What Causes Elevated Heart Rate Upon Walking From A Sitting Position?

Posted on Wed, 11 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 Answered on

Thu, 3 Aug 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Heart rate went from resting 65 to 122 - just went from sitting to walking a few 100 feet

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I would explain that these heart rate fluctuations are quite normal during physical activity.

They are related to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system during physical activity.

There is nothing to worry about!

If you experience palpitations or shortness of breath, I would recommend consulting with your GP for a physical exam and some tests:

- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for any imbalance.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar