Low resting heart rate

[DaveInverness]

As a retired PE teacher of 30 years, I was always pleased to be able to record a resting heart rate of around 40 bpm.  After a further 10 years of teaching a different subject area and 6 years of retirement I realised my fitness levels had dropped considerably and weight had increased too.  2 years ago I started walking every day between 5 - 8 km, though occasionally more, and running additionally over 5 km, 3 times a week.  Weight has reduced and medication has helped reduce BP. Over the last year I’ve completed 5x10 km events in under a hour.  My RHR varies between 50 and 43 but during exercise has been as high as 180.  The 220-age for HRmax doesn’t seem to matter as I’m not experiencing trauma.  My 5k PB at Parkrun (76 runs over 2 years) is 28:24 which for a 68 year old is respectable but not outstanding.  My question is “Should I be concerned about my low RHR?”

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @DaveInverness or should I say "Hey teacher!"  Thanks for popping by the forums and for taking a break from stepping! 

Thanks for the details in your post, I'm glad to hear that you've stared to be more active. "5 Km" sounds great, congrats! Now, about your inquiry according to the National Institute of Health, a normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats a minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. 

For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 - 60  beats a minute. You can check your HR with an expert and let him know more details about your training though, since Fitbit trackers are not medical devices, they were created to support your training and motivate you towards your goals! 

Also take in count that your heart rate may be affected by any a number of factors at any given moment. Movement, temperature, humidity, stress level, physical body position, caffeine intake, and medication use are just a few things that can affect your heart rate. Different medical conditions and medications can impact your heart rate.

I think that whenever in doubt, it's better to double check! 

Please keep me posted!