What could cause a heart rate to jump from 89 to over 200 in less than 3 minutes of excercise?

Question

My son,20, has this problem, he is slightly overweight, 5'9" 240 very muscualur has no other problems, can lift, do sit ups, crunches, etc yet he can not run, when he does after a couple of minutes he says his chest feels like a weight is sitting on it, had a stress test done today but have to wait for results, Heart Dr seemed very edgy while the test was going on and was ready to stop, then my son said he could do no more he didn't even get as far as finishing the test. this is not his lungs as we have had all the test done and his lungs are fine. Marfans Syndrome and Heart problems run on my side of the family and his Dad just had quad bypass 2 yrs ago, Dad was other wise healthy, thin, non smoker adn was only 50 yrs old. son also said he has a "racing" feeling sometimes when he is just sitting relaxing. Any info would be great, Thanks.

Answer 1

This sounds like a very serious problem and the leading cause of sudden death in young folks. This does not sound like a problem with narrowing of the arteries or circulation - your Dad's problem. This sounds like an electrophysiologic problem which is where the heart from 1 beat to the next goes into a rapid heart rhythm. If the heart beats 200 per minute it does not time to fill with blood so circulation drops and death may result. A treadmill in a 20 year old is a curiosity and likely not necessary. Testing is available and treatment nearly always works. Do it today.

Answer 2

I could not imagine the cause but I would suggest that he go do YOGA everyday which unlike exercise is not stressful and at the same time very effective in reducing the weight and improving the overall health.

Answer 3

well..as far as i know a jump in heart rate occurs due to 3 things




(a):reduced blood volume ie.after the loss of blood by bleeding or low blood pressure due to inadequate salt ie.sodium or excess potassium in the blood it could it could also be due to the consumption of alcohol

(b) cardiovascular disease....since u say that u have a strong family history maybe this is the reason

(c) reduced surface area for absorption of oxygen in the lungs due to emphysema tuberculosis asthma pneumonia etc but since u say u have checked his lungs this wont be the reason

Answer 4

Let the cardiologist give you the results of the stress test. I do not have the EKG to read.