“A consistently high or low heart rate could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that might require attention,” says Dr. Tadwalkar.
“Various conditions can elevate the resting heart rate, such as age, stress, anxiety and medications like stimulants, whereas other conditions can reduce the resting heart rate, such as cardiac conditions like heart block, medications or meditative exercises,” adds Rameen S. Moridzadeh, M.D. a fellowship-trained and board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon at Vascular Surgery Associates Medical Group and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
Other potential causes for an elevated heart rate include physical exercise, hyperthyroidism and decompensated heart failure (when the heart is unable to deliver oxygenated blood to meet the metabolic needs of the body), notes Dr. Tadwalkar.“If you find your resting heart rate is elevated on multiple readings throughout the day, this could be a sign of a serious medical condition and warrants further evaluation by your physician,” adds Dr. Moridzadeh.
Anyone with a persistent resting heart rate of greater than 100 bpm should see a doctor, notes Sam Setareh, M.D., director of clinical cardiology at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular, an attending cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
Monitoring one’s heart rate is fairly straightforward, notes Dr. Tadwalkar. Start by finding your pulse on your neck or wrist, then count the number of beats in each 30-second span and multiply by 2. He adds that many fitness devices and smartwatches can provide reasonably accurate readings of one’s heart rate as well.
On the other hand, a low resting heart rate is typically nothing to be concerned about unless an individual is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or weakness. “A lower resting heart rate (RHR) is often linked to better cardiovascular fitness and longevity,” notes Dr. Setareh.
“Athletes typically have lower resting heart rates, since their cardiovascular system can more efficiently circulate blood with fewer beats,” says Dr. Moridzadeh. “It is also normal for your heart rate to lower during rest, relaxation and sleep.” However, he adds that a low heart rate in older adults or individuals with risk factors, such as coronary artery disease, may be a sign of an underlying heart condition, hypothyroidism or an electrolyte imbalance.
Article by:Source: Carley Prendergast
