4 Things Your Heart Rate Can Tell About Your Health
By Alexis Mills
More people are starting to pay closer attention to heart rate by taking advantage of Apple Watches, Fitbits, and other fitness watches. Your resting heart rate is one of the most important numbers to keep track of your health. It helps track your fitness levels, but it also can inform you of what's really going on with your health. Find out what number is normal for you and use that to find out what signs you could be missing when it comes to maintaining good health.
If You Are Overtraining or Not Active Enough
Your heart rate can tell you if you are pushing your body too far pasts its limits or if you need more activity in your life -- activity that doesn't include sitting at a desk or on the couch. If your heart rate is increasing past what it normally does while training, your body is telling you that it needs some rest to keep up. If you are sitting still most of the day but your resting heart rate is in the higher range, it may be because it's less efficient. Working some activity into your schedule will get your heart working better, you may possibly shed some weight, and it may help lower your heart rate.
You Are Developing a Health Condition
If you are noticing new symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or are thirstier than usual -- with the combination of a drastic increase or decrease of your resting heart rate -- it could mean you are at risk for a serious health condition. If you have a combination of these symptoms, you should discuss them with your doctor.
You Are Dehydrated
If there is a temporary increase in your heart rate, especially in a hot environment, your body is trying to cool down or show that you are dehydrated. If you feel your mouth is dry or you are thirstier than usual, drink some water to try getting your heart rate back to normal.
You Are Over Stressed
Feeling stressed for long periods of time brings an increase to your heart rate and is a major risk to your health and well-being. With the higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, incorporate relaxation techniques into your day to help keep your stress levels and heart rate low. Some things that might work are reading, meditating, walking, or taking a bath.
Take note that the best time to measure your resting heart rate when you first wake up in the morning gives you the most accurate number. Yes, that means even before your first cup of coffee! This will give you a base of what your heart rate is when you have first woken up fully rested. If you are interested in learning more about your health, I suggest you start with your heart rate and discover how it can tell you what is going on in your body.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Melbourne, Fla.