how to maintain pulse rate - #17503
I am really concerned about my pulse rate lately. For the past few weeks, I’ve noticed it fluctuating a lot, sometimes it feels super fast even when I'm just sitting down. Last week I felt dizzy during my morning walk, and my heart was racing like I just finished a sprint. I checked it with one of those wrist monitors, and it was around 110 bpm when I was chilling! I don’t really know how to maintain pulse rate, though. I've tried taking deep breaths and drinking more water, but it doesn’t seem to work for long. I'm generally active—the gym is my second home—but recently I’ve cut back on cardio because I started feeling these palpitations. I've read that stress and diet can play a role, too, and honestly, my eating habits have taken a hit lately. When I feel my heart race like this, I panic a bit, thinking what if there's something really wrong. Does anyone know how to maintain pulse rate effectively? Are there specific exercises or dietary changes I should consider or is it more about managing stress? Like, I want to get a handle on this before it turns into something serious. Any advice would be really appreciated!
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Doctors' responses
Keeping your pulse rate within a normal range often involves a multifaceted approach. First, it might be useful to evaluate lifestyle factors like stress, diet, and physical activity. An elevated pulse rate, especially when you’re at rest, can sometimes be tied to those elements. To start with, stress management is key. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help. Consistency in these practices tends to offer the best results, so try dedicating a few minutes every day. Regarding diet, focusing on overall heart health is beneficial. Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, reducing caffeine and avoiding excess sugar or processed foods, might help stabilize your heart rate. Since diet plays a crucial role, regular, balanced meals are recommended to keep insulin levels stable, which can influence heart rhythms. Exercise is another essential piece, though it’s important to approach it correctly given your symptoms. While regular cardiovascular exercise contributes to heart health, if you’re experiencing palpitations, it’s wise to ease into it gradually under medical guidance. Since you’ve noticed a fluctuation during exercise, it might be prudent to temporarily shift to low-impact aerobic exercises like walking or swimming, keeping sessions short and seeing how your heart rate responds. Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can lead to an increased heart rate. Monitor your intake of stimulating substances, such as caffeine or nicotine, as they may also elevate your pulse. Collectively, keeping a consistent routine with these lifestyle factors should contribute to better maintaining your pulse rate. However, given your symptoms—especially dizziness and a high resting heart rate—it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional soon. Those could be warning signs of an underlying condition needing prompt evaluation. They may suggest tests like an EKG or a Holter monitor to track your heart rhythm more closely. Remember, it’s always better to assess and address these concerns early to ensure they don’t develop into more serious issues.
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