Heartrate in heat and humidity

I subscribe to the Polar Newsletter (I have a Polar heartrate monitor) and thought I'd share what it says about what happens to your heartrate when subjected to hot and humid conditions:

FACTORS THAT AFFECT HEART RATE DURING THE SUMMER

Heat, humidity and hydration can affect your heart rate training. Keep these 3 factors in mind if you’re exercising outdoors this summer:

1) Temperature and humidity will influence your heart rate. As the environment gets warmer and more humid, your heart rate will gradually increase throughout your activity, even if your pace doesn't change. This is due to your "air-conditioning" and level of hydration. You produce a lot of energy in the form of heat when you move and this heat needs to be dissipated, typically via sweating.

2) Humidity reduces the effectiveness of sweating, resulting in an increase in body temperature, and an increase in heart rate. Even if the humidity is low, your heart rate will still be elevated, due the extra work the heart must do to help cool your body. It's not uncommon for heart rates to be 5-10 beats above normal ranges in these conditions. Use your heart rate combined with perceived exertion and subjective feeling to set an appropriate exercise pace.

3) Failing to stay hydrated can result in an increase in heart rate. If you notice your heart rate increasing with no change in pace or other variables, then increase your fluid intake.


4 Comments

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

by Pookie - 2010-07-15 03:07:40

Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Now I know why I feel SO lousy in the summer.

I must admit I should have looked into this a very long time ago, but didn't :( so it's my own fault.

During the past 5 yrs, as being a member here, there have been a few members, like me, who can't handle the heat and often wondered why.

Again, thank you SO very much as this will help a lot of members.

Now, if I can only remember to keep hydrated :)

Take care,
Pookie

Pacemaker & Hydration

by Lars - 2010-07-24 12:07:40

There are many more reasons to stay well hydrated with a pacemaker too ... you don't want your blood to be too viscous and sticky ... you want it free-flowing and carrying lots of oxygen to the working muscles ... also you don't want to run the risk of a clot ... keeping well lubricated is useful advice in many areas of human physiology ! Lars, www.cardiacathletes.org

Thank You (Hydration)

by wilton - 2010-08-01 05:08:13

thank you for the information concerning pacemaker & hydration,during the day when it is very hot i really feel so out of it and i did not know what cause me to feel so bad,i had my pacemaker in since april 2010,thank you so much.
Wilton

Running in the heat

by runlong - 2011-01-20 09:01:42

Your comments on hydration are very important.
I run through the Florida summer, early mornings. This summer was the first summer I had my Defib.
The increase in heart rate during the summers is to be expected as normal, with or without a PM/Defib.
Our Janruary weather is perfect running weather. 50's 60's and some low 70's. I always think
I am healthier, faster, and in better shape during the winter months. Hot weather can really
drag you down. I thank the Lord everyday I can be out there, regardless of the weather. Life
is good, very good!

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