Resting HR as low as 49?!

[m1st]

For context: I started running 2 miles a day a month ago to combat anxiety, and now I'm at 3 miles a day. I do/did suffer from anorexia and have been eating more but definitely still in a deficit. I'm 5 feet tall and used to only eat 800-1000 calories a day. I am now trying to consume 1,300-1,500 and am still seeking treatment for this disorder. Additionally, I am changing up my exercise routine to 3 days cardio, two days weights/body and weekends resting with walking 10,000 steps to stay active but not hitting the gym.

Anyways! The fitbit/HR problem... My fitbit versa over the past month has said my resting heart rate has dropped from 58 to like...I've seen as low as 49 while awake now and even lower 40s when I'm asleep. I am not an athlete and I've only had this active lifestyle for a month and I'm worried that instead of getting healthier I'm wearing away at my heart muscles. I had an EKG a few days ago and the doctor said it was normal--my arrhythmia was even gone and I actually do feel great! No fainting, much happier, less anxiety (except right this second...) more energy, etc.

Has anyone else seen these low of readings? I'm kind of on my own here with my fitness journey and understanding these things while trying to become healthier. Like I'm afraid to fall asleep right now... Sorry, I know I sound crazy but I figured I'd ask other people who wear fitbits if they see low readings. I tested my pulse directly and weirdly it was about 60 BPM. The lowest my doctor could get it on the EKG was 57 BPM though it'd jump to 70 with anxiety in an instant. I don't know, I'm rambling... would appreciate thoughts though.

[Bill_k]

oops wrong thread.

[Colinm39]

@m1st  Let's try to put you at rest... and it's great to hear your fitness journey is starting to work.. I understand where you are coming from and you are on the right track..  You are not alone... Don't hesitate to post because there are many like me who can give you a shoulder and a listening (posting) ear...

I'm 80 next birthday. while I'm typing this my HR is 56, last night while asleep the HR got down to 43. RHR is 52 and has averaged 54 for the last 12 months.. My heart was tested 12 months ago and all is normal.. My activity is low but I keep moving. Cardio Fitness is above excellent.. 

All of that said,...... I'm genetically built that way, was heavily into sport in my younger days and that condition has stayed with me even though I'm slightly overweight..

In your case if you haven't been on this journey for awhile, and because we don't know your age, you may have had a very active background and your new regime is getting you back to your normal self..

Don't overdo it, listen to your body and keep in touch.

As I post this my HR is now 54....

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@m1st wrote:

For context: I started running 2 miles a day a month ago to combat anxiety, and now I'm at 3 miles a day. I do/did suffer from anorexia and have been eating more but definitely still in a deficit. I'm 5 feet tall and used to only eat 800-1000 calories a day. I am now trying to consume 1,300-1,500 and am still seeking treatment for this disorder. Additionally, I am changing up my exercise routine to 3 days cardio, two days weights/body and weekends resting with walking 10,000 steps to stay active but not hitting the gym.

Anyways! The fitbit/HR problem... My fitbit versa over the past month has said my resting heart rate has dropped from 58 to like...I've seen as low as 49 while awake now and even lower 40s when I'm asleep. I am not an athlete and I've only had this active lifestyle for a month and I'm worried that instead of getting healthier I'm wearing away at my heart muscles. I had an EKG a few days ago and the doctor said it was normal--my arrhythmia was even gone and I actually do feel great! No fainting, much happier, less anxiety (except right this second...) more energy, etc.

Has anyone else seen these low of readings? I'm kind of on my own here with my fitness journey and understanding these things while trying to become healthier. Like I'm afraid to fall asleep right now... Sorry, I know I sound crazy but I figured I'd ask other people who wear fitbits if they see low readings. I tested my pulse directly and weirdly it was about 60 BPM. The lowest my doctor could get it on the EKG was 57 BPM though it'd jump to 70 with anxiety in an instant. I don't know, I'm rambling... would appreciate thoughts though.

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[emili]

hey there @m1st  the fact that you went to the doctor is a huge yay. That is the person best suited to say if you should be worried or not. The second yay is for your fight for health. super yay. As far as your RHR, it could be any number of things that is bringing it down including your fitbit reading it wrong. It is completely possible that is it too loose, too tight and giving false readings. I like that you did your own comparison and your count was higher. Keep an eye on it, keep your new lifestyle up and keep in touch with your doctor if you start to feel dizzy, woozy or exhausted. 

[gtg947h]

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@m1st wrote:

Anyways! The fitbit/HR problem... My fitbit versa over the past month has said my resting heart rate has dropped from 58 to like...I've seen as low as 49 while awake now and even lower 40s when I'm asleep....

Has anyone else seen these low of readings?

I'm 34, 6'0", and about 175-180lb.  My RHR according to Fitbit fluctuates in the 47-50 range.  I've seen values down to 40 when asleep or when very relaxed chilling out on the couch, and I've manually verified these numbers by taking my own pulse at the same time.

In my case, I think some is genetic and some is conditioning.  My dad has a low resting heart rate as well (though I didn't inherit his blood pressure issues), and I'm fairly active.  I saw values like this when I was training for triathlons a few years ago, and I see them again now that I'm hitting 15-20k steps/day and doing vigorous workouts 4-5 days a week (and sometimes, two of them a day). 

I do get good response with exercise and movement--I walk fast and it'll pop up to about 100 while doing so, for example--and I seem to have a good post-workout recovery.  Most of my doctors have asked, and once I tell them how active I generally am they are no longer concerned.