Extreme resting heart rates linked to higher stroke risks, study reveals

A new study highlights the dangers of both very low and very high resting heart rates. Researchers found that extreme levels—whether too slow or too fast—can significantly raise the risk of stroke. The findings suggest that keeping a heart rate within a moderate range may help protect long-term health.

The study revealed that people with resting heart rates below 50 beats per minute (bpm) faced a 25% higher risk of stroke. Extremely low rates can reduce blood flow to the brain, increasing the chance of an ischemic stroke. At the other end of the scale, those with resting rates at or above 90 bpm were 45% more likely to suffer a stroke.

Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were linked to very high heart rates. The research also showed that these elevated rates raised the risk of heart attacks and premature death. By contrast, the lowest stroke risk appeared in individuals with resting heart rates between 60 and 69 bpm. Medical guidelines typically define a normal resting heart rate as 60 to 100 bpm. However, the study suggests that even rates within this range can carry different levels of risk. The findings underline the importance of monitoring resting heart rate as a simple yet effective way to assess cardiovascular health.

The research confirms that both unusually low and high resting heart rates pose serious health risks. While a rate of 60 to 69 bpm appears safest, extreme variations increase the likelihood of stroke and other complications. Doctors may now place greater emphasis on this widely available measurement when evaluating patients' heart health.