Racing Heart When Sick?

[kalamazoo]

My heart rate always elevates by about 20 bpm whenever I'm sick. So when I'm sick my heart rate is about 100 resting. Anyone else get this?

[flyingsquirrel]

Yup. A mild rise in heart rate is a normal response to an infection...increased metabolic needs to fight the infection and all that. My heart rate rises out of porportion to other stress (like walking across the room) so it doesn't suprise me that it rises out of porportion to being sick too.

A large rise in heart rate, especially when coupled with an increased respiratory rate and/or a decreased blood pressure can be a sign of a serious infection that needs prompt medical attention.

[HopeSprings]

Yes, I just went through this a few months ago. I had a nasty virus with a high fever and then a month later had Strep throat with a high fever. Both times I was tachycardic, even while laying down. My heartrate wouldn't come under 100, which the Dr. said was normal with a fever. I don't remember a fast heartrate with illness before POTS - so I think somehow the POTS plays into this.

[brethor9]

yes me too....just getting over a really bad cold and my POTS has been really bad again

[SpinnyC]

Yes, last time I was really sick with the flu or some other nasty virus my resting hr was anywhere between 130's to 150's and I wound up in the ER. Not fun being sick ontop of sick. Even a mild cold will spike resting rate up to 120 sometimes.

[misstraci]

Yes I get a noticable increase, Like Spinny says, it's not fun being sick on top of sick.