What Causes Elevated Pulse Rate?

Posted on Mon, 15 Feb 2016

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

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 2 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I normally have a low pulse rate....40 to 50 pm, but have suddenly have a pulse rate in the 90s and at point it went up to 144. It has gone down at times to 60 but has stayed in the 80-90 range. I have taken an aspirin as a precaution but I feel this is highly abnormal for me since I have have the low pulse rate for a few years. How should I deal with this situation?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms could be related to a cardiac arrhythmia.

I recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:

- a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart structure
- an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to examine your heart rhythm trends during this period
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, blood electrolytes, thyroid hormone levels).

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.

I would be happy to review all your uploaded tests as soon as you have the results, for a second professional opinion.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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