high HR during exercise

	Asked by Unregistered (Female; 42 ) on Fri 26, Dec 2008 06:19pm :
	I routinely work out (eliptical-45/60min;run4mi;bike25mi 5-6 times a week. My heart rate varies slightly, but usually is in the 155-175 range. I do not feel like I'm at an uncomfortable pace. I've noticed that when I try to stay in the fat-burn zone 118-123, I barely feel like I'm doing any kind of workout. Incidentally I am 42, 5'5", 155lbs female. While I definately am trying to shed some poundage, I am concerned about my high heart rate. Today I ran 4 miles, but I'm very slow - avg 11-11.30 min. miles, yet my HR was in the 170s all but the first 90 sec. According to several HR charts I was working at 80/90%, yet I didnt have any problem maintaining this pace and could have continued to do so for several more miles (my knees are another story). My recovery time after stopping was approx. 3-4 min. My resting HR is 65-75bpm. My question is, is this unusual for my HR to be so high, while not maxed out effort wise? Could I be doing any long term damage? I am experiencing no heart trouble symptoms and have not at anytime.
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	Answer by Dr Noopur S, MD (doctor) on Wed 25, Feb 2009 12:20am: The increase in the heart rate during exercise occurs due to increased demand for oxygen as a result of exercise. It is difficult to pin point the exact cause of the rapid heart rate in your case except that the body needs more oxygen. This could be due to extra body weight. Studies have shown that there is a direct link between increase in the heart rate on exercise and heart disease. I would suggest you to lose some weight and see if your heart rate comes down.
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