One Secret of Longevity May Lie in HEART RATE

A close relationship has been demonstrated between our resting heart rate and our health. Although a normal pulse / heart rate is known to be 50 to 100 beats per minute, the finding that a man whose heart beats faster than 75 per minute has twice the risk of premature death compared with a man with a lower heart rate has given this issue a new dimension and importance.

This increase in risk was associated with both death from any cause and death due to cardiovascular disease . Moreover, each additional resting heartbeat per minute was found to increase a person's overall risk of death by %3 and their risk of heart disease by %2.

In 1993, a study at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden began with men aged 50, totaling 800 participants. They completed questionnaires about their lifestyles and health, and their resting heart rates were measured. In 2003 and 2014, resting heart rate was measured again in those who survived and were willing to participate.

Researchers reported that over this 21-year period, among the 800 men, approximately %15 died before age 71, and %30 developed cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, by the end of this 21-year period, those whose resting heart rate in the 1993 measurements was 75 or higher had twice the risk of death and heart disease compared with those whose heart rate was 55 or lower.

Based on this study, it is possible to say that resting heart rate is an independent risk factor for heart health. An increased heart rate also creates an increased-risk situation for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking or a family history of heart disease.

It is calculated that a person's heart has the capacity to beat 2.6 billion times over a lifetime. A lower basal/resting heart rate therefore becomes important.

Nevertheless, for someone whose resting heart rate exceeds 75, an appropriate approach would be to say that greater attention is needed according to their risk-factor profile and coexisting diseases, rather than simply assuming a high risk of death.

When the heart becomes ill, its rate also increases. However, an excessively slow heartbeat is not good either. In particular, a heart beating below 40 per minute cannot be considered very healthy. Medical intervention for a heart beating too slowly or too quickly is important for health.

REGULAR EXERCISE PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE in regulating a fast heart rate and helping it beat at a slower rhythm.

Indeed, athletes' hearts beat more slowly than those of an ordinary person (60 beats per minute or fewer). In overweight or obese people, exercise will increase heart rate further. However, regular sport and training may prevent the heart from tiring quickly and thereby help balance the heart rate.

Common misconceptions about heart rate

Normal heart rate is between 60-100 beats per minute. (False)

This may have been true by older standards, but many doctors consider a heart rate between 50 and 70 ideal. Studies in recent years suggest that a resting heart rate of 76 or more per minute may be associated with heart attack risk.

Does an irregular, rapid heartbeat mean I am having a heart attack? (False)

Feeling skipped or accelerated beats does not mean you are having a heart attack. This is more commonly called palpitations. Many causes, such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, fever, medication and thyroid diseases, can cause palpitations. However, if chest pain or breathing problems also occur, you should talk to your doctor.

A fast pulse always means I am stressed. (False)

Stress is only one cause of palpitations. Other causes also need to be carefully investigated.

If my heart rate is normal, my blood pressure is also normal. (False)

Heart rate and blood pressure may sometimes move together. For example, both may rise during exercise, when you are worried or when you encounter a frightening event. However, this is not always the case. Your blood pressure may be abnormal while your heart rate is normal. Even if your heartbeat is normal, you should continue having your blood pressure measured regularly.

If my heart rate is slow, this means my heart is weak. (False)

On the contrary, a slow heartbeat may indicate that you are healthy and fit. Athletes' heart muscles do not have much difficulty maintaining a heartbeat at rest. However, if a slow heartbeat is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain, you should talk to your doctor.

You too can protect yourself against the risk of heart attack or stroke by checking your heart rate (manually with your hand or using a smart wristband). To do this, measure your resting pulse at intervals in the morning before getting out of bed. If your heart rate is 80 or more per minute and continues to increase every month, please consult your doctor.