Low Resting Heart Rate

JoanWill

I remember when I was a medical intern in college one of my co-interns checked my resting heart rate a few times, and it was on the low range. I don't remember the numbers but my co-intern actually mentioned it to a cardiologist. This cardiologist made a quick assessment and concluded I am normal but will have to do a quick ECG. It came out normal.

Ever since then, every time I go see a doctor, I am always asked if I was an athlete. And I always say NO.

Last night while surfing the net, it occurred to me that I really don't know what my RHR is so I took it 3 different times with 3-5 mins in between. I had to take it 3 times because the first time was only 47!!!! I was shocked, happy and confused. And even with those emotions, the 2nd time I took it, it was the same. The 3rd time was 49. And again this morning before I got off the bed, it was 46.

Anybody's RHR this low?

I am not and never was an athlete. This week, I didn't really work out until this morning. I kinda have a feeling that I am stronger than I think I am.
Stats: 5'4" ; 147.2 lbs ; 36 y/o, female ( in case it's not obvious on the pic).

I guess I am just curious of a low RHR can be genetically influenced, or something.

DL121004

Count your blessings!

I'm pretty fit and active -- for example, my exercise of choice is cycling and I rode about 3500 miles last year. My RHR is generally around 75-80. I anticipate going for a ride and it jumps to 90.

tomomatic

Wow! I think my RHR is something like 80-90. I'll where my HRM while I watch TV one of these days.

I always thought that a really good RHR is like 75. But 47 sounds amazing.

How's your blood pressure?

scottb81

RIght now when I am running a lot my RHR is 40. When I was not running, but rather smoking and drinking a lot it was in the high 60s. So, there is a genetic as well as fitness component at work.

Stats: male, 52 yrs old, 6'0", 177 lbs

tammyw59

Mine runs about 52. It used to be around 60 until I started serious training.

sharonsjones

My RHR is 45 but I am a runner. I have to get up slowly sometimes because I get dizzy right at first. But I am used to that.

scotslass

Im not an athlete either im 5'6 174lbs and my RHR is 53 not bad :-)

Pace29

My RHR is also low like yours 46/47 last time i measured it .... been told its prob b/c were fit/strong hearts from working out. fitter than we think i guess

IronmanPanda

I believe resting heart rate is more accurate if you measure it first thing in the morning before actually getting up out of bed.

The last time I measured it mine was 42. I believe it is considered "Athletic" for someone 10 years younger than I am.

Gionni

I take mine twice a week first thing in the morning its general 51-53 bps

augiedad

I was checked out a few years ago because while having a medical procedure my RHR was 29. My cardiologist did a whole battery of tests including a stress test. Everything came back perfect and I was told that not everything can be explained, but I was in no danger. Now after losing 110lbs, everytime I donate blood my RHR is usually in the low 40's and they ask if I work out alot.

There is a medical term for this condition that escapes me right now.

Di3012

I remember when I was a medical intern in college one of my co-interns checked my resting heart rate a few times, and it was on the low range. I don't remember the numbers but my co-intern actually mentioned it to a cardiologist. This cardiologist made a quick assessment and concluded I am normal but will have to do a quick ECG. It came out normal.

Ever since then, every time I go see a doctor, I am always asked if I was an athlete. And I always say NO.

Last night while surfing the net, it occurred to me that I really don't know what my RHR is so I took it 3 different times with 3-5 mins in between. I had to take it 3 times because the first time was only 47!!!! I was shocked, happy and confused. And even with those emotions, the 2nd time I took it, it was the same. The 3rd time was 49. And again this morning before I got off the bed, it was 46.

Anybody's RHR this low?

I am not and never was an athlete. This week, I didn't really work out until this morning. I kinda have a feeling that I am stronger than I think I am.
Stats: 5'4" ; 147.2 lbs ; 36 y/o, female ( in case it's not obvious on the pic).

I guess I am just curious of a low RHR can be genetically influenced, or something.

Many top-class runners have low resting heart-rates, they are most likely designed this way for the reason that they would be able to run for longer and faster before their heart reaches maximum.

The fitter somebody is, the slower their resting heart rate would normally be too - well within reason that is, a RHR of 10 bpm would be cause for concern I think lol.

SteveHunt113

I've tried to get my RHR below 60 for years. I'd up my cardio and nothing. Was stuck at 60. Early this year I completely changed my workout from normal wight lifting and cardio to circuit training and interval cardio training. I started getting dizzy when I'd get up too fast. I took my BP and discovered my RHR is now between 48 - 52. For me, I had to train extra hard (but not longer) to get mine down.

