Can a low resting heart rate be a bad thing?

[Sheffluke6]

Odd question ... I know.

I wear a Fitbit religiously and have been tracking my heart rate for a year.

I average a 59bpm resting heart rate which seems good but I’m not exactly in great shape.

I’m 6’2, 280lbs, 42” waist ... so I’m clearly a large guy. I do cycle 3/4 time’s a week and I might do anything up to 90 mins. I used to lift weights before lockdown. I guess I’m concerned I’m not in the best physical shape and curious if my heart rate is lower than expected?

Thanks

[jaglad]

A low heart rate is not uncommon. My Mother had a very low heart rate and was always amused when she saw a new Dr or Nurse. Often they would check her rate then either change the equipment or go for a second opinion. Sometimes she told them sometimes she would enjoy the bemusement !

You are obviously following some kind of fitness regime which is good.

Bottom line if you worried arrange to see Doc' when you can.

[beardy_chris]

A resting heart rate of 59 sounds good to me! How is your blood pressure? That is likely to be far more indicative of your cardiovascular health. My cardiologist always says to me "Don't worry about the figures, how do you feel?".

[Galen70]

Agree with other posters - this is a measure of fitness and wouldnt be considered abnormal.

[Hidden]

Hi, A resting heart rate of 59 should not be a problem provided you feel well. A low heart rate is normally a good sign.

Normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 although there is talk about changing the range to 50 to 100.

My resting heart rate is 51, and quite often when seated and resting my heart rate goes down to 45, all the doctor asked me is do I feel well.

As mentioned by beardy_chris it’s good to check your blood pressure.