Increased RHR

[BJG03]

Like many people - I started eating healthy and quit drinking at the beginning of January. In general I have always had a lower RHR - but would not say I’m exceptionally “fit”. In December, my RHR was in the low to mid 60’s. Over three weeks I got that down to the high 40’s. To this point - I’ve lost 15 pounds and have not had a sip of alcohol. Sleeping very well.

Now over the past week it has slowly ticked up to the low-mid 50’s. I have increased activity a bit over the last two weeks - but in general in the past that has made my RHR go down. My skin temp also seems to be higher during sleep.

I feel great. Had Covid a couple of weeks ago and feel phenomenal since. What could be causing the increase in RHR as I continue to lose weight and feel better? I was thinking maybe my metabolism ticking up a little, but am not sure.

[eezeepee · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Fitbit community!

I agree though that overtime, consistent exercise and conditioning will get your resting heart rate lower. It's kind of surprising to me to see you said you already got that down to the high 40s, unless you've been there before. Is that you're actually RHR or the low you hit overnight? The higher RHR and slightly higher skin temp (if consecutive days) could be signs of infection but you said you're feel well. It could just mean it was a warmer temp in the room overnight as well. My skin temp has never been more than 0.6 above my baseline. Oral temperature is the quick and easy way to get a more accurate assessment. This honestly sounds like a good medical question for your primary care physician.

[BJG03]

Yea I’ve been in the high 40’s before - it’s fairly normal when I’m not indulging in wine, beer, smoke meats and bar food. So I wasn’t surprised to see it come down - and it did so over the course of 2-3 weeks, not overnight. It spiked when I had Covid but came right back down. But now going up again slowly 1-2 beats every night over last week and I feel great. I’m inclined to not be terribly concerned about it since it is definitely a lower BMP. Blood pressure is basically perfect. My body temp has varied quite a bit since I started wearing the Fitbit again. Usually - except for when i had Covid -  it’s below the baseline. 

[Clove6060]

Let me know what the experts think. I panicked when mine started going up but then figured there are a lot of variables.  Calmed down after that realization.  Here’s mine over the last year.