Can You Lower High Pulse by Doing Exercises?

A high resting pulse rate may be the result of genetics, or an underlying medical problem. If your heart rate is high, consult with your doctor to rule out any heart health issues before you begin an exercise program. Once you have medical clearance, you can lower your high pulse with a regular aerobic exercise program.

  1. Pulse

    • A normal pulse rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Your heart rate is the number of times your heart contracts in each minute. With each contraction, or beat, your heart pumps out oxygen-rich blood to circulate to your muscles, organs and tissues. You can feel your pulse on the side of your neck or on the underside of your wrist nearest your thumb.

    Cardiac Output

    • The amount of blood your heart pumps out during each minute is known as cardiac output. During exercise, your heart rate increases to pump out more blood to your working muscles. Your pulse speeds up so you are able to continue your workout without fatigue. The extended workout duration is important because that's when changes to your heart occur.

    Aerobic Exercise

    • The heart responds to a regular aerobic exercise program. Aerobic exercises include activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, dancing and rowing. You can identify an aerobic exercise by its continuous, rhythmic, full-body movements. You are able to sustain the aerobic workout for at least 10 consecutive minutes with a goal of up to 60 minutes of exercise. Your high pulse rate gets higher during your workout to keep up with your body's demands for more oxygen.

    Training

    • Similar to the way your muscles respond to exercise, your heart undergoes a training effect. Over time, your heart becomes more efficient and is able to pump out a higher volume of blood with every beat. The result is felt during exercise, where your pulse rate does not get as high as it did previously. You also feel the benefits in your resting heart rate. Your heart is more efficient throughout the day, so your pulse rate decreases. The Mayo Clinic says an athlete's resting heart rate may be as low as 40 beats per minute.