Looks like I have average genetics compared to others posting.

ThePhoenixRose

Mine is 42.

MassiveDelta

I believe resting heart rate is more accurate if you measure it first thing in the morning before actually getting up out of bed.

The last time I measured it mine was 42. I believe it is considered "Athletic" for someone 10 years younger than I am.

Definitely as you wake up ...remain in bed and take it before moving.

My last was 48 but I also would be considered an athlete

JoanWill

Wow! I think my RHR is something like 80-90. I'll where my HRM while I watch TV one of these days.

I always thought that a really good RHR is like 75. But 47 sounds amazing.

How's your blood pressure?

My BP is always on the healthy low range. Nothing alarming. The only time it went up was when I was almost due when I was pregnant with my twins. But my BP is something I can always be proud of.

I guess I am one of those that are blessed with an efficient Now my is happy.

kunibob

Mine was usually about 42 until I got treated for anemia, and now it's about 46. I exercise a lot, but it has always been quite low, even when I went through a long phase of not exercising a few years ago. It runs in my family -- both my father and sister have a sub-40 RHR.

MJ7910

MIne is about 55-65 usually. i was never told there was anything wrong with this and i have a physical every year and my EKG is fine... so i guess not to worry about it.

dport7

Mine resting, I take it three times a day, averages 50 to 54, my b/p is 125/ 65 resting average. Two months ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure 170/105. Exercise, portion control and reducing sodium has helped that. No b/p meds.

tinastanley

I'm a 46 yr old female. I really don't consider my self an athlete but I do anywhere from 1 hr to 1.5 hrs on the ellptical 6 days a week at a pretty good pace. My resting heart rate is 42.

crb1988

I have an app on my phone I use to check it twice a week before getting out of bed. It ranges anywhere from 48 to 53. I'm 5'6" and weigh 196, but I work out 5-6 days a week.

Di3012

I have an app on my phone I use to check it twice a week before getting out of bed. It ranges anywhere from 48 to 53. I'm 5'6" and weigh 196, but I work out 5-6 days a week.

How does that work? Is it an i-phone app?

rensker

Mine is typically in the low 40's during the day (I can never remember to check it as soon as I wake up). It used to be in the high 30's back when I did cardio 7 days a week. Now I mostly just do strength training 3x/week but it hasn't gone up much.
It did worry me, I'm glad to know there are so many others who have the same!

dsak

My RHR is low as well....... typically around 42. Before I lost weight, it was in the high 50's / low 60's. I was concerned about it... because my dad has had some valve issues, so I got checked out. I had an ECHO performed (ultrasound of the heart), wore a holster monitor for 24 hours (heart ranged from 31-76 during that time), and had a stress test. My Cardiologist basically said all is OK. There are a few minor things she wants to keep tabs on annually (mostly because of family history), but all in all I'm OK. I do get lightheaded sometimes when I get up too fast, but that is minor.

I am 47, 159lbs and 5' 6". I now run 3-4 times a week for exercise!

The term for a RHR consistently below 60 is called Bradycardia

rdsxgrl28

Mine hovers around 53-58

jsnearly

Some people have a lower vascular resistance and better cardiac output than others. Your heart doesn't have to pump as many times to keep your blood pressure up. Having a low heart rate in the higher 40's and up is okay as long as you can maintain your blood pressue with it. If your heart rate was in the 30's then I would be suspicious for some type of heart block.

mckshowie

mine's super low, too! every time i give blood they ask me if i'm an athlete. i've also almost been turned down for giving blood because they thought it was too low and might be erratic. they quickly got over that

juicygurl1

the more you workout doing cardio routines especially running your resting heart rate will always be lower than 50! i strive to maintain a lower heart rate, used to run but now i cycle. it's not easy keeping it low but i feel so much better when i achieve this goal. Keep up the good work if in fact you are exercising!

GoodbyeFatChick

My resting heart rate is around 42 or so, I take a beta blocker because I was born with heart problems. I had 2 heart surgeries. So I will never be able to get my heart rate up to the cardio zone that it needs to be in. I have a polar HRM and it always tells me that I need to work more in Zone 2 but, I never get there...ever. But, it's okay I work out hard and I know there are others out there like me as well.

Opheliac_Xx

Mine is around 47, even since I stopped doing cardio workouts... Guess it's just genetic?

swaymyway

It's a while since I have taken it, but the last few times I have it has been under 50. It's good because it means I'm fit, but it's bad because it's a lot harder to burn cals!!