{"id":18475,"date":"2021-05-17T09:30:10","date_gmt":"2021-05-17T13:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=18475"},"modified":"2024-11-20T12:52:39","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T17:52:39","slug":"drugs-that-increase-heart-rate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/drugs-that-increase-heart-rate\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to exercise while taking an Rx that increases your heart rate?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You take medications to help maintain or improve your health. But what happens when the medication you take for one condition causes other health conditions to worsen? This is something people at risk for heart problems need to consider when taking medications that can increase heart rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

An increase in heart rate is not necessarily problematic. In fact, our heart rates go up and down regularly depending on a number of factors, some of which are<\/span> healthy for your heart<\/span><\/a>\u2014like exercising. But for some individuals, drugs that increase heart rate may be a concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is resting heart rate?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Resting heart rate is your baseline heart rate. It is the number of beats per minute your heart makes when you are relaxed, sitting or lying down, and not doing physical activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span> normal resting heart rate<\/span><\/a> for adults over 18 is<\/span> 60 to 100 beats per minute<\/span><\/a>. People who regularly exercise vigorously may have a heart rate as low as <\/span>40 beats per minute<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

To calculate your heart rate, first find your pulse by placing your index and middle finger either on your wrist under the base of your thumb, or on your neck on either side of your windpipe. You may need to move your fingers slightly until you feel the steady pumping.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching a clock with a minute reading, count the number of beats you feel in 15 seconds and multiply that by 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

Resting heart rate = ____ beats per 15 seconds x 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is maximum heart rate?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your maximum heart rate is the rate at which your heart is beating when it is working its hardest.<\/span> To estimate your maximum heart rate<\/span><\/a>, start with 220 and subtract your age. For example, someone who is 30 would have an estimated age-related maximum heart rate of 190, while someone who is 70 would have an estimated age-related maximum heart rate of 150.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maximum heart rate = 220 \u2013 age.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a target heart rate?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your target heart rate is the heart rate you are aiming for while exercising.<\/span><\/p>\n

For moderate to intense physical activity, your target heart rate should be between 64% and 76% of your maximum heart rate. For example, someone who is 30 has a maximum heart rate of approximately 190. Their target heart rate for moderate to intense physical activity would be between 122 beats per minute (bpm) and 144 bpm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Target heart rate for moderate to intense physical activity =<\/span><\/p>\n