Is my heart rate normal

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Hiya, I've been wearing an activity tracker for a few weeks now and have noticed that my heart rate is quite low when I'm asleep, at an average of 44bpm. My resting heart rate is around 55bpm and my high heart rate is around 125bpm. I know a low heart rate is supposed to be a sign of fitness but I'm really not fit! I'm 41f, 5'4 and 161lbs with a sedentary/lightly active lifestyle. I find when I do exercise I run out of energy quite quickly and don't have much power in my muscles to drive myself up hills when walking or cycling, especially now I'm on reduced calories. I have also been getting chest pains which I'm seeing the doctor about next week, following a blood test and heart tracing tomorrow. I guess I'm just feeling nervous about the docs and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to raise my athletic ability cautiously and what might be causing this. Thanks
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Replies

  • Lietchi
    Lietchi Posts: 6,115 Member
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    A few things to note:
    - a low heart rate can be a sign of fitness, but it's more a matter of looking at the evolution of the number over time, rather at looking at the absolute number. Some people naturally have a lower heart rate than others. I also have a heart rate in the 40's sometimes, while sleeping, and a resting heart rate in the 50's. But I've been wearing my tracker for more than 18 months and I've seen an evolution downwards as my fitness improves. So for me, my numbers aren't worrying.
    - as for improving your athletic ability/cardiovascular fitness, I would wait to see what the doctor says first, to make sure everything is OK.
    - I'm slightly worried when reading about your lack of energy for exercise and your chest pains. How many calories are you eating? Worst case scenario, not eating enough calories can cause muscle loss (the heart is a muscle). Or you're simply not eating enough (calories/carbs) to fuel the exercise you want to do. I don't want you to panic, but I do think it's wise to see what the doctor says first, and perhaps already check if you're eating enough.
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
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    Thank you @Lietchi yes, I agree I need to be wearing the tracker for longer to get more of a picture. I have had it mentioned that my heart rate is low in the past, when it was checked when I joined the gym a few years ago, so I don't think it's a new thing. Also the chest pains and tiredness have been going on for 18 months but I've been in denial of it.
    I put on 20lbs during the pandemic and have been working since July to shift it. I'm really embarrassed to admit that, yes, my calorie intake is very low and I know it's not good, I lost 16lbs in the first month on a low carb low cal IF diet (Fast800) and should have upped my intake by now but have lost less than 4lbs in August (which I know is a good rate really) still I can't bring myself to risk gaining again as I became so depressed. I'm wondering if my metabolism is slowing down to conserve energy. Now that I type this I can see that I'm fully to blame for feeling like this. I'm not doing much exercise other than walking 3 miles a day and trying to up my NEAT but even that is a challenge. I told the doctor I was on a very low calorie diet and had lost 20lbs and she congratulated me. Hmm.
  • NerdyScienceGrl
    NerdyScienceGrl Posts: 669 Member
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    On top of wearing the tracker linger, you may want to do a search to find out if others have similar issues. I recently changed watches and saw some odd and concerning things to find out it wasn’t me, but the watch.

    I’m sorry to hear that you’ve not been feeling great and can only echo seeing a doctor. If you aren’t getting the care you need, possibly see someone else, or insist the person you see look deeper. 🤗
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
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    39flavours wrote: »
    Thank you @Lietchi yes, I agree I need to be wearing the tracker for longer to get more of a picture. I have had it mentioned that my heart rate is low in the past, when it was checked when I joined the gym a few years ago, so I don't think it's a new thing. Also the chest pains and tiredness have been going on for 18 months but I've been in denial of it.
    I put on 20lbs during the pandemic and have been working since July to shift it. I'm really embarrassed to admit that, yes, my calorie intake is very low and I know it's not good, I lost 16lbs in the first month on a low carb low cal IF diet (Fast800) and should have upped my intake by now but have lost less than 4lbs in August (which I know is a good rate really) still I can't bring myself to risk gaining again as I became so depressed. I'm wondering if my metabolism is slowing down to conserve energy. Now that I type this I can see that I'm fully to blame for feeling like this. I'm not doing much exercise other than walking 3 miles a day and trying to up my NEAT but even that is a challenge. I told the doctor I was on a very low calorie diet and had lost 20lbs and she congratulated me. Hmm.

    Your General Dr don't get a big education on nutrition/diet - hence recommending to specialist like any other ENT, podiatrist, ect - in this case Dietician that did go for the extra schooling.

    She probably didn't do the math to get a rate, and even if she did, likely doesn't know extreme or reasonable diets.

