Low RHR

[PDP2021]

Hi All. I'm looking for a bit of info and reassurance in relation to my RHR. I'm 33 and by no means fit at all. I enjoy walking when I can. My RHR was always in the 60 to 70 bracket. I've noticed lately it's starting to drop. I've always suffered from palpitations and had may checks. Holter, EKG, cardigan MRI and all OK. In December I had another 25 hour monitor and was told all OK. Lowest heart went was 53bpm during the night. Now I've noticed since my RHR can go to 49 when I'm sitting down relaxing or falling asleep(not just in the middle of the night). This is really scaring me and causing me major anxiety. Heart rate is 57 as I write this. Had anybody else had similar? I find it hard to accept that it's normal. Does anybody else experience similar? I rang my cardiologist again and explained this and they reassured me it's OK. I'm now checking HR constant. 

Thanks in advance. 

[JohnnyRow]

Not speaking to medical issue, but be aware that it is common to see heart rate go below what Fitbit calls your RHR.

[t.parker]

Some people genetically have low RHR regardless their fitness. I went similar route as my wife pushed me to get tested for bradycardia. Everything was fine. All results were normal. My RHR was between 40-45 and I was obese back then. The same my max HR could get to 190. If your cardiologist says it's ok then probably it is 🙂 you may always look for a second opinion but regardless your HR, if you feel ok, no issues like dizziness, being out of breath just by standing up and when you get active your heart follows and speeds up then probably you are a "genetic freak" like me 😁

[Heybales]

So you talked to a medical expert first (good job) and now asking rando's on forum about it?

If Dr's comment isn't reassuring - it's kinda concerning that other's comments would be.

Are you in a diet?

That causes HR to lower too.

Extreme diet for amount to lose?

Even more effect.

Otherwise ditto to genetic differences and being active can be enough to lower it.

[LionLady]

If your doctor isn't concerned then all is likely fine. Your heart is becoming healthier, more efficient and so doesn't have to work as hard/beat as often.

Before focusing on getting more fit, my RHR was in the high 60s. .Now it is in the mid to low 50s. 

[charleskn]

I am 60+ and have the same thing. Brachycardia can result from fitness, genetics, thyroid, etc. My RHR is up to almost 50, and I'm excited 🙂

A year ago I started to experience intermittent exercise induced AFib. All tests were good, so there are no structural or other heart issues. It's good to check these things out, and my take is that, I'm healthy and not experiencing any issues related to my heart rate, and my cardio doc says life is fine. 

Have you checked blood sugar, thyroid, and do you ever feel light headed?

I listen to my doctor, I have educated myself as best I can, I track my heart as best I can, and then I motor on (as best I can 🙂 )

[charleskn]

@PDP2021 I understand your concern. I'm 60+, and while I am fit, I am not an elite athlete. My RHR is in the low to mid 40s. I had started having exercise induced AFib about 15 months ago, and all kinds of tests showed no structural or other abnormalities in my heart. The real key here, for me, was that I have low thyroid, which made it difficult to lose weight, and also contributes to brachycardia (low HR). Even with thyroid meds, it is still low. I workout pretty hard, but I take pains to make sure that I warm up really good, first. I try to avoid going straight from rest to high intensity.

The real key is to have an ongoing conversation with your doctor. Especially if you have any symptoms like being light-headed.