Carol,

I'd like you to please read these testimonials from people just like yourself:


"I am only 22, 5'5", 116, vegetarian, don't smoke....very healthy. I have low blood pressure but my resting and exercising heart rates are extremely high. I went to a cardiologist and they told me I was just out of shape. . ."

"I am a 22yo female, 5'2", 108 lbs., and run three miles a day (not very fast--about 11 min/mile).  My heart rate reaches or exceeds 200 bpm at least once every run, and when I was on a Holter monitor a couple years ago (was having some palpitations checked out) I worked out and at one point got it up to 211.  My resting rate is in the mid 50's, which is down a bit from what it was when I started running (was in the mid 60's).  Now I usually wear a HR monitor while running and I have seen readings of 217 and 218 a couple of times . . . "

"I decided to ask my MD. He is a healthy living guru and cycles extensively. I told him my blood pressure and resting heart rate (57) are extremly low, but my exercize heart rate is extremely high (175 - 190). His suggestion was strength training."

"I'm 39, female, very fit- have done gymnastics and bike racing all of my life. My blood pressure is fairly low at 60/100. I live at 8,000 feet. I currently race competetively, and have been training on a computrainer during the winter.  My resting heart rate is mid-50s, and when I exercise my heart rate is sustained at about 180-185, and the max that I've seen doing hard workouts with intervals is 203."

"I have been running for couple of years and my heart rate jumps to 160 very easily and then stays in high 160-170 for the entire range of the run."

"8 weeks later and my endurance has vastly improved, but i still peak at 160-170 on the cross trainer with a percieved exertion of about 6 -can keep this up for my whole workout it's not hard. Jogging on the treadmill at 7.5mph will bring it up to 180+ with percieved exertion of about 7."


I only had time to post several of what constitutes hundreds of postings from a health journal that I occasionlly contribute to and I have to point out here that you've somehow selected what you believe to be a potentially grave position relative to your heart rate.

As you read these testimonials, you'll begin to realize that it represents a small sample of thousands of people who exercise daily and easily reach your stated heart rate and beyond with no ill effects.

It's no wonder that you feel as you do. Your life is far from over by any means and you need to begin believing in a direction that far less depressing. Nothing is going to happen to you and if it's of any proof, all of the people who post to the health forum never experience difficulty.

So my advice would be to stop letting your fears rule your life and begin your days with enthusiasm rather than reluctance. I'll also share with you that many people who experience your symptoms traditionally know what is at the root of their anxiety but cannot bring themselves to face or deal with it.

Your heart is fine and you're not going to suddenly die from walking or riding a bike with a heart rate of 170. Indeed, anxiety can bring about a general feeling of illness, but you must realize that it is not actually associated with underlying disease.

You'll be fine, Carol.

Best regards and Good Health

Well, anxiety is anxiety regardless of what context the patient feels it is responsible.

You'll be fine Carol.

Best regards and Good Health

The most common underlying cause for palpitations that appear in this manner is due to GI disturbances that stimulate the pneumogastric nerve, which is actually the vagus nerve at the level of the GI tract.

Understand that excess air or gas trapped within the lumen of the intestines or bowel produces pressure or compression against the intestinal or colonic wall. The pneumogastric nerve can become stimulated by such action and it sends a signal upward along the nerve to its terminal points, one of which is the heart. Other areas innervated by the vagus nerve also respond but because the heart is such a dynamic muscle and organ, the response is more readily sensed. Also realize that the occurrences are not strictly PVCs and depending upon precisely when the vagus stimulation enters the cardiac cycle, PACs are just as technically appropriate.

Lying on the left side produces more compression by gravity than lying on the right side and many persons encounter palpitations when lying on the left versus their right side.

142/97 is borderline hypertensive but most likely due to apprehension or even fear that arises from the presence of the palpitations. All persons who experience palpitations misinterpret their origin and meaning, subsequently developing an unavoidable fear that their heart may stop. This type of palpitation is actually incapable of stopping the heart or causing any type of cardiac event.

You'll be fine. There's nothing wrong with your heart.

Lastly, please start a new topic when making inquiry rather than within a topic started by others. This will help focus responses specifically to your on posting and avoid confusion by others reading the thread.  

Best regards and Good Health