Resting heart rate

[MadzScientist]

I was just reading an interesting article about what the folks at Fitbit have learned about heart rates and health using the mountain of data they collect on resting heart rates and the people attached to them.

Being one of those people, I know that my resting heart rate has been generally dropping since the start of the year when I went on my diet, which I took to be a good thing as it told me my cardio health was improving. However, the article mentioned that a healthy resting heart rate should be between 60 and 100, unless you're a serious athlete in which case it might be lower, maybe around 40.

Before starting my diet my resting heart rate was 66, now it has dropped down and is hovering around 50. At its lowest it was 48. I'm definitely not a serious athlete. I don't know if I should be concerned about that.

I wonder if you would share with me your resting heart rates? Particularly those of you who have lost weight recently.

Thanks!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Maybe you’re an unserious athlete? That’s pretty impressive.

[FenderTelecaster Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I would happily identify as a facetious athlete.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to FenderTelecaster]

I’m more a trivial athlete... in all senses of the word 😂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Ummm, I’m no serious athlete! 🏃‍♀️🐌😅

I do love my running, and I do recover quickly after doing so. I’ve always had a very low resting heart rate, which I don’t want to go any slower! I’ve just checked it (having a cuppa in bed), and it’s currently around 48 bpm!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

They say that the best time to check for your resting heart rate is first thing in the morning when you wake up, so 48 bpm is pretty impressive.

[Tartancat Graduate]

My resting heart rate has always been on the high side, even when i was a fit teenager (heartrate in the mid to high 70s), but since losing 2 stone last year and taking up walking and jogging, it's now 64 according to Fitbit

Happy with that!

I don't know if 48 is anything to worry about or if it means you're super healthy

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

The boring, but probably correct, advice is to see a doc if you are worried. My average resting heart rate is 55, but that includes lower readings from periods asleep. I wear my garmin all night so it does factor those potentially lower sleeping rates in. My average heart rate on a run, and the difference between average and peak have both reduced as I have got fitter and shed half a stone. Not sure that my resting heart rate has moved though. A cardiologist told me that it dipped into the upper 40's whilst I was asleep and he wasn't bothered about it as there were no other symptoms of trouble. I know local runners with resting heart beats in the 40's. They are very fit, but like me in their sixties and not banking on making the next Olympics. Best to check these things out with someone clever I always think. It may be great news or a sign that something needs looking at, and only a medic can tell the difference.

[MadzScientist in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks, that is good advice. I will go get checked out. I know for a fact I'm not super fit! My heart rate has dropped into high 30s while I'm asleep, which does sound way too low! I'll see what the doc says.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Resting heart rate, like maximum heart rate can vary hugely between individuals and being at the extremes of the distribution curve does not automatically indicate there is anything wrong with you, nor that you are super fit.

My heart rate range is apparently very high, with a minimum resting rate of 42 and going up to 180 (I haven't measured for a year) at the age of 61.

I have not recently lost weight, but I have always had a low resting heart rate.

Many people notice their resting heart rate reduce as they work through C25k and running is excellent for your heart.

If you have concerns then consult your GP, but also don't be fooled by thinking that just because other people have lower heart rates that it is ok for you.......so maybe just a friendly chat will be reassuring.

[Monica1969 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi, my resting heart rate has always been quite high, I do have high BP and on meds for it, it always averaged mid 70’s, since giving up smoking in May it reduced and since starting C25K three weeks ago, it’s lowered more, mid 60’s now.

I’ve not lost much weight but I am eating better

[AnneDroid Graduate]

My resting heart rate was recently measured (at a Well Person clinic at work to be 88). I'm thinking I might go and ask the doctor if that's okay as it seems a bit high, even for a frivolous and flippant athlete like myself. I guess if you're concerned at all about yours (albeit in the other direction) you should go to the doctor too.