The number of heartbeats per minute while at complete rest, typically measured upon waking.
FULL EXPLANATION
Resting heart rate is your heart rate when you're completely at rest, typically measured first thing in the morning before getting out of bed. It's one of the simplest yet most informative metrics for cardiovascular health and fitness.
Athletes and highly fit individuals often have RHR in the 40-60 bpm range, while the average adult has a RHR of 60-100 bpm. A lower RHR generally indicates more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness.
WHY IT MATTERS
RHR is a strong predictor of cardiovascular health and all-cause mortality. Elevated RHR is associated with increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
HOW TO IMPROVE
Regular aerobic exercise is the most effective way to lower RHR. Other strategies include adequate sleep, stress reduction, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining healthy body weight.
NORMAL RANGES
Normal RHR for adults is 60-100 bpm. Athletes may have RHR of 40-60 bpm. RHR above 100 bpm at rest (tachycardia) or consistently below 60 bpm (bradycardia) may warrant medical evaluation.
RELATED TERMS
VO2 Max
The maximum rate of oxygen consumption during intense exercise, a gold-standard measure of cardiovascular fitness.
Stroke Volume
The amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle with each heartbeat.
Heart Rate Variability
The variation in time between consecutive heartbeats, a key indicator of autonomic nervous system function and overall health.
Overtraining Syndrome
A condition of decreased performance and fatigue that occurs when training exceeds recovery capacity for an extended period.
More in Cardiovascular Health
View all →Blood Pressure
Well-EstablishedThe force of blood pushing against artery walls, measured as systolic (heart pumping) over diastolic (heart resting) pressure.
VO2 Max
Well-EstablishedThe maximum rate of oxygen consumption during intense exercise, a gold-standard measure of cardiovascular fitness.
Stroke Volume
Well-EstablishedThe amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle with each heartbeat.