Low heartrate but overweight (active)

[Thomas812]

Hey all,

I've recently realised my heart-rate is very low for someone of my shape/size. I am currently a 20 year old Male, who is overweight weighing 127kg (i however do not look this weight, i realistically look 95-100kg) as ive been working out for years. I am active, healthy (diet) and fit (i can workout for hours and do so) and I'm currently on a weight loss journey. 

My resting heart-rate is 48-53 which is apparently athlete level. My sleeping heart-rate is 38-42. I've measured my hear-rate with my watch and also the traditional pulse touch with your finger and it's accurate. Most people my age/weight/height have resting heart-rates of 75+

Is this something to be concerned about, or should I see this as a good thing that my heart is "strong"?

Thanks,

Thomas.

[MarciM]

Hi @Thomas812 

Welcome to the forum. If you are concerned about your heart rate, you should seek guidance from your doctor. This forum is great for all kinds of advice, but when it comes to a medical concern, like questions on heart rate it's best to get a professional opinion. If you've been working out for years, it could be you have a very healthy/athletic heart rate, but better to be safe and check with a physician. 

[Heybales · Accepted solution]

If this was a recent change over some weeks to lower then ditto's to Dr.

If this has been the case for years because of active lifestyle - that is not out of line at all.

Fit cardio system can occur when overweight, just allows body to deal with it easier.

If you just noticed it because of getting Fitbit, then unknown.

If you just started doing research on what you already knew was low - you are right that is athletic level.

I will say that HR-based calculation will be confused by being fit but with high BMI - so you'll get calorie burn estimates that are lower than reality.

Fitbit will think the low HR is because the workout was easy, not because you are fit.

The low restingHR will help somewhat in that calculation.

Also, if you've started a diet, that will lower the restingHR too, to some degree. If fitness level already had it low, it may not lower much at all.

So don't just look up stats on same body stats of average matching person - compare activity levels too - that's huge difference to average person with your stats.

Average is NOT athletic.

[t.parker]

@Thomas812 I'm an example of a person who had very low resting HR (45-50) while being obese. In my case, it's just genetics. If you are worried, see your doctor. If you have no problem with elevating your HR doing cardio (your HR doesn't get stuck at low rates, you don't experience any symptoms like dizziness, feeling out of breath), then probably everything is fine and you are one of those lucky ones (ok, I don't know whether it makes anyone lucky) who just happens to have low resting HR.

[emili]

@Thomas812 and one more chime in- how do you feel? are you tired, cold, lethargic- if no to all, then you are a heart healthy guy who is doing even more for his heart by starting a weight loss journey. Much success to you and let us know how it's going. 

[Thomas812]

Thanks for all the responses above

@emili I feel absolutely fine, I have lots of energy through out the day, I feel very mobile and I feel healthy, which is obviously all good!