I'm 37, male. My heart rate increases while at work, and it appears to be from stress. I work in a high-stress environment, but I've been doing it for years. We are in a bad period right now, so the stress has gotten worse. But my main question is, why does stress increase my heart rate in the first place?
Yes, it does, as does exercise. It is not harmful.
Regards,
Gerald Lewis, MD