Pulse Rate

[Kazal]

My OH has a lung disease and is on oxygen full time. He has an oximeter to test his oxygen levels and this also shows his pulse rate which I consider to be quite high. I know he struggles to breathe but his pulse rate shows anything between 112 and 121.What would it be expected to be?

[Buenchico]

"Most adults have a resting heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute (bpm).

The fitter you are, the lower your resting heart rate is likely to be. For example, athletes may have a resting heart rate of 40-60 bpm or lower.

You should contact your GP if you think your heart rate is continuously above 120 bpm or below 40 bpm, although this could just be normal for you"

Source:
http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2024.aspx?CategoryID=52

[Sqad]

A pulse rate of over hundred is known as tachycardia and in normal subjects may be a cause for concern, however this type of fast pulse rate is associated with chronic obstructive lung disease, which i presume that your OH is suffering from, as the heart is trying to get as much "oxygen packed " blood, to the vital body parts.

I guess that your OH was a smoker and had COPD and as such, I fear that little can be done about his pulse rate, or should be done.

If you are worried, then see your doctor for reassurance.

[Sqad]

What % of SpO2 does the oximeter show?

[Kazal]

My OH actually has Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and did not smoke. When not on oxygen his SpO2 is sometimes 82 or 84 but on oxygen it is between 91 and 94. I did wonder if his pulse rate was as high for the reason you gave. He has also lost nearly 3 stone for the same type of reason, that all his energy is being used in trying to breathe - or so we are told. He used to be a very fit man up to 10 months ago, going to the gym, lifting weights and gardening . Now he is unable to do very much at all.

[Sqad]

Whilst on O2 his readings are fine, but when it is in the 80's then he is struggling and this would account for his rapid pulse rate.
What can you do?....make sure that he has constant o2 available.

[Kazal]

Thanks Squad I just wish the oxygen helped his breathing more than it does. It is pitiful to watch and hear him struggling to get his breath, even more so when he has a coughing fit, it absolutely wrecks him.

[Sqad]

Kazal...it must be heartbreaking, not an easy condition to cope with, both for patient and physician.