Is Resting Heart Rate Of 58-65 A Cause Of Concern?

Posted on Thu, 7 May 2015

Question: I am 34 yr old female who is about 70 lbs overweight. I barely workout. My pulse while sitting at my desk ranges from 58bpm- 65bpm. I've read that this is fine for active/fit people, but I'm not that at all. I've had an ekg and it came back normal. Is this resting rate something I should be worried about? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry about, just check some lab tests.

Detailed Answer:

Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern, and would like to explain that a heart rate on those ranges, when resting is not considered abnormal. You don't have to worry about that.

It is true that physically trained people may show no marked increase of chronotropic response on exertion (that is, the heart rate doesn't increase so much, as their body muscles are well conditioned and more prone on facing with stressful situation). Meanwhile, physically non active persons may show a more pronounced chronotropic response.

But, there is not a big difference between active and non active persons when resting. So, you don't have to worry again.

There are some health disorders, that may be associated with bradycardia, such as hypothyroidism, some cerebral disorders, some abdominal processes, etc. But, I don't believe this is your case.

Facing your overweighed status, I would recommend to check your blood thyroid hormone levels along with other routine check up blood tests.

Hope to have been helpful to you.

If you have any other uncertainties, feel free to ask me whenever you need.

Greetings! Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (17 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply.

I've had my thyroid checked at the same time as the ekg and that came back fine. Are there any other blood tests that I should ask about? To see if they were tested at the same time?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend to check for adrenal glands function.

Detailed Answer:

Hi again XXXX!

I don't believe you need another lab test regarding your heart rate issue.

But, facing your obesity, I would recommend to check for cortisol blood level, in order to investigate adrenal gland function, which sometimes may play a role in obesity.

Best Regards! Dr. Iliri

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad