Pulse Rate Variations After Exercise: Is It Normal?

Pulse rate

After exercising for an hour today, I measured my blood pressure one hour later.
After sitting for 5 minutes, my first pulse reading was 95 bpm and my blood pressure was around 120.
However, when I measured again after one minute, my pulse dropped to 85 bpm while my blood pressure remained stable.
Is this reasonable? Why was my pulse still so high at 95 bpm after an hour of exercise? And why did it drop to 85 bpm on the second measurement? Is this drop too rapid? I have no related health issues and feel fine.

ivy, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/16

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

The normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, and based on your description, there are no abnormalities.

Reply Date: 2022/08/16

More Info

Understanding pulse rate variations after exercise is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health and fitness levels. Based on your description, it seems that you have recently started a new exercise routine, which can lead to fluctuations in heart rate as your body adapts to increased physical activity.
Firstly, it is entirely normal for your heart rate to be elevated immediately after exercise. During physical activity, your muscles require more oxygen, which prompts your heart to pump faster to meet this demand. A pulse rate of 95 beats per minute (bpm) immediately after exercising for an hour is not unusual, especially if you were engaging in moderate to vigorous activity. The heart rate can remain elevated for a period post-exercise, depending on the intensity of the workout and your overall fitness level.

The decrease in your pulse rate from 95 bpm to 85 bpm within a minute after you stopped exercising is also a normal physiological response. This phenomenon is known as heart rate recovery. A quicker recovery rate is generally indicative of better cardiovascular fitness. The heart rate can drop significantly in the first few minutes after stopping exercise, and this is a sign that your autonomic nervous system is functioning well, transitioning from a sympathetic (fight or flight) state back to a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state.

Regarding your concern about the heart rate being high after an hour of exercise, it's important to consider several factors. The intensity of your workout, your hydration status, and even environmental factors like temperature can influence your heart rate. If you were exercising at a moderate to high intensity, maintaining a heart rate of 95 bpm immediately after stopping is expected.
As for the concern about whether the heart rate dropped too quickly, the answer is generally no. A drop from 95 bpm to 85 bpm in a minute is within a normal range for heart rate recovery. However, if you experience any symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or shortness of breath during or after exercise, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional.

In summary, the variations in your pulse rate after exercise are normal and reflect your body's adaptive mechanisms to physical activity. As you continue your exercise regimen, you may notice improvements in your heart rate recovery times, which is a positive sign of cardiovascular fitness. If you have any ongoing concerns or if your heart rate responses change significantly, it would be wise to seek further evaluation from a healthcare provider. Regular monitoring of your heart rate during exercise can also provide valuable insights into your fitness level and overall heart health.

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