how to improve pulse rate at home - #16984
I am trying to figure out how to improve my pulse rate at home. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling kind of sluggish and my pulse rate seems lower than usual. I don't really know what's going on. Like, I noticed after my morning jog, my heart rate doesn’t seem to go up as much as it used to, plus I’m short of breath sometimes, which is weird! I mean, I drink coffee for energy and occasionally do yoga but maybe it’s not enough? I also get these weird dizzy spells when I stand up quickly, and it makes me wonder if that's related too. Last week, I took my pulse rate at home and it was like 55 beats per minute, which seems low, right? I'm worried this could be a sign of something serious. I’ve read a bit online and it says how to improve pulse rate at home might include hydration and breathing exercises but I don’t know what exactly to do! Are there any specific foods or techniques, or even exercises you guys would recommend? I really wanna avoid going to the doctor unless necessary, so any tips on how to improve pulse rate at home would really help.
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Doctors’ responses
If you’re finding that your pulse rate is consistently low, particularly if it’s accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath, it’s important not to brush it aside completely. A pulse rate of 55 beats per minute can be considered normal if you’re athletic, but given the symptoms you mention, it’s worthwhile to monitor a little closer. While some relaxation exercises like yoga or simple breathing exercises can help with stress, they aren’t likely to directly impact your heart rate much. First off, aim to stay well-hydrated; dehydration can sometimes lead to a lower heart rate. Try to drink around 8-10 glasses of water a day. Include electrolyte-rich beverages, especially if you’re sweating a lot during exercise and notice that dizziness afterward. As you mentioned, breathing exercises can help – consider practicing deep breathing or diaphragmatic breathing. You can inhale slowly, hold for a second, then exhale gently, focusing on longer exhalations. Do this for a few minutes a couple of times a day—it may improve your circulatory efficiency. Also, consider increasing your physical activity gradually, within your limits, to condition your heart. Cardiovascular exercises increase your heart rate in the short term and can improve overall cardiovascular health over time. Activities like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling for about 30 minutes most days of the week could help. If dizziness persists or worsens, or new symptoms crop up, reach out to a healthcare professional. Eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, might support heart health too, even though no specific food will dramatically change pulse. Lastly, although it’s sensible to be cautious about medical visits, in this case, see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve soon or if they worsen; there are potential underlying issues that a professional assessment could catch that might require treatment.
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