Low heart rate question: Hi everyone! I had some... - Couch to 5K

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Low heart rate question

Prettys073 profile image
Prettys073Graduate
8 Replies

Hi everyone! I had some questions about heart rate if anyone can help! I've been wearing a heart rate monitor for a while now and my resting heart rate sits about 44, going as low as 41. I'm 25, and almost 2 stone overweight, this seems too low? When I run for around 30 mins I sit around 170-185, I'm unsure if that is too high given my low resting rate. Any advice welcome :-)

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Prettys073 profile image
Prettys073
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8 Replies
Steve_L profile image
Steve_LGraduate

At your age, I think your maximum heart rate should be around 195, and I also think (but do some research) youshould exercise up to something like 85-90% of that. I don't think there's much of a relationship between resting HR and maximum. As you get fitter, your resting heart rate normally goes down, but fitness has no effect on maximum HR.

I've been reading up a bit on this, because my heart rate is probably on the high side (I'm 58).

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

We can give generalised advice, but (most of us) are not medical professionals, so if you have concerns consult your GP. Your resting low is quite low, but I would have thought not abnormally so, mine is mid 40s also. Some people have a high range and others a lower range but it does not correlate wholly to your fitness. Your maximum HR declines with age. For more general advice Google heart rates.

operation2015 profile image
operation2015Graduate

That is really, really low. Some athletes have a low resting heart rate simply because their heart has a more powerful pump, as they have developed into a strong muscle and so the pump if more effective with its output and so a low rate is sufficient to meet the needs of the rest of the body- it is perfused adequately. Unless you are a serious athlete then i would absolutely advise you to make an appointment with your GP.

operation2015 profile image
operation2015Graduate in reply to operation2015

ALSO please dont worry yourself between now and your appointment, because what i just said is generalise advice- every individual has individualised needs and their body's adapt to meet these needs meaning that everyone has different norms-it could just be that this is normal for you and your doctor isnt concerned.. just make an appointment and get that reassurance:)

Sarah-A profile image
Sarah-AGraduate

At home we've stated to pay a bit of attention to resting heart rate after my BIL was admitted to hospital with a v.high and irregular heart beat.

Anyway, I've noticed at rest mine can be very low too (48-52) but can be normal at 60 at other times. In exercise it rises normally to about 185. (I'm 31- probably slightly over weight)

If you're concerned I would recommend going to the doctor. If nothing else they can put your mind at rest that everything is OK.

Take care x

useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseitGraduate in reply to Sarah-A

We did the same when my father in law had a similar problem. We bought a heart rate watch for him, and played with it for about a week before he got his mitts on it! I was clearly the fittest in the house with a resting heart rate of 52 (thanks Laura :) ). My husband's was 78, which just gave me another chance to nag him about taking some exercise. No luck so far ....!

HJBates profile image
HJBatesGraduate

It's low but I don't think abnormally so. I have a friend who is now in his 60s but he said many years ago that his resting heart rate was 37 - and it is still around that. He wasn't/isn't an athlete but does do a bit of running. If concerned you should see your GP.

Prettys073 profile image
Prettys073Graduate

Thanks everyone :-) sorry I've not replied I was night shift and was sleeping! I feel reassured that it's fine, I've always had really low blood pressure too. I will mention it to my doctor on Monday and see what she says. Since running I do feel really full of energy and healthier so I think this is just a side affect but I shall keep an eye on it :-) in the mean time I'll call myself a super athlete haha!

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