Resting Heartrate

rlpomeroy
rlpomeroy Posts: 726 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Is there a resting heartrate that should be considered too low? I know a lower resting HR can indicate better fitness, but is there a lower threshold?

Replies

  • CodyQuinlan
    CodyQuinlan Posts: 38 Member
    I mean in my exercise physio class we talked about some elite ironman athletes having resting heart rates in the 40's but yes there is a such thing as too low and will cause inadequate blood flow. The real concern would be blood pressure you can have a 50 resting heart rate but still have a normal like 115/78 BP because your heart is more efficient at pumping blood vs. 50 resting heart rate and 98/78 then I'd see a doctor because you'll probably be passing out
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    CodyQuinlan wrote: »
    ... 50 resting heart rate and 98/78 then I'd see a doctor because you'll probably be passing out

    When I had my appendix removed 3 years ago, when I was coming to, the nurses were constantly checking on me. My pulse was in the 20s and like 80/60.even if I weren't on crazy meds, I probably couldn't get out of bed anyway ;)

    Op-its nothing to concern about. Your heart has a limit, genetically. Some pro cyclists rhr is in the high 30s.
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    Zero would be too low.
    ;)
  • rlpomeroy
    rlpomeroy Posts: 726 Member
    7lenny7 wrote: »
    Zero would be too low.
    ;)

    HA! so there IS a hard limit! :-)

    My monitor is showing me an average RHR of 42. I believe that it is accurate. It has been trending downward as I have been exercising and losing weight. I am no where near an elite athlete though.
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    A friend of mine used to have a pulse in the 30's when he was at his peak of fitness.

    If your RHR is 42, and has gradually dropped as your weight decreased and fitness increased, I wouldn't worry unless there was something else associated with it to cause you concern.

    My RHR has dropped from 85 to 53 over the last 10 months. I'm hoping to see it drop below 50 by summer (for no particularly good reason)
  • pgray007
    pgray007 Posts: 47 Member
    I think HR is somewhat an individual thing. My RHR first thing in the morning is 37 or so, and I'm far from an Ironman (maybe a Tin Man).
  • litsy3
    litsy3 Posts: 783 Member
    CodyQuinlan wrote: »
    50 resting heart rate and 98/78 then I'd see a doctor because you'll probably be passing out

    Those don't look like worryingly low numbers either for RHR or for BP. Unless I should be really worried and I haven't realised yet... :/

    My RHR is currently about 37; when I was less fit (but still reasonably fit) it used to be closer to 50. I guess 'too low' depends on you and where you started from, rather than absolute numbers.

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