Is my heart rate too low?

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Early 50s, none smoker and no meds.


I've just been reading up on a actor and noted he died of a low BPM/Bradycardia

Eek. Should I be worried?! I'm no athlete.

[dreamer75]

If it helps, I'm only a few years younger than you, with a similar or lower resting heart rate. Not super fit - reasonably active but not an olympic athlete or anything like that!

I did have it investigated - GP (and I) got a bit concerned because it was dropping to 38 or so at times. I got so fed up of my watch notifying me about low HR's!

I wore a HR monitor for a while, had an ECG, and did a stress test, all of which concluded it's just "low heart rate". Nothing else odd going on. A few ectopic beats (which feel like a sort of skipped beat), but nothing to cause concern. The consultant said something about the body's natural pacemaker being a bit tardy to respond properly, and maybe when I'm older I might need a pacemaker, but nothing to worry about just now.

I guess I'm saying that it might be nothing, but if you're worried, talk to a medical person.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

I used to be uber fit for years but after becoming more sloth like my HR hasn't increased like I thought it might do.

Sod it, I'll go and see the GP.

I had investigations into my blood/etc etc last year so I assumed they'd pick something up then.

[Simon_GH]

I would check the readings manually just in case your tech isn’t accurate.

[bmwmike]

I had low 30's (32 at one point) as shown on my watch a few times and my BP is 140/90 so i went to the GP, who did an ECG, declared she could not make head nor tail of it and referred me to a cardiologist who phoned me a month later (covid era) and told me it was fine, unsure of why he'd been asked to look.

That said, everyones different, go and see a GP always is my suggestion.

[pidsy]

If you are concerned get it checked properly.

An ECG takes 5 mins and will tell them if there’s anything wrong.

I have an ICD after bradycardia and linked wenkebach heart block. My resting HR was 27 during the day and much lower at night.

I’m 44 now - had the device fitted at 41.

[ian996]

I wouldn't be too concerned based solely on a wrist based HR monitor, I think they can under estimate resting HR quite significantly when they sample fluctuating values while asleep. When I had a genuine resting HR in the low 40's, my Garmin watch regularly showed low 30's and even high 20's at times.

No harm I getting an ecg for reassurance though!

[Armitage.Shanks]

At 61 my RHR is around 48 although I keep myself relatively fit with cardio and HIIT. It wasn't until I had an ECG as a consequence of another investigation and some 2yrs later the GP happened to mention whether anyone had discussed the results with me! No they hadn't so he sent me for another one to confirm I have a Stage 1 heart block! That said with my level of fitness and overall health he said there was nothing to worry about and no treatment required. Thanks, I'd rather not have known. Bradycardia it is then

[Jonnny]

My resting is usually in the 40s too, can easily get it to 160 and back to a good rate with some exercise. I had a 24hr ECG and they were happy, my Dad died of a heart disease so maybe they were being cautious.

33M at the time.

[FlyVintage]

Mines pretty similar and I’m a lot older than you

Back when I was in my 30’s, my resting bpm was 33. I’m no fitter than the average bloke in my age range and never have been (with the possible exception of when in the RAF).

[Badda]

Armitage.Shanks said:

At 61 my RHR is around 48 although I keep myself relatively fit with cardio and HIIT. It wasn't until I had an ECG as a consequence of another investigation and some 2yrs later the GP happened to mention whether anyone had discussed the results with me! No they hadn't so he sent me for another one to confirm I have a Stage 1 heart block! That said with my level of fitness and overall health he said there was nothing to worry about and no treatment required. Thanks, I'd rather not have known. Bradycardia it is then

First degree heart block doesn’t cause bradycardia and is pretty benign in and of itself. No need to worry about it.

[thepritch]

If it’s the garmin, the resting heart rate is the lowest 30s average during the day. Which to me isn’t resting, it’s very likely sleeping.

I’d go and get it checked for peace of mind. Might be they want you to wear a 24hr ECG ‘tape’ machine thing or similar but worthwhile if you have concerns.

My garmin resting Hr used to sit at 40/41 but I’ve attributed that to being somewhat athletic. But I’ve not trained for a good couple of years so when my HR fell to 38/39 a few times last week whilst sat talking on the sofa it worried me (double checked with pulse and HR strap). I’m also 50. Think I’ll go to dr’s for reassurance.

[mcelliott]

Wouldn't be too concerned, mine regularly gets down to 36 even lower if I do a cold swim, 53 and in half decent shape.

[RotorRambler]

Worth getting checked if you’re concerned.
Mine is usually in the 30s, but I run a lot, which explains it in my case.
Apple Watch & Garmin chest strap about the same:-

[dirky dirk]

Mines mid forties in the middle of the night
It’s only every 60-70 at work when I’m mithered
And I’m quite overweight (although I’ve lost four stone before anyone gos on about that)

My bp is normal as well

[dirky dirk]

Mines mid forties in the middle of the night
It’s only every 60-70 at work when I’m mithered
And I’m quite overweight (although I’ve lost four stone before anyone gos on about that)

My bp is normal as well

[Armitage.Shanks]

Badda said:

Armitage.Shanks said:

At 61 my RHR is around 48 although I keep myself relatively fit with cardio and HIIT. It wasn't until I had an ECG as a consequence of another investigation and some 2yrs later the GP happened to mention whether anyone had discussed the results with me! No they hadn't so he sent me for another one to confirm I have a Stage 1 heart block! That said with my level of fitness and overall health he said there was nothing to worry about and no treatment required. Thanks, I'd rather not have known. Bradycardia it is then

First degree heart block doesn’t cause bradycardia and is pretty benign in and of itself. No need to worry about it.

Thanks for that, the GP said nothing to worry about. I recall checking this out with my travel insurance and rather surprisingly with no medical treatment there was no change to the annual premium. Usually any excuse for an insurer to raise a premium they'll take it!