    Start being aware if hair growth has slowed, or perhaps falling out.
    Nail growth slower.
    May be summer, but harder to keep warm is other issue. "why is it so cold in here?!"
    That's a change to some functions of base metabolism.

    Probably time for diet break and slowly start eating more until up to maintenance.

    Probably fitter than you think, besides genetics and diet having some effect for lower HR.
    Don't have to be elite athlete to experience lower HR from some exercise.
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
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    Please read this post : https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10761904/under-1200-for-weight-loss/p1

    that said, some people do have a naturally low heart rate. My husband is one. And aside from being a bit underweight, is very fit and has a very physical job (just burns off more than he can eat).

    Definitely have a serious talk with your doctor, and possibly look for a second opinion. Chest pains and tiredness are not normal and no doctor should encourage a very low calorie diet, unless the patient is morbidly obese and being closely supervised.

    Thank you so much for sharing this link, what a terrifying, sobering, fascinating and informative story. I'm so glad I have the Dr's appointment coming up and I will push hard to find out exactly what's going on x
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
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    Uh - please start eating more! I understand the fear of regaining but your body is now telling you need more. On a superficial level, not eating enough means you don’t have energy, your NEAT lowers as your body tries to conserve energy and you feel rubbish. On a serious level, your body starts to use whatever fuel it can get - including muscle. Your heart is a muscle. Extreme dieting can lead to hair loss, periods stopping (potential for osteoporosis) and horrible horrible complications.

    Get some carbs in you, get your fruit and veggies, and put your stats into MFP to lose 0.5 - 1lb per week. You’ll lose weight SAFELY and, great byproduct, you won’t feel crap.

    Good point about the body reducing NEAT as it is trying to conserve energy, thank you for the reminder. I have in the last few weeks added carbs back into my diet as I really couldn't function well without them. Still avoiding grains and potatoes mostly but eating more fruit and dairy. It occurred to me that I may have put back on the water weight I initially lost because of adding the carbs, which may be masking some fat loss. I haven't noticed any hair loss but I'll look it for it and reassess my diary settings.
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
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    I know that you know this, so I don't want to harp on it too much, but you NEED to be consuming a minimum of 1200 calories per day in order to get all of the nutrients that you body needs, and even then, unless you are eating a perfect diet it is still hard. When you do see a doctor, I would recommend requesting a full blood work up so that you can find out what, if any, vitamins and minerals you are deficient in and just supplement with those specifically. Remember, food is fuel, and if you aren't eating enough, you aren't going to have enough energy to get through the day, much less any sort of exercise.

    Yes, I really need to focus on more vitamin rich foods, not just protein and fats, and more of them! I'll see what my blood test shows up and ask the doc if I can find out any more about my nutrition levels, thanks
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
    Options
    On top of wearing the tracker linger, you may want to do a search to find out if others have similar issues. I recently changed watches and saw some odd and concerning things to find out it wasn’t me, but the watch.

    I’m sorry to hear that you’ve not been feeling great and can only echo seeing a doctor. If you aren’t getting the care you need, possibly see someone else, or insist the person you see look deeper. 🤗

    It is very possible my tracker is a bit shonky, it's a Huawei Honor Band 3 and is a few years old. Huawei doesn't tend to sync well with other products.
    I'm always a bit reluctant to go to the gp as I'm well aware of how much the NHS are struggling with under funding and lack of resources, all the more so now with all the backlog. Better to act now than risk a bigger problem in the future.
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
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    heybales wrote: »
    39flavours wrote: »
    Thank you @Lietchi yes, I agree I need to be wearing the tracker for longer to get more of a picture. I have had it mentioned that my heart rate is low in the past, when it was checked when I joined the gym a few years ago, so I don't think it's a new thing. Also the chest pains and tiredness have been going on for 18 months but I've been in denial of it.
    I put on 20lbs during the pandemic and have been working since July to shift it. I'm really embarrassed to admit that, yes, my calorie intake is very low and I know it's not good, I lost 16lbs in the first month on a low carb low cal IF diet (Fast800) and should have upped my intake by now but have lost less than 4lbs in August (which I know is a good rate really) still I can't bring myself to risk gaining again as I became so depressed. I'm wondering if my metabolism is slowing down to conserve energy. Now that I type this I can see that I'm fully to blame for feeling like this. I'm not doing much exercise other than walking 3 miles a day and trying to up my NEAT but even that is a challenge. I told the doctor I was on a very low calorie diet and had lost 20lbs and she congratulated me. Hmm.

    Your General Dr don't get a big education on nutrition/diet - hence recommending to specialist like any other ENT, podiatrist, ect - in this case Dietician that did go for the extra schooling.

