A single, often-overlooked number can quietly reveal how strong and healthy your heart really is - your resting heart rate, according to a senior cardiologist quoted in a recent report published by Hindustan Times.

Dr Alok Chopra, a Delhi-based cardiologist and functional medicine expert with over four decades of experience, highlighted the importance of resting heart rate in a video shared on December 21. He explained that this simple metric can offer valuable insight into overall heart fitness, sometimes even more effectively than cholesterol levels or blood pressure readings.

Resting heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute when a person is calm, seated, or lying down. “It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful clues about your heart’s efficiency,” Dr Chopra noted.

For most individuals, a healthy resting heart rate typically ranges between 60 and 80 beats per minute. However, athletes and people with high cardiovascular fitness may record rates in the 40s or 50s. Dr Chopra explained that a fitter heart pumps more blood with each beat, meaning it does not need to beat as frequently to meet the body’s needs.

“A less trained heart might require around 70 beats per minute to circulate the same amount of blood that a fitter heart can manage with just 50 beats,” he said, describing this as a sign of cardiovascular efficiency.

On the other hand, Dr Chopra cautioned that a consistently high resting heart rate could indicate that the heart is under stress. Factors such as poor sleep, dehydration, mental stress, excessive caffeine intake, or underlying medical conditions may contribute to elevated readings.

The cardiologist emphasised that heart health can be improved with lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, meditation, adequate hydration, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep can help lower and stabilise resting heart rate over time.

He also advised people to track their resting heart rate regularly. “A sudden upward trend can act as an early warning sign, alerting you that something may be wrong before more serious issues develop,” he added.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Readers are advised to consult a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns related to heart health.