Yen

I've returned to my regular rides to prepare for the upcoming metric (72 mi) in September. Our Mon/Wed rides are hilly, and our temperature is hot (80s by mid-morning).

After these rides, my HR recovers well and returns to its normal slow resting rate (45) by the next morning, but I can feel my heart beating hard when I'm sitting or lying down; the rate is regular, but the quality is bounding.

A few years ago I had a stress echo just to check for any abnormalities, considering some of the hills we climb. The doc said my heart looks and sounds very healthy (he said I have the "heart sounds of a teenager") but said I have some PACs which he said are benign.

I've recently returned to drinking coffee, just 1 cup but I am sensitive to caffeine and more than 1 cup will cause flutters. I started drinking it again because withdrawals caused listless depression which I couldn't tolerate. If I stop again I'll cut back very gradually rather than go cold-turkey.

Is this bounding sensation a normal reaction to intense exercise? I've ramped up the pace the past few weeks and along with longer weekend rides.... perhaps a bit too much all at once.

Road Fan

Regarding your bounding, I haven't a clue. What's a PAC?

Dudelsack 

I think so.

Assuming you aren't anemic, have normal thyroid functions and a normal stress echo. Your stroke volume is probably pretty high. When my rate drops low enough I experience the same thing.

jppe

I'm notice similar things with caffeine. Stop the coffee!

Yen

Road Fan: Premature Atrial Contraction

Dudelsack: It was better last night and this morning, meaning I don't feel it now. I wonder if being slightly dehydrated might also cause it. I didn't show any signs, but it has been hot and I hadn't been drinking as much water as I was, so I drank more yesterday. Or, maybe I just needed another rest day.