Although the heart rate speeds up during exercise, it should gradually return to its normal pace after ending your exercise routine. However, menopause can trigger tachycardia episodes, where the heart rate is faster than normal in the upper, lower or both chambers of the heart. Because a rapid heart rate can be dangerous, it is important to understand why it occurs and how it can be remedied.
Symptoms
A rapid heart rate can occur suddenly following your exercise routine. Although it can develop without any outward symptoms, it can be accompanied by pain in the chest, dizziness, irregular heartbeats, hot flashes, lightheadedness, difficulty catching your breath, a flopping sensation in your chest and anxiety. Because your heart may not be effectively pumping blood to the organs and tissues of your body during post exercise tachycardia, you can even faint as the result of it.
Causes
During the beginning of menopause, the body produces more FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone, in the attempt to start ovulation. This can trigger episodes of tachycardia after exercise. In addition, the levels of the progesterone hormone are low during menopause, which can cause a deficiency that leads to a rapid heart rate. Stress, which can be exacerbated during menopause, can also cause tachycardia. Some conditions such as hyperthyroidism, heart disease and high blood pressure can also contribute.
Treatments
Eat a balanced, healthy diet full of vegetables and fruits. Eliminate foods that cause insulin levels to fluctuate rapidly, such as white rice and refined sugars, which can contribute to heart palpitations. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day to help control menopausal symptoms and tachycardia episodes. Try a vagal maneuver such as placing an ice pack on your face to slow your rapid heart rate. Get immediate medical attention if home remedies do not help. You may require an injection of an anti-arrhythmic medication such as propafenone.
Warnings
Do not ignore tachycardia episodes, especially if you do not usually experience them or if the symptoms last for more than just a few minutes. Left untreated, a rapid heartbeat could lead to fainting episodes, heart failure and even sudden death. Seek immediate medical attention if a rapid heartbeat is accompanied by chest pain or breathing difficulty. These could be signs of a serious complication, such as a heart attack.
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