

Previously done studies relied on self-reported physical activity and objectively measured physical fitness.

While the correlation between a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness and a low resting heart rate is well known, the researchers of the study wanted to remove all confounding factors to find out exactly why this is.

Your resting heart rate is determined by the activity of your central nervous system, levels of circulating hormones, and cardiorespiratory fitness. This suggests that a high resting heart rate is not a mere marker of poor physical fitness, but is an independent risk factor.” The researchers concluded, “We found that irrespective of level of physical fitness, subjects with high resting heart rates fare worse than subjects with lower heart rates. The study showed that the higher the resting heart rate, the higher the risk of mortality, regardless of physical fitness level. Men who were more physically active had lower resting heart rates. High resting heart rate was associated with lower physical fitness, high blood pressure and weight, and higher levels of circulating fats. Nearly four of 10 of the men had died by then. Sixteen years after, the researchers checked to see if the participants were still alive. Cardiorespiratory fitness was also assessed using a cycling test.Ībout 15 years later, the researchers followed up with some of the participants for an additional check-up. The researchers tracked the health of almost 3,000 men for 16 years.Īt the start of the study, all participants were interviewed by a doctor to evaluate their health and lifestyle. High heart rate at rest is linked to a higher risk of death even in physically fit healthy people, according to research findings. High heart rate at rest linked to a higher risk of death even in physically fit healthy people: Study
