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Assessing your heart health doesn’t have to be difficult; all it takes is two fingers and 30 seconds. Measuring your resting heart rate (RHR) is a simple way to determine your heart health, and your overall wellbeing. To check your RHR at home, simply place your index and middle finger on your wrist below your thumb and count how many beats occur in 30 seconds. Then, double the number to determine your resting heart rate. According to heart doctors, the average RHR for an adult is 60-100 beats per minute (bpm).

The heart is one of the most critical organs to the body’s basic functions and Divagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, of Rochelle Park, NJ, wants patients to understand how your resting heart rate reflects your future health.

heart doctorRHR & Your Future

Heart doctors agree—individuals who don’t participate in regular physical activity have higher resting heart rates—which can lead to high blood pressure or high cholesterol. In fact, in a 2013 study conducted by the journal Heart, researchers found the chances of premature death in men were two times higher if their RHR was consistently 81-90 bpm, and three times higher if more than 91 bpm.

Generally speaking, having a lower resting heart rate usually indicates a strong physical fitness level, which contributes to your health in the future. Taking part in an aerobic activity for at least 20 minutes three to five times a week helps strengthen your heart muscle. This can also help lower your resting heart rate and improve your health for years to come.

Talk to a Heart Doctor

If you’re concerned about your cardiovascular health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment for a cardiac screening. Individuals located in the Rochelle Park community of New Jersey can contact Divagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, at (201) 845-3535 for top-notch cardiovascular care. The practice is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, and the heart doctors on staff are well-versed and knowledgeable in a wide range of cardiovascular issues. You can read more about the practice’s available services online.

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