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| Tuesday, February 17, 2009 |
| Women’s Heart Rate Helps Detect Health Risk |
I recently wrote a blog on the importance of a heart rate monitor and knowing your resting heart rate. Resting heart rate is defined as “how quickly the heart beats in the absence of exercise or outside stimulation.” Resting heart rate is usually measured when a person first wakes up in the morning and is usually lower in physically fit people. A normal resting heart rate ranges from 55 – 75 beats per minute.
A recent study in the British Medical Journal found that a woman’s heart rate at rest can help predict her risk of heart attack or dying from heart disease. The study showed that postmenopausal women who had the highest resting heart rate were 26% more likely to suffer a heart attack or die from cardiovascular disease than those with the lowest heart rates. Women with resting heart rates of more than 76 beats per minute were more likely to have a heart attack or heart disease than those with rates below 62 beats per minute. This is the first study that links resting heart rate to heart disease in women. Previous studies have shown a link in men.
The findings are important because according to the CDC, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States among men and women. It is also a leading cause of disability in the United States. Resting heart rate can now be used to help with early detection of heart disease in women and possibly prevention. Of course, RHR alone can’t predict heart attack or heart disease, but it may be an indicator of increased risk.
February is heart health month and it is a great time for women to evaluate their risk of heart disease. Heart disease is often thought of as a disease for “older women” however it is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25-44 and the second leading cause of death among women aged 44-64. Along with lowering your resting heart rate, which can be accomplished through regular cardiovascular exercise, the CDC recommends, stopping smoking, eating a heart healthy diet, weight loss and/or maintenance of a healthy weight and evaluation and treatment of depression to help lower your risk of heart disease. To calculate your risk for heart disease, take the CDC quiz. They also list some other great ways to lower your risk of heart disease.
Remember to check your resting heart rate periodically. A high resting heart rate alone may be nothing to worry about, however speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Take care of your heart and have a Happy Heart Health Month!
More to come on eating for a healthy heart next week…
- Jennifer
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Sensei Talks: Be Heart SmartLabels: Health, Jennifer
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posted by The Sensei Team @ Tuesday, February 17, 2009   |
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