Fast heart rate from climbing stairs-anyone know anything to do other than stop and fake being fit?

Hydrate: Climbing up stairs is a pretty strenuous activity, if you are out of shape or mildly dehydrated your heart rate will increase more rapidly than a fit well hydrated individual. An easy way to improve symptoms is to make sure you drink plenty of fluids (not caffeine) throughout the day while you make up your mind to get in shape. If you feel the increase in hr is too much see your doctor.