Concerned about a coworker on stimulants whose heart rate is 110

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So I am a new RN who started working 7p-7a. I asked some of my coworkers how they deal with the 12 hour night shifts and staying awake/focused. They gave me some fantastic tips about buying black out curtains, melatonin, etc and one mentioned that she takes a stimulant (prescribed of course- not illegally). She said that the only downside is that her HR is often around 90-115 because of it! I'm not looking for medical advice, but isn't this technically a huge cardiac risk? I doubt I will ever need stimulants, but I am just curious from a general health standpoint about the risks.

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Speak to your doctor. We are not allowed to provide medical advice on this site per the Terms of Service.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Just to let you know - increased heart rate is not a risk factor for anything.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I used to take theophylline and my heart rate was never below 100. And above 120 if I had coffee with it.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.
I used to take theophylline and my heart rate was never below 100. And above 120 if I had coffee with it.

Heart rate 100 - 110, working BP 80-95/50-60 all the time because of a little imbalance of corticosteroids to the lower side. No problems, and I love pickles :)

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Why would you be concerned about this? 90-110?????

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

Well, then I guess you won't be taking stimulants yourself. Aside from that, not much you can do in this situation. The rest isn't really your deal.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

My resting HR is normal 75ish but when I am running around the floor during work, my HR can be 100-110. I don't take any stimulants. My target for cardio is 138. Doesn't mean anything

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Coffee is a stimulant. We all should be worried

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Coffee is a stimulant. We all should be worried

One of the docs I work with recently found out how much coffee I drink on days I work and I look on his face was priceless.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I used to occasionally take pseudoephedrine for allergy symptoms, which would raise my HR 10-15 above normal. Not an issue. I worked with a nurse who had slight tremor in both hands. Even though I didn't ask, she explained this was a side effect of a psych medication prescribed by her doctor.

I didn't ask what the medication was or why she was taking it. Doesn't seem to affect her job performance.

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Specializes in ER.

The use of stimulants can damage the heart over time. To those who shrug off a resting HR over 100 as nothing to worry about, I heartily disagree. It's a sign that the heart is working harder than it should. In nursing 101 we learn that between 60 and 100 is a normal resting heart rate.

Having said that, there are a lot of people who aren't as healthy or fit as they should be. To the OP, you probably should mind your own business. If someone directly asks your opinion or advice then give it, otherwise, just stay quiet.

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