Published in April 2019 in the journal Open Heart, researchers found that an increased resting heart rate in 50-something men was linked to a higher risk of developing heart disease over the next 11 years. Keep in mind that according to the Mayo Clinic, a normal resting (relaxed) heart rate for an adult is 60 to 100 BPM.
The key finding of the study was this: a resting heart rate of 75 BPM, or more, was found to double the risk of death from any cause, including cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Also, the study states that a stable heart rate in these men was found to put them at a 44 percent lowered risk of cardiovascular disease in the 11 years following the study's testing. To break it down further, researchers add that every additional heart beat -- above the normal resting rate for adults -- was tied to a three-percent higher risk of death, one-percent risk of cardiovascular disease and two-percent risk of coronary heart disease.
This is an observational study and the research was restricted only to men. However, the researchers state that the findings have clinical implications in that monitoring changes in resting heart rate over time may be important for uncovering future cardiovascular disease risk.
Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 BPM.
Keep in mind that many factors can influence heart rate, including:
- Age
- Fitness and activity levels
- Being a smoker
- Having cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol or diabetes
- Air temperature
- Body position (such as standing up or lying down)
- Emotions
- Body size
- Medications
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
