Cardiologist Dr Rohin Francis is encouraging people to be more aware of their health, which could assist their doctors, keep their exercise routines in check and potentially even prolong their lives. The consultant interventional cardiologist shared his top tip on Doctor Mike’s titular podcast.
Dr Francis explained the importance of knowing your heart rate, stating: “Every adult should know their blood pressure and their resting heart rate. I’m not saying you should check it obsessively, but I think they can be really useful sources of encouragement if you’re embarking on an exercise programme. You can track both of them getting better, particularly your resting heart rate.”
He pointed out that if your exercise routine is working for you, your resting heart rate should start to decrease within a few weeks. Furthermore, the more you lower this measurement, “the longer you live”.
Dr Francis elaborated: “They actually correlate with one another. So if you can, get out there and exercise regularly.”
A lower heart rate signifies a healthier heart and less stress on your cardiovascular system. It could also reduce your metabolic rate, slowing down the body’s ageing process.
The British Heart Foundation has stated that a typical heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm) while at rest. However, this “normal” range can vary depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health.
Symptoms may start to appear and medical attention may be required if the heart rate drops below 60 bpm, a condition known as bradycardia. Nevertheless, this could also be a normal range for highly fit individuals like athletes.
Conversely, tachycardia is when your resting heart rate exceeds 100 bpm, which can be triggered by certain health conditions. To determine your heart rate, you can purchase a monitor or simply check your pulse and calculate how many times your heart beats in a minute.
The foundation advised: “You can find your normal resting heart rate by counting the number of times your heart beats in a minute. Sitting still for 5 to 10 minutes before counting makes sure your heart is in its resting state.”
