What does a running heart rate below 60 indicate

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute while running may be a normal physiological phenomenon or a potential health issue. Heart rate is regulated by factors such as age, physical fitness level, and medication. People who exercise for a long time may have a low resting heart rate, but they should be alert to pathological conditions such as sinus node dysfunction or hypothyroidism. A heart rate below 60 beats per minute while running is more common among people who exercise regularly. Long term aerobic exercise such as running, swimming, etc. can enhance the pumping efficiency of the heart and reduce heart rate during rest and exercise, which is a sign of good heart function. Professional athletes can have a resting heart rate as low as 40-50 beats per minute, and the increase in heart rate during exercise is also slower than that of ordinary people. In this case, no special treatment is needed. Maintain regular exercise habits and pay attention to monitoring heart rate changes. Partial pathological conditions can also lead to low heart rate during exercise. Abnormal sinus node function can lead to impaired conduction of cardiac pacing signals, manifested as persistent bradycardia, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. Patients with hypothyroidism often exhibit symptoms such as slowed heart rate, chills, and weight gain due to a decrease in metabolic rate. Some antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic drugs may also suppress heart rate. If the heart rate remains below 50 beats per minute or accompanied by discomfort symptoms, it is recommended to undergo electrocardiograms, thyroid function tests, and other examinations.

In daily life, attention should be paid to distinguishing between physiological and pathological heart rate decreases. People who exercise can wear heart rate monitoring devices to observe changes in the heart rate range during exercise and avoid overtraining. If there is unexplained fatigue, fainting, or sudden decline in physical activity, medical attention should be sought promptly for cardiovascular disease screening. It is recommended that the general population undergo a basic health assessment before starting to run, gradually increasing the intensity of exercise, and maintaining a heart rate within the range of 60% -80% of maximum heart rate during exercise is safer and more effective.