Cardiologist Questions Cardiologist

Is a resting heart rate of 50 normal?

I am a 40 year old male. I have resting heart rate of 50. Is a resting heart rate of 50 normal?

1 Answer

Normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A rate of 50 is called bradycardia. However, if you are an athlete, your stroke volume increases (the amount of blood displaced by each heart beat) by about 20%-25%. As a result, your heart does not need to pump as often to provide needed oxygen and other nutrients to brain and body. Hence, 50 could be the proper heart rate for you at rest. If you are not an athlete, you should consult your doctor or nurse to find out why you have bradycardia, conditions like hypothyroidism and sick sinus syndrome could be the cause...

Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., Fellow A.C.C., Fellow A.H.A.
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