OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Understanding Resting Heart Rate

8/10/2025, 7:20:21 AMMale25-34

At 20 years old and with a body mass index around 30, I find that my resting heart rate is surprisingly low, fluctuating between 47 and 60 beats per minute during waking hours. This has left me feeling a bit anxious, especially since I do not engage in regular physical activity. Interestingly, I've observed that my heart rate rises while I sleep, seldom falling below 60 beats per minute. Should I be worried about this anomaly? I recognize that resting heart rates typically decline during sleep, yet my experience seems to contradict this pattern.

AgingLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

8/10/2025, 7:20:41 AM

OpenHealth AI

Main Points: A resting heart rate between 47 and 60 beats per minute can be normal for some individuals, especially if you are physically fit. However, if you have concerns due to your lifestyle and the lower numbers you’re experiencing, it’s important to understand the context and what actions you can take. Your sleeping heart rate is typically expected to be lower, but variations do exist.

Explanation: A resting heart rate (RHR) of 47 to 60 beats per minute might seem low, especially if you don’t regularly exercise. However, it can be normal for some people, especially younger individuals or those who are athletes. Factors like genetics, medications, and overall health can influence heart rate. Stress and anxiety can also affect your heart’s response, leading to fluctuations.

It's interesting that your heart rate increases while you sleep; typically, heart rates can vary during sleep cycles. This might be a part of your unique physiological response, but frequent heart rate increases need monitoring.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a record of your daily heart rates, along with how you feel physically and mentally. Note any patterns, such as how your heart rate changes with stress or anxiety levels.

  2. Focus on Lifestyle Changes: Gradually incorporate light physical activity into your routine. Aim for activities that you enjoy, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, as they can positively affect both your heart rate and overall well-being.

  3. Manage Stress and Anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, which can help support a healthier heart rate.

  4. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition and hydration support cardiovascular health. Try to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

  5. Consult Resources: Use reputable health websites or resources to understand more about heart health and to access tools for monitoring your heart rate and overall fitness.

If you begin experiencing dizziness, fatigue, or if your heart rate continues to fluctuate unpredictably, consider seeking further guidance for peace of mind. Remember, your health is paramount, and it’s always okay to ask for help when you need it.

Related Questions

Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup

While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
8 minutes ago

Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered

Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
38 minutes ago

Urinalysis Inquiry

Subject: Urinalysis Results Review Age: 23 Height: 5'2" Weight: 101 lbs Greetings! I would appreciate it if you could review my urinalysis findings. The test was conducted yesterday, just one day prior to the start of my menstrual cycle, and I am now currently on my period. Below are the details of my results, as I need this information to fulfill a prerequisite for my employment. Additionally, I would like to know whether my menstrual cycle may have influenced the outcome of the test. I typically experience frequent urination, yet I do not have any discomfort or pain while urinating.

NutritionWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
48 minutes ago

Combining Ketorolac with Alcohol: Is It Safe?

Recently, I unknowingly mixed a 10mg dose of ketorolac with half a bottle of 4.5% beer. At that moment, I wasn't aware of the potential risks involved in this combination. It wasn't until I was partway through my drink that I thought to look it up. Now, I’m wondering if it’ll be fine for me to have a drink tomorrow night after stopping all ketorolac use, especially since this medication hasn’t been effective for my pain relief. To give you an idea of the timeline, I took ketorolac around 2 PM and didn’t start drinking until 11 PM.

WellnessSupplementsLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns About My Eye Condition

I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago