Resting heart rate can be defined as the amount of times your heart beats in one minute and blood pressure can be defined as the amount of pressure against the arteries as blood circulates through them, blood pressure is broken down into two categories the systolic reading(the amount of pressure in the blood vessels when it beats) and diastolic(the amount of pressure in the blood vessels as the heart is refilling with blood) resting heart rate and blood pressure can be effected by your level of physical activity, stress, medications etc.
“Why is a Lower resting heart rate and blood pressure important?”
A lower resting heart rate shows that your body is efficient at pumping oxygenated blood to your body with each pump(stroke volume) which also has positive effects on hormonal status and cardiovascular health( coupled with a good blood pressure reading). A lower blood pressure helps protect your heart, kidneys, brain and eyes.
Stress can be one of the main reasons for heightened resting heart rate and/or blood pressure due to higher utilization of fuel and minerals needed to regulate heart rate and blood pressure. I like to use this analogy, heightened stress levels equates to more wear and tear, you wouldn’t go out to your car sitting in idle and just sit there with your foot on the accelerator burning out the engine and your gas, we must work on regulating stress levels and take care of ourselves through exercise and proper nutrition to help keep the body in optimal function.
What are good Resting Heart Rate and Blood Pressure numbers?
Resting Heart Rate
| RHR for Athletes | Excellent | Good | Above Average | Average | Below Average | Poor | |
| 49-55 | 56-61 | 62-65 | 66-69 | 70-73 | 74-81 | 82+ |
| Blood Pressure Category |
Systolic mm Hg (upper #) |
Diastolic mm Hg (lower #) |
|
| Normal | less than 120 | and | less than 80 |
| Prehypertension | 120 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1 |
140 – 159 | or | 90 – 99 |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2 |
160 or higher | or | 100 or higher |
|
Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed) |
Higher than 180 | or | Higher than 110 |
References : American Heart Association
Mayo Clinic
