Is It Normal for Your Heartbeat to Skip During Exercise?

Is it normal for the pulse to skip 1 to 2 beats during exercise?

Hello, doctor! I am 30 years old and have been exercising for about two months.
During my workouts, the coach has us measure our pulse every 8 minutes.
I have noticed that my pulse rate ranges from 80 to 130 beats per minute during these measurements.
There have also been a few instances where my pulse skipped 1 to 2 beats or had consecutive skips of 2 to 3 beats.
However, the exercise I am doing is not intense aerobic exercise; it is more of interval training.
Compared to other participants, who reach similar pulse rates in about 10 minutes, I can feel significant changes in my heart rate within about 5 minutes, and my heartbeat is strong enough that I can feel it without measuring.
Is this normal? Additionally, whenever my emotions fluctuate, my heart rate increases rapidly, and I easily become short of breath.
Even a brisk walk for a few minutes or climbing two flights of stairs makes me feel breathless.
Should I be concerned about any underlying issues? I drink about 1500 cc of water a day, and if I drink more than that, I feel nauseous.
Could this also be affecting my condition?

Jiajia, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/07

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, everyone's resting heart rate is different.
Your resting heart rate seems to be on the higher side, which may be due to a lack of prior exercise leading to insufficient cardiorespiratory fitness.
This can make the initial stages of exercise feel more strenuous, and your heart rate may increase accordingly, which is normal.
It's common for the pulse to skip 1 to 2 beats or have 2 to 3 consecutive skipped beats, resembling premature ventricular contractions, which may cause discomfort but are generally not life-threatening.
Typically, if you experience significant emotional fluctuations, your heart rate will rise quickly, likely due to heightened sympathetic nervous system activity, which is nothing to worry about.
You should aim to drink about 1500 cc of water daily; exceeding this amount may lead to nausea, but this is unrelated to heart issues.
Don't worry, and take care.
Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.

Reply Date: 2017/03/07

More Info

It's quite common for individuals to experience variations in their heart rate during exercise, including instances of skipped beats or palpitations. Based on your description, it seems that you have been engaging in intermittent exercise for about two months, and you are noticing fluctuations in your pulse rate, which can range from 80 to 130 beats per minute. Additionally, you mentioned experiencing occasional skipped beats during your workouts, where your heart may miss a beat or two.

Firstly, it's important to understand that during physical activity, especially if you are not accustomed to it, your heart rate will naturally increase to meet the body's demand for oxygen. This increase can vary significantly from person to person based on fitness levels, age, and overall health. The fact that your heart rate can reach 130 beats per minute during moderate exercise is not unusual, especially if you are still building your cardiovascular fitness.

The phenomenon of experiencing skipped beats, known medically as "premature contractions," can occur in healthy individuals and is often benign. These can manifest as a feeling of your heart "skipping" or "fluttering." While they can be alarming, especially if you are already anxious about your heart health, they are typically not a cause for concern if they occur infrequently and are not accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

Your mention of feeling breathless after climbing stairs or during brief exertion could be related to your current fitness level. If you have recently started exercising, your body may still be adapting to the increased physical demands. Over time, as you continue to exercise regularly, your cardiovascular fitness should improve, and you may find that you experience less breathlessness and your heart rate stabilizes more effectively during activity.

Regarding your hydration, drinking around 1500cc of water per day is generally adequate for many individuals, but hydration needs can vary based on factors such as activity level, climate, and individual health conditions. If you find that drinking more than this amount makes you feel nauseous, it may be wise to stick to your current intake and ensure you are hydrating appropriately during and after exercise, especially if you are sweating.

Given your concerns about heart health and the experience of skipped beats, it would be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly a cardiologist. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor to assess your heart rhythm during exercise and at rest. This will help determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In summary, while experiencing a rapid heart rate and occasional skipped beats during exercise can be normal, especially for someone who is still building their fitness, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help ensure that your heart health remains a priority as you continue your exercise journey.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Heart Palpitations During Exercise: When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor, in recent years, I have been troubled by arrhythmia. I have been in and out of the hospital multiple times and have undergone various tests, including a 24-hour Holter monitor, echocardiogram, and blood tests. The results showed no major issues, only mild mitral val...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, the 24-hour ECG and echocardiogram show no significant issues. If you experience no symptoms during exercise, just continue exercising without worrying about your heart rate. It sounds like a benign arrhythmia, which poses no life-threatening risk. Don't worry, you ca...

Is Your Heartbeat Irregular? Understanding Palpitations and Their Causes

Hello Doctor, I have recently been working out at the gym and using a smartwatch to monitor my heart rate, which is around 100 bpm, peaking at 148 bpm. However, during exertion, I experience a sensation of skipped beats and a bit of palpitations, although I don't feel uncomf...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is recommended to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. However, if symptoms persist, it is advisable ...

Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes and Concerns

Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. Recently, when I am resting, I sometimes feel like my heart skips a beat, and then it returns to normal, but then suddenly it skips again. However, when I check my pulse, it feels regular and steady. I don’t experience this issue w...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages. If this condition does not improve and becomes more frequent, it is recommended to visit a cardiology clinic for a 2...

Is It Normal to Feel a Racing Heart After Exercise?

Hello, doctor. I am 30 years old and have never had any health issues. There is no history of cardiovascular diseases in my family, and I love to exercise! However, I recently experienced some anxiety and visited a psychiatrist. I sometimes feel palpitations, and I tend to be eas...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, feeling your heartbeat, known as palpitations, along with restlessness and anxiety, especially during activity, is normal and not a cause for concern. Don't worry, Changhua Hospital cares about you.