Might I damage my heart

[Fab Foodie]

As to whether I can speak when my heart is beating so quickly, the answer is only in the first three minutes or so.

If that's the 3 mins warming-up, might I suggest you're not warming up sufficiently? Take about 15 mins gentle spinning-along at conversational pace both to warm-up and warm-down.
Cheers
FF.

 

[mr_dombat]

How can you check for heart problems beyond pressure and beats?

 

[slowmotion]

How can you check for heart problems beyond pressure and beats?

Ask your GP to listen to your heart. If he hears irregular noises he should send you off for more specialised tests that investigate cardiovascular/pulmonary function.