Understanding Your Heart Rate: Why My Resting Heart Rate is Low and Increases During Running

Have you ever noticed that your heart rate is significantly lower at rest, perhaps only 60 bpm, but skyrockets during physical activity like running? This article delves into the reasons behind this common physiological phenomenon, providing insights for individuals with resting heart rates below average and during intense exercise.

Why Your Resting Heart Rate is Low

Fitness Level: People who are physically active and regularly engage in cardiovascular exercise often have a lower resting heart rate. This is because their heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood. Each beat can move a larger volume of blood, requiring fewer beats per minute to maintain circulation.

Genetics: Some individuals naturally have a lower resting heart rate due to genetic factors. If your parents or close relatives have this trait, you might too.

Relaxation and Recovery: Good sleep quality, low stress levels, and overall good health can contribute to a lower resting heart rate. A well-rested body allows for better cardiovascular efficiency.

Why Your Heart Rate Increases During Exercise

Increased Demand for Oxygen: When you run, your muscles require more oxygen to sustain the activity. Your heart increases its rate to pump more blood, thus delivering more oxygen to the working muscles.

Sympathetic Nervous System Activation: Exercise triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which releases adrenaline (epinephrine). This response increases heart rate to meet the body's increased demands during physical activity.

Comparing Individual Cases

Some individuals may have extremely low resting heart rates, such as 43 bpm. Despite this, their heart rates can spike to 170 during a half marathon and even 190 for shorter, high-intensity runs like 400m repeats. This demonstrates the remarkable ability of the human body to adapt and increase cardiac output during different levels of physical demand.

While a resting heart rate of 43 bpm can be within the normal range for very fit individuals, it is still essential to monitor your overall cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your heart rate or cardiovascular health, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

The difference between your resting heart rate and your heart rate during exercise reflects the body's ability to adapt to varying levels of physical demand. Understanding these patterns can help you optimize your training and maintain overall cardiovascular fitness.

Happy running!