Why does my pulse rate go up when walking?

Answer by  redcorn (65)

Any time muscles are activated, even through walking, your heart must work to supply oxygen. Your heart is beating faster in order to supply that demand.

Answer by  Pete59 (83)

When you walk, pr do other exercise, your muscles require more oxygen than usual because they are working. Your heart needs to transport more blood past your muscles in order to provide that oxygen, and that is why it beats faster. Your pulse rate will go up until the heart can deliver enough blood.

Answer by  czc2844 (158)

It's because our bodies are conditioned that at rest(sitting) just breathing is enough for the body to get oxygen. Walking, even though it may not seem to be rigorous still puts work on the muscles which will need more oxygen than just sitting. So the heart will pump faster in order to get oxygen to the muscles and the brain.

Answer by  Sylvia (759)

During any exercise it is necessary for the heart to beat harder to push the blood supply and get oxygen to the needed muscles.

Answer by  Betty0320 (734)

The heart needs to pump more blood when you exercise, to prevent injury when your muscles are working hard. The pulse is the sensation of blood pumping in your veins.

Answer by  MelindaS (1694)

It rises because you are doing aerobic exercise, or exercise that causes your muscles to work and use more oxygen. Your heart pumps more blood more quickly to supply oxygen.