The number of times your heart beats while at rest may predict your risk of death. A newer study from Dr Xavier Jouven (Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou , Paris , France) , and colleagues showed that minor increases in resting heart rate bumps up our risk of death by 20%. Conversely , a reduction in heart rate shows a 14% reduced risk of death. The research group studied healthy police officers who had no additional risk of heart disease , studying the men over a five year period.
The scientists are not certain whether their findings can be applied to women or other groups of individuals. Nevertheless , past studies have supported their findings. Past theories include the possibility that increased heart rate induces stress on the walls of the artery and heart , contributing to mortality.
The researchers studied men who were healthy , following them for five years. The study took place between 1967 and 1972 and included 5139 subjects. The authors say "We found that change in HR over 5-year period conferred additional information beyond HR at rest and the usual risk factors , [and] was an independent predictor of mortality in middle-aged men."
Stress , obesity and underlying health problems , such as thyroid disorders , can contribute to increased resting heart rate. The question of whether or not working to change your resting heart rate will reduce your risk of death requires more study , though there is no question that exercise is good for heart health. Unknown causes should be diagnosed by your physician.
Regular exercise slows the heart , reduces stress and helps to combat obesity. Normal resting heart rate varies with age. Healthy adults should maintain a resting heart rate between 60 and 80 beats per minute. Athletes have much slower heart rates.
According to Dr. Jouven , "We knew before that if a person has a high heart rate , they have a high mortality. Now this article shows we are advancing in the research concerning the potential association between HR and mortality."
Research takes time. For now , it may be best to consider the study important. Focus on reducing your risk of death through lowering your heart rate by reducing stress , and keeping your weight in check.
Kathleen Blanchard RN
http://grabsomehealthnews.blogspot.comSource: Jouven X , Empana JP , Escolano S et al. Relation of heart rate at rest and long-term (>20 years) death rate in initially healthy middle-aged men. Am J Cardiol
