Persistently Low Resting Heart Rate During ED Recovery
I'm a 20-year-old female, weighing approximately 135 pounds and standing at 5'5". I don't smoke or consume alcohol. I began my recovery journey around two months ago when my BMI was at 19.4. Presently, I believe my BMI has risen to nearly 22, and I'm pleased that I have also regained my menstrual cycle. However, I'm troubled by the fact that my resting heart rate (RHR) remains quite low, hovering between 49 and 51 beats per minute. At the onset of my recovery, it was in the low to mid-40s, showing minimal improvement since then. Seven years back, during my initial recovery, my heart rate increased from 28 bpm to 55 bpm within a month, primarily due to different circumstances. The first week involved total bed rest, followed by three weeks with very limited physical activity, only moving around my room. I'm perplexed as to why my RHR has not increased this time. While in the hospital, there was a specific guideline that required my heart rate to remain above 55 bpm for several days before I could return home. Additionally, the readings I take in the morning after waking up could be inaccurately low, as I check my pulse manually after reaching for my phone. In the hospital, I had a monitor initially, and later, nurses would check my pulse overnight. I'm uncertain if I should be worried about this situation. Prior to relapse into my eating disorder behaviors, I believe my RHR was in the 60s. I'm not physically active in any structured way now, aside from doing necessary household chores. If anyone has suggestions or similar experiences, I would greatly appreciate your input!
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 10:40:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your low resting heart rate (RHR), especially during your recovery journey. An RHR of 49-51 beats per minute in a young, healthy individual can be on the lower side, but there are various factors to consider.
Explanation
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Resting Heart Rate Variability: A low RHR can occur for many reasons. It's common for athletes and very fit individuals to have low resting heart rates due to increased cardiovascular efficiency. However, in the context of recovery from an eating disorder, a low heart rate can also be a sign of insufficient nutrition or decreased metabolic activity.
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Recovery Impact: After a period of significant weight restoration and regaining your menstrual cycle, your body is likely still adjusting. Past experiences can influence your physiological responses, and recovery isn't always linear.
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Measurement Issues: Manual pulse checks might not always provide the most accurate readings, especially if you're measuring shortly after waking. It can vary depending on your body position and activity levels prior to checking your pulse.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Heart Rate: Keep a daily log of your resting heart rate, noting the time of day and circumstances (like how you feel, activity level, etc.). This can help identify patterns in your heart rate over time.
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Focus on Nutrition: Ensure that your diet is balanced and sufficient in calories to support recovery. Aim for a variety of foods that provide all essential nutrients, including adequate protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Regular meals and snacks can help normalize your metabolic rate and potentially raise your heart rate.
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Gentle Activity: While you're not structured in your physical activity, consider incorporating light, enjoyable activities, like walking, stretching, or yoga. This can help stimulate your cardiovascular system safely.
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Reassess Your Health Check: If you don’t observe any changes in your heart rate with these adjustments, or if you have symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or other concerning signs, it might be wise to monitor this more closely and consider professional guidance, even if it's just for reassurance.
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Seek Support: Connecting with a healthcare professional, such as a nutritionist or therapist specializing in eating disorders, can provide personalized guidance tailored to your recovery.
It's truly commendable that you've recognized these changes and are seeking advice to improve your health. Remember, recovery takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as your body adjusts.
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