how to increase heart beat - #16151
I am feeling a bit confused and worried because I’ve been reading about how to increase heart beat but I’m not sure what's safe. Last week, I went for a run thinking it will help, but my heart rate was super low, like around 50 bpm, and I got kinda dizzy. I’m 28 and try to stay active, but when I did a 10-minute HIIT workout, my heart hardly went up! Doesn’t make sense, right? I mean, I thought exercising was supposed to raise your heart rate. I’ve tried things like jumping jacks and even heavy lifts, but can’t really tell if that’s even working for me. Sometimes, I feel like my heart is just really chill, maybe too chill, and I worry about it!! I found some articles on how to increase heart beat with diet and certain supplements, but I’m really hesitant because I don’t want to mess with anything. Are there safe ways how to increase heart beat, or should I be concerned about this low rate? Does anyone have tips or experiences on how to increase heart beat without overdoing it? Like, should I try caffeine or just push myself more in workouts? I really want to understand if it’s fine or something more serious.
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Doctors’ responses
First, it’s important to acknowledge that a low resting heart rate, known as bradycardia, isn’t always a cause for concern. Athletes or individuals who are physically fit often have a lower baseline heart rate since their hearts pump more efficiently. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or fatigue, these could potentially indicate an underlying issue, and it’s worth investigating further. During exercise, particularly something intense like HIIT or heavy lifting, your heart rate should normally increase to meet the body’s elevated demands. If you’re noticing it stays unexpectedly low, it could also hint at a circulatory or central nervous system problem, or perhaps an issue with your heart’s electrical system. Consulting a healthcare professional or cardiologist would be a wise step, as they can perform appropriate tests like an ECG or a Holter monitor to understand what’s happening more clearly.
As for safely increasing your heart rate during exercise, consider gradually building up your cardiovascular conditioning. Instead of jumping into intense exercises, start with moderate activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Monitor your heart rate with a wearable device to understand how it responds and gradually increase intensity over weeks. Hydration and electrolytes are crucial, too, as they affect heart function. Caffeine can increase heart rate, but be cautious with its use, particularly if you have any heart conditions or experience palpitations. Supplements might offer some benefits, but they should be approached carefully and preferably with guidance from a healthcare provider. Prioritize regular health check-ups, especially if bradycardia persists or worsens, and emphasize a balanced approach to both lifestyle and activity level changes.
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