Concerns About Low Resting Heart Rate
I’m a 34-year-old woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 20.1. My smartwatch reports that my resting heart rate is at 44 beats per minute. I usually engage in running sessions four times each week, covering a total distance that ranges from 30 to 50 kilometers. To be candid, I suspect I may be experiencing some health-related anxiety. Currently, I’m dealing with what seems like sinusitis coupled with severe heartburn. Should I be worried about my resting heart rate? I’ve researched online, and it seems that lower heart rates are often seen in athletes, although I don’t consider myself to be a serious runner, just someone who enjoys jogging occasionally.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 5:01:08 PM
OpenHealth AI
A resting heart rate of 44 beats per minute can be concerning, especially for someone who does not identify as a serious athlete. While lower heart rates are common among well-trained athletes, it's essential to ensure that this rate is appropriate for your overall health, particularly if you have symptoms like sinusitis and heartburn.
Explanation
A resting heart rate under 60 beats per minute is often termed bradycardia. In athletes, this can simply reflect a well-conditioned cardiovascular system, but in others, it may signal a potential issue, particularly if accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or fainting. Your engagement in regular running likely contributes positively to your heart health, but it’s still important to assess whether this lower rate poses any health risks for you.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of any additional symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or changes in exercise tolerance. This diary will help identify any patterns or triggers.
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Hydrate and Rest: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids and allowing your body to recover, particularly with the sinusitis and heartburn symptoms you're experiencing.
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Adjust Intensity of Workouts: Consider moderating your running intensity temporarily until you feel more assured about your heart rate and symptoms. Pay attention to how you feel during and after activities.
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Practice Stress Management: Given your mention of health-related anxiety, integrating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga may help alleviate some stress and offer a general sense of well-being.
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Look for Additional Indicators: Watch for warning signs like increased heart rate during resting or exercise, persistent chest pain, or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., severe heartburn).
If your resting heart rate remains low or you develop any concerning symptoms, it may be prudent to seek further evaluation.
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