Resting heart rate: how pulse changes can signal hidden health issues

Resting heart rate (RHR) serves as a primary marker for assessing cardiovascular health without specialized equipment. Stable pulse readings typically indicate normal heart function, while persistent deviations from an individual's baseline may signal underlying issues, ranging from micronutrient deficiencies to thyroid dysfunction.

What is resting heart rate

The pulse represents the rhythmic expansion and contraction of arterial walls caused by the ejection of blood from the heart. This metric is closely linked to general metabolism; for instance, a body temperature increase of 1°C can raise the heart rate by 8–10 beats per minute.

To obtain an accurate measurement, physical exertion and stress factors must be excluded. Readings taken immediately upon waking are considered the most informative.

Deviations such as tachycardia (accelerated heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate) often accompany endocrine disorders. "Patients frequently underestimate the link between lifestyle and heart rhythm," says therapist Anna Kuznetsova in a conversation with Pravda.Ru. "Changes in metabolism caused by poor nutrition or hidden inflammation often reflect in the pulse before obvious symptoms appear."

Factors influencing heart rate

RHR is affected by gender, age, and hormonal balance. Physiologically, men generally have a lower RHR than women. In children, rates are higher, while older adults exhibit greater cardiac sensitivity to environmental changes.

Ambient temperature also plays a role: heat exceeding 30°C increases the workload on the myocardium, potentially raising the pulse by 35–40 beats per minute.

Clinical pharmacologist Aleksey Ryabtsev warns against self-treating these fluctuations. "Attempts to correct the body's condition using dietary supplements or over-the-counter products can sometimes lead to the opposite effect," he noted in a conversation with Pravda.Ru, emphasizing that such measures do not replace professional medical examinations.

Average heart rate indicators

While RHR is individual, the following values are typical for healthy individuals who are not under stress and are not taking medications affecting heart rate:

When to see a doctor

Heart palpitations require medical attention if they occur without obvious triggers such as exercise, caffeine, or stress. Warning signs include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or blurred vision. These symptoms necessitate an evaluation to rule out cardiomyopathy, ischemia, or other disorders.

"Primary diagnostics are fundamental for heart health," says cardiologist Valeriy Klimov in a conversation with Pravda.Ru. "However, it is important not to overreact; an episodic rise in pulse after coffee is not a pathology if you otherwise feel well."

Specialists recommend keeping a pulse diary to track dynamics. While bradycardia (50–60 bpm) is often normal for professional athletes due to increased stroke volume, for sedentary individuals it may indicate thyroid issues.

Important: This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change treatment without a qualified clinician.

Source: This article was adapted from an original Russian-language publication by Pravda.Ru.