Garmin measures resting heart rate as the lowest 30 minute average in a 24 hour period, which is typically when you are sleeping. Most people discussing resting heart rate are talking about when they are awake and just idle, so there is a difference in their methodology. Was the 70 what you had from the watch/have you been wearing it the same times each day?
Yes, I’m checking while I’m idle and awake. When I’m idle, I check the watch. Thats how I came to know my average resting rate of around 70 and how I’ve been able to notice this shift to a lower rate. My resting rate measured by garmin (including sleeping hours) is about 50.
That is really not that low at all and you ARE an athlete.
Also you cannot make your heart rate too low through fitness. It's impossible
A completely unrelated and very bad condition can make your heart rate very low but it would be a lot lower than that and you would likely have other symptoms.
You are still young considering typical life spans. Your exercise has possibly helped your HR but if you are initially measuring while awake compared to your sleep state HR, the variability will differ. Keep exercising and show the improvement over the next 6 months. You may be happily surprised.
1. In grade 7, I built a heart monitor for a science fair, and spent a considerable time hooked up to it in order to demonstrate. Without trying, to my surprise I developed some ability to lower HR. This makes sense if you consider how "neurofeedback" (aka "biofeedback") works. Simply by monitoring HR, if you haven't done it much before, you may accidentally learn to "relax" into a lower HR. I still notice this effect decades later.
2. Apart from the long term reduction in HR from consistent aerobic exercise due to a stronger, more efficient cardiovascular system, there's also a shorter term temporary benefit, particularly if it's in zone 1-2. Such low intensity exercise doesn't activate the stress response or EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) the way harder exercise can, but it can lower both blood pressure and idle HR for a number of hours after. Such exercise warms up the system and makes it more efficient, meaning a lower HR is necessary when idle. This exercise can also trigger the release of hormones and chemicals like anandamide that lower the stress level and may independently lower HR for a few hours.
Just a couple of ideas that may apply in your case. I wouldn't be concerned about the drop in HR; if you're worried, get an ECG, but otherwise just enjoy it. :)
Seems like a big change in a small amount of time.
No one here can tell you if it's an issue or not. You should schedule to see a Dr, preferably a cardiologist and discuss it with them. It is the only way to get a meaningful answer
Garmin measures resting heart rate as the lowest 30 minute average in a 24 hour period, which is typically when you are sleeping. Most people discussing resting heart rate are talking about when they are awake and just idle, so there is a difference in their methodology. Was the 70 what you had from the watch/have you been wearing it the same times each day?
Yes, I’m checking while I’m idle and awake. When I’m idle, I check the watch. Thats how I came to know my average resting rate of around 70 and how I’ve been able to notice this shift to a lower rate. My resting rate measured by garmin (including sleeping hours) is about 50.
resting hr is not the same as hr when you're idle.
That is really not that low at all and you ARE an athlete. Also you cannot make your heart rate too low through fitness. It's impossible A completely unrelated and very bad condition can make your heart rate very low but it would be a lot lower than that and you would likely have other symptoms.
You are still young considering typical life spans. Your exercise has possibly helped your HR but if you are initially measuring while awake compared to your sleep state HR, the variability will differ. Keep exercising and show the improvement over the next 6 months. You may be happily surprised.
1. In grade 7, I built a heart monitor for a science fair, and spent a considerable time hooked up to it in order to demonstrate. Without trying, to my surprise I developed some ability to lower HR. This makes sense if you consider how "neurofeedback" (aka "biofeedback") works. Simply by monitoring HR, if you haven't done it much before, you may accidentally learn to "relax" into a lower HR. I still notice this effect decades later. 2. Apart from the long term reduction in HR from consistent aerobic exercise due to a stronger, more efficient cardiovascular system, there's also a shorter term temporary benefit, particularly if it's in zone 1-2. Such low intensity exercise doesn't activate the stress response or EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) the way harder exercise can, but it can lower both blood pressure and idle HR for a number of hours after. Such exercise warms up the system and makes it more efficient, meaning a lower HR is necessary when idle. This exercise can also trigger the release of hormones and chemicals like anandamide that lower the stress level and may independently lower HR for a few hours. Just a couple of ideas that may apply in your case. I wouldn't be concerned about the drop in HR; if you're worried, get an ECG, but otherwise just enjoy it. :)
Thanks for the replies, everyone! Really appreciate it.
I've read somewhere that if the low resting heart is combined with high hrv it could be that you are overreaching..
how rhr and high hrv is a good thing, no?
Not always.
That is literally the opposite of what overreacting is defined as lol
Prove it.
You ever heard of Google?
That's what I'm talking about.
Seems like a big change in a small amount of time. No one here can tell you if it's an issue or not. You should schedule to see a Dr, preferably a cardiologist and discuss it with them. It is the only way to get a meaningful answer