Concerns About Elevated Heart Rate During Running
Age: 22, Height: 5'3" I don't track my weight, but I wear a size 6 (28-inch waist in jeans). My medical history is quite extensive, including surgeries, sepsis, and a partial collapse of both lungs in the past couple of years, which also led to the surgical removal of a part of my diaphragm. Additionally, I’m dealing with PCOS. (Clearly, there’s a lot going on.) I took up running around six weeks ago and have been quite dedicated. My routine consists of intervals where I run for 2-3 minutes followed by walking for the same duration. When I run an 11-minute mile for two minutes, my heart rate climbs to 197 beats per minute, dips to about 160 during recovery, and often spikes back into the 190s. This situation puzzles me. While I’m not classified as obese, I acknowledge that my weight might be slightly above average due to my PCOS. Remarkably, I feel perfectly fine about half an hour afterward, and I genuinely enjoy running. Should I be concerned? Is this level of heart rate typical? I had an EKG at the doctor's office less than eight weeks ago, which indicated sinus tachycardia.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 10:20:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great to hear that you’ve taken up running and are enjoying it! However, given your medical history and the heart rate levels you’ve described during your workouts, it’s important to address your concerns thoughtfully.
Main Points:
- Elevated Heart Rate During Running: Your heart rate of 197 beats per minute is high, especially during exercise.
- Underlying Health Considerations: Your past health issues, including surgeries related to your lung function and PCOS, play a crucial role in how your body responds to exercise.
Explanation:
During exercise, it is normal for your heart rate to increase as your body works hard to supply muscles with oxygen. However, reaching or exceeding 190 bpm can be concerning, particularly for someone with your medical history. Sinus tachycardia means your heart is beating faster than normal, which can happen for various reasons including intensity of exercise, stress, medication, and underlying health issues.
The fact that you feel fine post-exercise is hopeful, but given your lung issues and history, it’s critical to ensure that your heart can handle elevated rates safely.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Heart Rate: Keep track of your heart rate during exercise. You can use a heart rate monitor that gives real-time feedback, which can help you gauge intensity safely.
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Adjust Intensity: Try reducing the intensity of your runs or the duration of your intervals. Consider running at a slower pace or incorporating a longer walking interval to see if that helps manage your heart rate better.
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Stay Hydrated and Cool: Make sure you’re well-hydrated and avoid running in very hot or humid conditions, as these can exacerbate heart rate increases.
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Listen to Your Body: If you experience symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, stop exercising immediately and rest.
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Consult a Healthcare Provider: It’s wise to discuss your current running routine and heart rate responses with a healthcare professional, especially given your history. They can help assess how your body is handling the exercise and whether any adjustments are necessary.
Your enjoyment of running is essential, and with a careful approach, you can maintain a healthy and safe exercise routine. Let me know if you have questions about specific adjustments or need further clarification!
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