Sudden Rapid Heartbeat During Sports: What You Need to Know

Sudden rapid heartbeat while playing sports?

Hello Dr.
Huang: Recently, while playing basketball, I was fine for an hour, running and jumping normally.
However, during halftime, I suddenly wanted to jump as high as I could.
Immediately after jumping, I experienced a problem: my heart was racing very fast, about three beats per second, and this lasted for two minutes.
At that moment, I did not feel short of breath or have any chest tightness or pain, just a rapid heartbeat, which made me very anxious.
I had an echocardiogram in June 2017 that was normal, but the exercise ECG showed abnormalities (the doctor at that time mentioned a higher likelihood of being positive).
Now, sometimes I feel a sharp pain near the lower left side of my chest, close to the center of my body, about the length of a finger.
This pain lasts for about a second and can occur three to four times an hour at most.
I would like to ask the doctor if this poses any life-threatening risks.
Thank you very much for your response.

JO, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/21

Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology

Based on the symptoms you described, it is possible that exercise may trigger arrhythmia; however, since there are no persistent symptoms, there is no need for excessive concern.
It is recommended that you do not overexert yourself during exercise, and if you experience any discomfort, you should take a break.

Reply Date: 2020/01/21

More Info

Experiencing a sudden rapid heartbeat during sports can be concerning, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a significant increase in heart rate after a vigorous jump during a basketball game, which lasted for about two minutes. While you did not experience shortness of breath or chest pain at that moment, the rapid heartbeat itself can be alarming and may lead to anxiety.

First, it's important to understand that during physical activity, especially high-intensity exercises, it is normal for your heart rate to increase significantly. The heart pumps faster to supply more oxygen-rich blood to the muscles that are working hard. However, if the heart rate becomes excessively rapid (tachycardia), it can sometimes indicate an underlying issue, particularly if it occurs suddenly and without a clear reason.

In your case, you mentioned that you had a normal echocardiogram in 2017 but had an abnormal exercise electrocardiogram (ECG). An abnormal exercise ECG can suggest that there might be some underlying cardiovascular issues, such as ischemia or arrhythmias, especially if it was interpreted as having a higher likelihood of being positive for heart disease. This is something to take seriously, as it indicates that your heart may not be responding to exercise as it should.

The intermittent sharp pain you experience in the left side of your chest could be related to several factors. It might be muscular, especially if it occurs after physical exertion, or it could be related to anxiety or stress. However, given your history of abnormal exercise ECG results, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests, such as a Holter monitor (which records your heart's activity over 24 hours) or a stress test, to better understand your heart's response to exercise.

While you may not be in immediate danger, it is crucial to listen to your body. If you experience rapid heartbeats, chest pain, or any other concerning symptoms during or after exercise, it is essential to stop the activity and rest. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while occasional rapid heartbeats during intense exercise can be normal, your previous abnormal ECG and the symptoms you describe warrant further investigation. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to heart health, especially if there is a family history of cardiovascular issues. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, especially one specializing in cardiology, can help monitor your heart health and provide peace of mind as you continue to engage in sports and physical activities.

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