High heart rate on hills

[OakLeaf]

I third seeing a cardiologist. I know I wouldn't trust any Internet advice if I had a possible history of heart attack at such a young age!

One thing I wonder though (and that would be helpful to tell your doctor as well), is it only hills? What happens when you sprint on the flats? Maybe you aren't breathing properly on hills. I know a lot of people unconsciously hold their breath when they climb stairs, maybe something like that is happening to you?

As far as HR conditioning, there's another thread going on here someplace about the best way to do intervals. But if I were you I would definitely get it checked out.

ETA: bikerZ and her sig line reminds me of a sort of mantra I used to have for hills in my touring days. Chanted in rhythm with my cadence, "Take it easy, take it slow, stay cool, what's the rush, don't push."