New resting heart rate baseline after COVID-19

[Ozzielicious]

Not sure what is going on. My diet and exercise have not changed. Back in 2019 and before COVID, my resting HR baseline used to be in the lower 50's (52 to 55) with individual points as low as 38. My baseline shifted twice in the last two years and I wasn't sure why! My cariologist said my heart function was fine.. I also requested my primary-care doctor to order heavy metals tests. The urine tests were negative for Mercury/Lead/Cadmium. I am now 40 and I figured it's probably my aging body and moved on. End of Dec'23 I had my first COVID attack with only a sore throat and a cough, and noticed my resting HR spiked during the week I was sick/contagious, and my baseline now shifted to a new range 60 to 64. I think the earlier 2 times my baseline shifted was due to the COVID shots + booster that I had taken. I had not made the connection then because I did not get sick with the shots. This 3rd baseline shift was major and my heart no longer beats lower than 55 when I am asleep. 

Will my heart ever recover, and will my heart rate improve? I understand my baseline is still in the normal range, but each person's body is different and we all have our own standards. I still eat healthy and run 3 days/week for 5.5 miles each run. Hit the gym 1/week and have never been to fast food restaurants in 2023 (except to get coffee). Has my baseline shifter due to COVID or just a coincidence? 

[RiekoC]

Hello @Ozzielicious 

The question about your heart rate baseline returning to pre-COVID levels is one that is best answered by your cardiologist/physician. These are the people who have the medical knowledge as well as familiarity with your medical history to answer such a question. They are the ones who should provide you with guidance on how to maintain good heart health.

[Ozzielicious]

You are reading too much, perhaps to quell any issue with COVID or COVID shots and its effect on the human heart. This is a forum--a perfect platform to raise such a discussion. It will help me to feel a bit comfortable to know that I am not the only one who has experience elevated HR with COVID-19. Yes, doctors have medical knowledge, but regular doctors and cardiologists are not like Doctor Mike (internet influencer), who will opine about avoiding COVID shots, for being cancelled or sued. These regular doctors will stick to their literature and refrain from providing wholistic guidelines. I mentioned my cardiologist said my heart function was fine, but not fine to me as my RHR was elevated twice, which now I realized happened after the COVID shots. I am well aware my RHR is great being in the lower 60s, but not great for me as mine was in its lower 40’s being a runner. Do you have any agenda? If you don’t have a direct answer, don’t bother!