Fast heart rate or irregular heart rhythm and shortness of breath during physical activities
Exercise increases heart rate, but the rate usually returns to normal within minutes after the exercise stops. Anyone who has a fast heart rate or irregular rhythm with shortness of breath for an extended period of time after physical activity may have a heart problem. Anyone who has palpitations, an irregular heart rhythm, lightheadedness, or fainting when he or she is physically active needs to be evaluated before activities are continued.
If you have heart disease, heart failure, or have had a heart attack, call your health professional immediately if you have a change in your usual heart rate or rhythm, especially if it occurs with shortness of breath, at rest, or after mild exertion.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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