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Dear DrSugar,
I'm a fairly active 20-something female and workout 6-7 days a week. I just measured my resting heart rate, and it seems pretty low at about 44 beats per minute. I've read that pro athletes can be in the 40-50 range, but I do not consider myself on par with the pros. Should I be concerned about my heart rate or is this perfectly normal? What are the possible causes for a low heart rate?
Thanks,
Slow Beating Heart
To see what DrSugar has to say about this, just read more.
In the medical world, a "normal" heart rate is defined as 60-100 beats per minute. Any heart rate below 60 is termed bradycardia, which just means slow heart rate. As you mentioned, people with superior physical fitness often have slower resting heart rates in the 40s and 50s. For young, healthy, active people this is completely normal and an indicator that you are in excellent physical condition.
There are a wide range of heart conditions that can lead to abnormally low heart rates, but they are extremely rare in young, healthy adults. These include heart attacks, cardiac conduction abnormalities, hypothermia, and certain medications just to name a few. Symptoms of low heart rate include dizziness, fainting spells, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. In the absence of these symptoms, a heart rate in the 40s most likely indicates that you are in great shape from working out 6 days a week (wow, very impressive). If you’re having any of these symptoms and have a slow rate, then talk to your doctor right away, otherwise keep up the good work.
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Mike & Chris
Full Circle
Marc by Marc Jacobs
My heart rate is really slow too...40-50 bpm. I actually had to do an EKG in college for my physiology class. I got to be the "example" of a bradycardia. It's not dangerous; it's actually a good thing because your heart is more efficient: you pump more blood per stroke and it doesn't have to beat so many times.
1I figured it meant the heart was stronger and you were in better shape.
2better than my extreme tachycardia
3Everytime I go to the doctor they say wow your heartrate is low. They then ask me if i work out. I say yes, 6-7 days a week then they say thats good. Its a good thing then because your in really good shape.
4I whet to have a test done and come to fine out my heart rate was low n the 45 which is very low for a person like myself who don't work out. befor then I have been feeling dizzy and lightheaded for the past month what are my option?
5I have just been told I have a slow heart rate 45 I work out but would say I am fit. I am 46 and had no sysmptoms so what do u think causes this?
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