    She probably didn't do the math to get a rate, and even if she did, likely doesn't know extreme or reasonable diets.

    Start being aware if hair growth has slowed, or perhaps falling out.
    Nail growth slower.
    May be summer, but harder to keep warm is other issue. "why is it so cold in here?!"
    That's a change to some functions of base metabolism.

    Probably time for diet break and slowly start eating more until up to maintenance.

    Probably fitter than you think, besides genetics and diet having some effect for lower HR.
    Don't have to be elite athlete to experience lower HR from some exercise.

    Haven't noticed any problems with my hair or nails and I've always felt the cold more than others around me. You're right, I'm most probably fine, the doc gave me the initial 5min consultation over the phone so I haven't been examined yet. I'll make sure to give her the full details when I see her in person, thanks
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,627 Member
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    39flavours wrote: »
    Please read this post : https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10761904/under-1200-for-weight-loss/p1

    that said, some people do have a naturally low heart rate. My husband is one. And aside from being a bit underweight, is very fit and has a very physical job (just burns off more than he can eat).

    Definitely have a serious talk with your doctor, and possibly look for a second opinion. Chest pains and tiredness are not normal and no doctor should encourage a very low calorie diet, unless the patient is morbidly obese and being closely supervised.

    Thank you so much for sharing this link, what a terrifying, sobering, fascinating and informative story. I'm so glad I have the Dr's appointment coming up and I will push hard to find out exactly what's going on x

    It is truly a terrifying story, especially given how many people we see on here purposely eating so little and exercising (and not eating back calories).

    I am on a medication where one of the side effects is a loss of appetite. I have an amazing healthcare team, truly. I swear my doctor has taken more blood out of my body to test, in the past 6 months than i have blood IN me LOL. Every month. Like clockwork, I'm in his office. I'm not allowed to work out at all. No matter how good I may feel or how much energy I think I have. My appetite is returning, slowly. But not enough quite yet. Hes worried I wont be able to eat back the calories. Fair point, there.

    I know you are worried about contributing to the problems in your healthcare system, but YOUR health is equally important as others.
  • WailingDusk
    WailingDusk Posts: 58 Member
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    Oh definitely get this checked out by a cardiologist, especially if you're experiencing any weakness, dizziness on standing or sitting up, or chest pain. It's always best to go get things like this checked out. My heart rate is also very low. It goes into the mid-30's when I'm sleeping and my resting rate is usually between 45-55. I don't get dizziness, weakness or chest pains, and I'm very active, especially with cardio.

    I still had my PCP and a cardiologist check me over just in case, at the very least, to put my mind at ease. It could be an electrolyte deficiency, it could be your heart's electrical system not functioning properly, or it could be nothing at all.

    I hope everything goes well! Keep us updated.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 32,154 Member
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    39flavours wrote: »
    heybales wrote: »
    39flavours wrote: »
    Thank you @Lietchi yes, I agree I need to be wearing the tracker for longer to get more of a picture. I have had it mentioned that my heart rate is low in the past, when it was checked when I joined the gym a few years ago, so I don't think it's a new thing. Also the chest pains and tiredness have been going on for 18 months but I've been in denial of it.
    I put on 20lbs during the pandemic and have been working since July to shift it. I'm really embarrassed to admit that, yes, my calorie intake is very low and I know it's not good, I lost 16lbs in the first month on a low carb low cal IF diet (Fast800) and should have upped my intake by now but have lost less than 4lbs in August (which I know is a good rate really) still I can't bring myself to risk gaining again as I became so depressed. I'm wondering if my metabolism is slowing down to conserve energy. Now that I type this I can see that I'm fully to blame for feeling like this. I'm not doing much exercise other than walking 3 miles a day and trying to up my NEAT but even that is a challenge. I told the doctor I was on a very low calorie diet and had lost 20lbs and she congratulated me. Hmm.

    Your General Dr don't get a big education on nutrition/diet - hence recommending to specialist like any other ENT, podiatrist, ect - in this case Dietician that did go for the extra schooling.

    She probably didn't do the math to get a rate, and even if she did, likely doesn't know extreme or reasonable diets.

    Start being aware if hair growth has slowed, or perhaps falling out.
    Nail growth slower.
    May be summer, but harder to keep warm is other issue. "why is it so cold in here?!"
    That's a change to some functions of base metabolism.

    Probably time for diet break and slowly start eating more until up to maintenance.

    Probably fitter than you think, besides genetics and diet having some effect for lower HR.
    Don't have to be elite athlete to experience lower HR from some exercise.

