While your resting heartbeat signifies how chill you really are, the tempo may also hint at a future heart attack, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension.
When scientists analyzed 614 Japanese adults over a 20-year period, those subjects with a resting heart rate greater than 80 beats/minute endured cardiovascular problems decades later in life. That’s because a rapid heart rate is a signal from the autonomic nervous system, the body's automatic pilot that governs instinctive responses. Meaning, your body is constantly stressed and preparing to fight or flight, which takes a major toll on your blood pumper.
For more proof of the benefits of having a slower heartbeat, the researchers also found that an 81+ resting rate doubles your risk of becoming obese or insulin resistant, and more than quadruples your risk of diabetes.
So, while we’re all quick to measure our heart’s output during exercise, do yourself a favor and pay attention to it on a more regular basis. If it’s too fast, up your amount of cardio exercise, watch your diet more closely, and see your doctor.