I'm 38, count myself as active to very active, but definitely not an athlete or athlete levels of fitness (can walk pretty much endlessly, could jog a 10k on demand etc, but would run out of breath running for more than 15mins or so). Exercise moderately at least 3 times a week and eat healthily.
I recently thought I'd train to run further and got a fitbit.
It reads my average resting heart rate as 44-45.
Whilst asleep it seems to hover around the 42 range (a couple of times as low as 38), during the day it seems to hover around 50-55.
Whilst running it raises to normal running levels and I have no symptoms I'm aware of at any time/feel full of energy. My mother also has a low resting heart rate. I've confirmed the readings with a second fitbit.
I know ideally I'd get this checked out with a GP, but am not a massive fan of going to mine and I was wondering if anyone knows realistically is it urgent I get this checked out, or does anyone else have similar resting heart rates and a GP has said it's fine?
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That is low and depends on lots of things such as age etc but could also mean something like an under active thyroid, my friend in her sixties has very low heart rate and had all sorts of tests which showed nothing so it’s fine
You might not be a fan of doctors but it’s well worth getting checked out then you will know for sure
2. Your resting HR is *excellent* - in fact, quite normal for someone who is active as you are - and low for seemingly 2 reasons - you're active, fit and healthy and ... genetics. You're lucky.
2. I really wouldn't bother your GP with this .
3. I wouldn't rely on Fitbit HR measurements to be honest - get yourself a chest strap monitor if HR is important to you (I did).
I'm 51 with a resting HR of around 47 - during the day it moves around a lot. And I've seen it as low 41 or 42. Reason? I've been running regularly for 5 years.
The fact that you’re asking the question suggests that you’re a little bit concerned about it, and if that’s the case I’d ask the doc. Nobody likes going to the Dr’s, but it’s better to be safe than sorry imo. I don’t know how “tech” your doctors are, but a lot of them have online contact services these days, which makes it a lot easier.
I am no doctor, but that seems good to me, but never wrong to check with the medical places. You should be ok but there could be an underlying problem, they will be able to put you mind at ease.
You are lucky if that is normal, you are putting a lot less mileage on your heart than most of us.
Thanks everyone (I’m 38 btw, confusing as the low rate is also 38!)
I had absolutely no concerns other than when researching running heart rates after getting it the online consensus seemed to say an average resting heart rate of 60-100 was normal unless an athlete.
I’d definitely count myself active/very active, but not really fit and definitely not an athlete so was concerned an average of 44 was too low (the Fitbit average has always been between 44-46 for the 2 weeks I’ve owned it).
Go see your gp just for peace of mind. I have low resting but very high running hr, seriously high. Gp was delighted to chat running and check me out. Good luck
The only person who can really give you the answer you want is your GP, I'm afraid, although I am sure it is nothing to worry about. I have a low resting heart rate and also have a diagnosed underactive thyroid. When I had minor surgery a couple of years ago, I kept setting off the bleepy machine whilst in recovery!🤣 I like to think it's because I'm so fit(!) but I know it's probably the thyroid! Fingers crossed you get the reassurance you need.
I’m in The camp of if In Doubt check it out. I have had a few heart rate issues and I know I feel better after they have had it checked out with their machines and an ecg. It always makeS me feel safer when my heart rate has been having a little mess around. In a couple of weeks I have a 24 hour pulse test just so they can check my full range all day and I’d rather have the all clear than have a niggle of a doubt. Mine goes from 53 (45 at lowest) all the way up to 188. 😀.
Won't your practise nurse or chemist take your blood pressure and resting heart rate? You could always buy a home monitor. I have one and they're not expensive.
I'm 59 and my resting heart rate is 49. It went up to 56 over Christmas, mainly due to alcohol consumption, but it's back to what I consider 'normal' now. For what it's worth, I don't think you have a problem - quite the opposite, in fact! That's not much help if you're worried though, so no harm in getting it checked.
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