Bradycardia? Is it a problem? 48-52 bpm heart rate.?
Question:
I've had it measure at sub-50 before at doctor's offices and no one ever says anything.
When I used to be overweight, I used to have a resting heart rate of 90+. I knew this was bad and I've since started to work out much more (3-6 times a week).
I thought having a low resting heart rate was good but after reading some internet articles it looks like I might be wrong. I would have thought doctors would have said something if they thought I was unhealthy. Next time I'm there I'll ask, but I want to see what other information I can find out first so I know the right questions to ask.
I have a maximum heart rate ( calculated from my regular exercise routine) of about 210.
I'm 28, 5'8", 170lbs. I'm hardly an "athlete" and don't train anywhere near fatige. I run at a moderate intensity.
Bad health or good genetics? How to tell?
Answers:
Don't worry, you sound like you are in good cardiovascular health. You are a little young for a heart block to be the reason for the low heart rate, and this is usually brought on by a MI (heart attack) causing tissue death within the muscle, which I think you would have noticed. Your blood pressure is good, not indicative of a condition that would contribute to stress on the heart muscle, such as atherosclerosis or occlusions.
p.s. It is not necessary to be an "athlete" with 6-12% body fat to be in excellent cardiovascular health. What you are currently doing is very effective.
This is something that you will definately want to check with your doctor about. However, people who exercise often can frequently have lower resting heart rates. This is a sign of good health. Since you exercise 3-6 times a week, I am willing to bet this is the reason why. If you have no symptoms (dizziness, hard to breathe, pain, etc) then I would not worry about it. Good luck :)
I would say you are just fine. A male who is healthy, can have a lower heartrate. Plus, if it was a problem, the doctor would be all over it. A low heartrate can be a bad thing, only with certain conditions. An "athlete" doesn't mean you kill yourself. However, if you really don't think that you meet the qualifications, you may have complications with your heart. Your electric conduct system. That is the system that sends the electric current from the top of your heart down, to cause it to contract or pump. If the currents are blocked, your heart can miss a beat. This is a sign of heart damage. Now, if you work out and are healthy, you showed be fine. If you dont' excercise at all, then go to the doctor.
You have, what we in the cardiac profession refer to, an athletic heart. It's not unusual for someone with a healthy heart to have a resting heart rate of 40. Sounds like you're doing good!
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