<human>: Hello, im 21, today at the gym i was on the cross trainer for under 10 minutes, i wasnt working hard at all and wasnt tired. the heart rate read 196. i am a tiny bit worried because when i used to run more regularly i used to blackout after going for runs. Im not sure if i should seek help or not
<bot>: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on Chat Doctor! Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is normal to have an increased heart rate during physical activity, especially when you are not performing regularly physical activity and your body can be over-stressed by the physical exercise. The episodes of blackouts after going for runs are a little concerning. They could be related to a low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), low blood glucose, hyperventilation or cardiac arrhythmia. I recommend you to consult with your GP for a careful physical examination, a resting ECG, a chest X-ray study and some blood lab tests : -complete blood count-thyroid hormone levels-blood electrolytes- kidney and liver function tests - fasting glucose. A treadmill test may be necessary to exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia related to physical exercise. You should discuss with your doctor on the above-mentioned issues. Hope to have been of help! Best regards!