Weight loss, exercise, and heart racing..any connection?

I lost 9 lbs this month, I've been changed my eating habits completely and working out 5-6 days a week. I even started going for accupuncture to help with my stress. This is a MAJOR accomplishment for me.
I have TONS more to lose.

I was feeling great but this week,
I started to feel like my heart is really racing, I'm so scared (which I'm sure doesn't help). It's not even during exercise or right after, it's at random times....before bed, in the morning, etc. Is there a connection? Could I be causing this? I am out of shape but I've been really pushing myself. (40 minutes on the treadmill, 40 minutes on the bikes/elliptical, etc) I just don't understand what's going on...isn't weight loss and eating right supposed to help your heart?

I haven't been to a doctor for a complete physical in years b/c I've gone to specialists who usually check the usual things: weight, vitals, thyroid, cholest, etc. Anyway, I made an appointment for Tuesday after work to see a PCP that comes highly recommended (I saw him once when I had a sinus infection and he had a good bedside manner). I'm so scared. What if they find something serious wrong? I don't want to get worked up about it but I just can't help feeling this way.

Any thoughts??? What should I expect? Anything I should push the doctor to check for? Thank you so much. I know this might be more appropo for the health board but this board is so inspirational to me, you've all really helped me get started.

Re: Weight loss, exercise, and heart racing..any connection?

I don't think anything serious is wrong and I don't think the heart racing is uncommon.

However, that does not mean that is is healthy.

9 pounds is a great loss but it might be too much too soon. It is healthy to lose 1-2 pounds a week but it is not advised to lose more than that so quick. Also, if you went from no exercise to working out hardcore your body can't adjust so quickly without side effects.

You should discuss this with a doctor though, but I think you might have just been pushing yourself a little quick and the body needs to ease into it and then be pushed.

Re: Weight loss, exercise, and heart racing..any connection?

I would try not to worry too much and wait to talk to the doctor on Tuesday. Are you experiencing a lot of stress? This has happed to me during time of extreme stress/anxiety.

Re: Weight loss, exercise, and heart racing..any connection?

No more stress than normal, except for the exercise part. I've never been so committed before. I feel that now that I think there is a problem, I'm beginning to stress. :(

Re: Weight loss, exercise, and heart racing..any connection?

I think its a good idea for anyone who is pretty out of shape, regardless of how much weight they have to lose if any at all, to go and have a physical including an EKG before starting an exercise program.

Everything may be fine well, but if you are feeling serious palpitations, I would really slow down the exercise until you are checked out by a doctor.