What, other than simply being out of shape, causes a high resting heart rate?

Question:

My pulse is fast all the time, even faster when I do cardio. At first, when I started keeping tabs, I thought it was just a sign that I was no longer in good shape and that I needed more exercise. I have done cardio from 30 minutes to an hour at least 6 times a week for the last 6 months and figured that would help lower my resting heart rate but it hasn't budged at all. My doctor ruled out thyroid abnormalities. I'm thinking my adrenals may be out of whack. Any ideas?

Answers:
Many things can cause a high resting heart rate, such as a heart valve condition, e.g., mitral valve stenosis can result in atrial fibrillation; too high or too low potassium level, over active thyroid, or too much Synthroid as measured by blood test for TSH, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone; insuffient oxygen causing the heart to work harder, excessive alcohol consumption. A simple blood test will determine if your adrenal glands are okay. Use of asthma inhalers such as Albuterol or Advair tend to elevate heart rate, probably some other drugs do also. You didn't say your age or how fast is your pulse, but the average rate for adults is 75-100 beats per minute. Maybe you should see another doctor for a second opinion. It might be appropriate for you to be on a mild dose of a beta blocker to reduce your heart rate. These include Lopressor, generic Metolprolol, Toprol XL, and others, maybe as little as 12.5 mg per day. You might think very highly of your doctor, but they don't all know everything. Please pursue resolution of your condition before you might come to any harm. Good luck.

Stress, hormones, caffiene, heredity, breathing too fast and shallow.

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What, other than simply being out of shape, causes a high resting heart rate?

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