What’s Your Heart Say?

Anahad O’Connor of the New York Times has uncovered a couple of interesting studies that seem to indicate that medical professionals will soon need to reevaluate the widely accepted, “resting heart rate.”

The Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health published a study that conclusively linked resting heart rate “with the risk of death from [ischaemic heart disease], and among women, the results suggest that by engaging in [physical activity], the risk associated with a high [resting heart rate] may be substantially reduced.” Ischaemic heart disease is disease that is distinctly characterized by a reduced blood supply to the heart.

Another study indicates that higher resting hear rates put people at risk for obesity and diabetes, due to increased amounts of free fatty acid and plasma glucose, as well as higher blood pressure.

Researchers have found that a resting pulse at the upper end of “normal” [60-100 beat per minute] may indicate a higher risk of stroke and heart disease. Some have linked it to a greater risk of diabetes and obesity. Instead of drawing the line at 100 beats per minute, some say, anything above 90 — and perhaps even 80 — may be considered cause for concern.

Keep yourself healthy. Maintain an appropriate fitness regimen to keep all aspects of your body in the best condition.