    Haven't noticed any problems with my hair or nails and I've always felt the cold more than others around me. You're right, I'm most probably fine, the doc gave me the initial 5min consultation over the phone so I haven't been examined yet. I'll make sure to give her the full details when I see her in person, thanks

    Hair thinning and nails weakening can be delayed effects that show up weeks after the problem. (Loosely, they have to grow out far enough for the poorer-quality hair or nails to have their effect. Hair thinning isn't so much hair follicles opening up and releasing the hair, it's thinner, poorer-quality hair strands that are weak and break off once they emerge far enough and get a bit of stress (brushing, showering, etc.) so that they break off. Nails can be even slower, since the growth is coming from the base, and you notice the brittleness when the weak area starts to be the outer part of the nail.

    Don't wait to see those signs. If you see other signs that you're losing too fast (like actually dropping pounds faster than sensible, as averaged over a period of weeks), then eat more.

    Sure, the potential for regain is worrisome. Sure, slow loss can be frustrating. But too-fast loss increases health risks, possibly significantly.

    If you're not so severely obese that the excess weight in itself is a health risk, risking health to lose weight fast is not a good tradeoff. If you *are* so obese that the weight itself is a health risk, you should be losing weight under close medical supervision, including things like regular blood tests for nutritional adequacy.
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
    Options
    Oh definitely get this checked out by a cardiologist, especially if you're experiencing any weakness, dizziness on standing or sitting up, or chest pain. It's always best to go get things like this checked out. My heart rate is also very low. It goes into the mid-30's when I'm sleeping and my resting rate is usually between 45-55. I don't get dizziness, weakness or chest pains, and I'm very active, especially with cardio.

    I still had my PCP and a cardiologist check me over just in case, at the very least, to put my mind at ease. It could be an electrolyte deficiency, it could be your heart's electrical system not functioning properly, or it could be nothing at all.

    I hope everything goes well! Keep us updated.

    Thank you, I had crushing chest pain sensations yesterday evening, which I haven't had in a few months, it's usually just twinges. So glad I've got the docs next week
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
    Options
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    39flavours wrote: »
    heybales wrote: »
    39flavours wrote: »
    Thank you @Lietchi yes, I agree I need to be wearing the tracker for longer to get more of a picture. I have had it mentioned that my heart rate is low in the past, when it was checked when I joined the gym a few years ago, so I don't think it's a new thing. Also the chest pains and tiredness have been going on for 18 months but I've been in denial of it.
    I put on 20lbs during the pandemic and have been working since July to shift it. I'm really embarrassed to admit that, yes, my calorie intake is very low and I know it's not good, I lost 16lbs in the first month on a low carb low cal IF diet (Fast800) and should have upped my intake by now but have lost less than 4lbs in August (which I know is a good rate really) still I can't bring myself to risk gaining again as I became so depressed. I'm wondering if my metabolism is slowing down to conserve energy. Now that I type this I can see that I'm fully to blame for feeling like this. I'm not doing much exercise other than walking 3 miles a day and trying to up my NEAT but even that is a challenge. I told the doctor I was on a very low calorie diet and had lost 20lbs and she congratulated me. Hmm.

    Your General Dr don't get a big education on nutrition/diet - hence recommending to specialist like any other ENT, podiatrist, ect - in this case Dietician that did go for the extra schooling.

    She probably didn't do the math to get a rate, and even if she did, likely doesn't know extreme or reasonable diets.

    Start being aware if hair growth has slowed, or perhaps falling out.
    Nail growth slower.
    May be summer, but harder to keep warm is other issue. "why is it so cold in here?!"
    That's a change to some functions of base metabolism.

    Probably time for diet break and slowly start eating more until up to maintenance.

    Probably fitter than you think, besides genetics and diet having some effect for lower HR.
    Don't have to be elite athlete to experience lower HR from some exercise.

    Haven't noticed any problems with my hair or nails and I've always felt the cold more than others around me. You're right, I'm most probably fine, the doc gave me the initial 5min consultation over the phone so I haven't been examined yet. I'll make sure to give her the full details when I see her in person, thanks

    Hair thinning and nails weakening can be delayed effects that show up weeks after the problem. (Loosely, they have to grow out far enough for the poorer-quality hair or nails to have their effect. Hair thinning isn't so much hair follicles opening up and releasing the hair, it's thinner, poorer-quality hair strands that are weak and break off once they emerge far enough and get a bit of stress (brushing, showering, etc.) so that they break off. Nails can be even slower, since the growth is coming from the base, and you notice the brittleness when the weak area starts to be the outer part of the nail.

    Don't wait to see those signs. If you see other signs that you're losing too fast (like actually dropping pounds faster than sensible, as averaged over a period of weeks), then eat more.

    Sure, the potential for regain is worrisome. Sure, slow loss can be frustrating. But too-fast loss increases health risks, possibly significantly.

    If you're not so severely obese that the excess weight in itself is a health risk, risking health to lose weight fast is not a good tradeoff. If you *are* so obese that the weight itself is a health risk, you should be losing weight under close medical supervision, including things like regular blood tests for nutritional adequacy.

    You're so right, not worth the risk. I'm not severely obese, back at the start of July I was Obese class 1 by bmi standards, now I am in the Overweight range and have about 17lbs to go to get me into the healthy weight range. Aiming to lose another 25-30lbs from here so I have set my rate at 1lb per week for now which gives me 1240 cals per day plus half exercise. I'll reassess when I get closer to goal.
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
    Options
    39flavours wrote: »
    Please read this post : https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10761904/under-1200-for-weight-loss/p1

    that said, some people do have a naturally low heart rate. My husband is one. And aside from being a bit underweight, is very fit and has a very physical job (just burns off more than he can eat).

    Definitely have a serious talk with your doctor, and possibly look for a second opinion. Chest pains and tiredness are not normal and no doctor should encourage a very low calorie diet, unless the patient is morbidly obese and being closely supervised.

    Thank you so much for sharing this link, what a terrifying, sobering, fascinating and informative story. I'm so glad I have the Dr's appointment coming up and I will push hard to find out exactly what's going on x

    It is truly a terrifying story, especially given how many people we see on here purposely eating so little and exercising (and not eating back calories).

    I am on a medication where one of the side effects is a loss of appetite. I have an amazing healthcare team, truly. I swear my doctor has taken more blood out of my body to test, in the past 6 months than i have blood IN me LOL. Every month. Like clockwork, I'm in his office. I'm not allowed to work out at all. No matter how good I may feel or how much energy I think I have. My appetite is returning, slowly. But not enough quite yet. Hes worried I wont be able to eat back the calories. Fair point, there.

    I know you are worried about contributing to the problems in your healthcare system, but YOUR health is equally important as others.

    Wow, sounds like you have some really tough health challenges, I'm glad you're being looked after well and I'm really impressed by your positive attitude, hats off to you! I also don't have much of an appetite but luckily I LOVE peanut butter and can usually convince myself to have some of that if I don't feel like anything else. I really hope you get to the point where you're able to work out again, sounds like you miss it a lot
  • 39flavours
    39flavours Posts: 1,494 Member
    edited September 2021
    Options
    39flavours wrote: »
    39flavours wrote: »
    Please read this post : https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10761904/under-1200-for-weight-loss/p1

    that said, some people do have a naturally low heart rate. My husband is one. And aside from being a bit underweight, is very fit and has a very physical job (just burns off more than he can eat).

    Definitely have a serious talk with your doctor, and possibly look for a second opinion. Chest pains and tiredness are not normal and no doctor should encourage a very low calorie diet, unless the patient is morbidly obese and being closely supervised.

    Thank you so much for sharing this link, what a terrifying, sobering, fascinating and informative story. I'm so glad I have the Dr's appointment coming up and I will push hard to find out exactly what's going on x

    It is truly a terrifying story, especially given how many people we see on here purposely eating so little and exercising (and not eating back calories).

    I am on a medication where one of the side effects is a loss of appetite. I have an amazing healthcare team, truly. I swear my doctor has taken more blood out of my body to test, in the past 6 months than i have blood IN me LOL. Every month. Like clockwork, I'm in his office. I'm not allowed to work out at all. No matter how good I may feel or how much energy I think I have. My appetite is returning, slowly. But not enough quite yet. Hes worried I wont be able to eat back the calories. Fair point, there.

    I know you are worried about contributing to the problems in your healthcare system, but YOUR health is equally important as others.

    Wow, sounds like you have some really tough health challenges, I'm glad you're being looked after well and I'm really impressed by your positive attitude, hats off to you! I also don't have much of an appetite but luckily I LOVE peanut butter and can usually convince myself to have some of that if I don't feel like anything else. I really hope you get to the point where you're able to work out again, sounds like you miss it a lot

    we just tacked on 2 new chronic conditions this week so, you know, good times LOL

    im only 43. im not supposed to be old yet LMAO

    Neither however will require daily medication nor should they affect my weight so far as I know.

    I have major depressive disorder and purposely keeping a positive outlook helps (usually) to keep me from going into my head too far and falling into a depression (which for me will last for months and months). Meds dont help me with that, so therapy and finding other methods to help mitigate those episodes, for me, are key.

    probably way more than you cared to know LMAO ;)

    You are a strong lass!