According to the data collected over the last 18 months from Fitbit global users, our resting heart rate decreases after the age of 40.
Data also showed that women have a higher resting heart rate than men and that Fitbit users in the USA and Singapore have a higher resting heart rate than other users around the world.
According to the American Heart Association, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults. Medical experts conclude that a lower resting heart rate shows a more efficient heart function and is an indicator of cardiovascular fitness.
“Resting heart rate is an important metric for users to gauge their cardiovascular health, track fitness levels, check stress levels, and recognize early signs of illness or health issues,” notes Dr. Scott McLean, Principal Research Scientist at Fitbit.
He adds that, “When tracking a resting heart rate, users should be aware of other factors such as differences between gender, age, seasonal changes and outdoor temperature, daily sleep levels, activity levels, and caffeine intake.” It’s important that users obtain useful information on their health by continuously tracking resting heart rate trends over time rather than day-to-day. This is because there are so many factors that can influence resting heart rate.
According to Harley Pasternak, Fitbit Ambassador and celebrity trainer, these suggestions can lead to a healthy lifestyle:
– Moderate and regular vigorous aerobic activities like brisk walking, biking or swimming will help the heart become more efficient at pumping blood. These activities also help you lose weight which can lower your resting heart rate over time.
– If you notice an increase in your resting heart rate while going heavy on training but light on your rest, may be a sign for you to scale back.
– Chronic sleep deprivation—which can lead to fatigue, a lower metabolism, and extra snacking—can also raise your resting heart rate. You should have at least seven hours of sleep each night.
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