven't undergone any testing; I base this suspicion on the fact that my heart rate significantly increases from 80 to between 130 and 140 bpm upon standing. I’m uncertain about what actions to take next, as a resting heart rate of 125-130 feels abnormal to me. If you have any inquiries, feel free to ask!
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 9:30:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
Elevated resting heart rates during illness, especially with symptoms like fever and a sore throat, can be concerning but often have understandable explanations. It’s important to acknowledge your experience and ensure you take steps to care for yourself effectively.
Understanding Your Situation: When your body is fighting an illness, such as a viral infection, it's common for your heart rate to increase as part of the body’s response to infection. This can happen for several reasons, including fever, dehydration, anxiety, or an increase in metabolic demand. Your elevated heart rate of 125-130 beats per minute (bpm) is indeed higher than your usual resting rate, indicating your body is currently under stress, likely due to your illness.
Next Steps:
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Dehydration can worsen your elevated heart rate. Aim for water, herbal teas, or broth.
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Rest: Give your body time to heal. Aim to rest as much as possible, allowing your body's immune system to work effectively.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep tracking your heart rate and any other symptoms, such as fever, difficulty breathing, or worsening of your sore throat. Note any significant changes.
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Manage Fever: If you're experiencing discomfort from fever, consider using over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), following dosing guidelines suitable for your age and weight.
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Position Changes: If you're noticing a significant increase in heart rate when standing, try to move slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture. If this continues to be a concern, it may be worth investigating further.
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Slow Deep Breathing: Practice relaxation techniques or breathing exercises to help reduce anxiety, which can also contribute to increased heart rate.
When to Seek Help: If your heart rate remains consistently elevated or if you experience alarming symptoms like chest pain, fainting, confusion, or extreme shortness of breath, it’s important to seek medical attention.
In Summary: Your situation is understandably concerning, especially with the symptoms you’re experiencing. Focus on hydration, rest, and monitoring your symptoms. If anything worsens, it's crucial to reach out for professional medical advice promptly. Your health should always come first! If you have additional questions or updates, feel free to ask.
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