I posted this photo on a keto/paleo page, and several people commented that i should scurry off to a cardiologist since my heart rate was too low. I am currently training for a marathon (up to about 12 miles on long runs now) and I’m doing Maffetone training, so I’m not concerned.
Should I be?
I’m not a doctor so I won’t comment on your exact situation. But if I got those results I’d be mighty happy! Pretty sure my doctor would too if I was exercising to that degree…
If your RHR has been reducing gradually over the months as your fitness increases, 42 BPM is not a problem. RHR and MHR can be affected by factors other than fitness, such as genetics. If your regular RHR is above 60 BPM and you’re now suddenly at 42 BPM, then you might want to see a doc, esp if you feel you have other symptoms listed in this WebMD link, but otherwise you are likely ok:
http://runningmagazine.ca/cyclists-vs-runners-fitness-debate/
Not a doctor, but I do know that there is large variability in resting pulse, and also at the high end. Genetics and fitness play a part. If you’ve always had a low HR, then no issues. If you are able to exercise and don’t feel dizzy etc, no issues.
Fun fact: Miguel Indurain (cyclist) supposedly had a resting heart rate of 28!
Yes, my RHR has been decreasing as I’ve added mileage, so that’s why I didn’t think anything about it. I was mostly happy with the blood pressure numbers and that’s why I posted the pic in the first place. I think people just aren’t used to healthy numbers.
I’m no doctor either. Though my cardiologist/electrophysiologist told me there was no cause to be concerned.
I had a pacemaker/defibrillator combo device at one point. The first week of having it I would be woken up at night because it decided to “pace” because my heart rate was so low. (45 bpm)
He tweaked the settings so that it didn’t pace until 40 bpm. Thankfully, the second device I have now doesn’t have a pacemaker component. It’s just waiting around to deliver a shock if need be… I won’t be getting a third when this battery runs out. Keto has basically eliminated my symptoms.
Sure, endurance cardio is well known to reduce heart rate. Yours is even a bit high.
I’m just a recreational runner, but at my best about 10 years ago my resting heart rate was 34-36 bpm. And I never did big miles. Usually 30 mpw, and maybe a marathon or ultra every month. Not too extreme. It felt relaxing at the time. I don’t do it much anymore, just lost the urge to fly at that level. Still relatively fit at 60 though (no knee or leg issues!).
My main concern with low heart rate is that if there were an accident and I was found unconscious, a medic might think that my heart had stopped, and grab the jump starter pack. Might really mess you up.
