not the typical heart rate question
 

When I first started to get in shape my resting heart rate was around 70, about 8 months ago it was around 60 and now i'm down to a resting rate of 37-39. Should I be concerned with this drop(I do cardio based workouts(cycling or running) daily and hit the gym 4-5 days a week)or is it to be expected?

As someone gets into better shape, their resting heart rate will become slower. I am certainly not a doctor, but 37-39 seems abnormally low.

Did you lose a lot of weight in the past eight months ....Do you have super low blood pressure now as well? I would be concerned if I noticed such a drastic change in such a short period of time especially if I felt tired or became dizzy at all.

Only you know what your medical history is and what changes your body has undergone as well as what kind of drastic measures you have put yourself through to reach your new fitness level. If you have any concerns, perhaps you should give your doctor a ring and see what he/she thinks. A doctor would be better qualified to evaluate your heart health.

Generally, so long as you feel fine and your heart rate increases normally with increased exertion, you should be proud of you low resting heart rate. It is most likely a result of your better cardiovascular condition. However, if you have any concerns, go see you doctor. He'll probably congratulate you and tell you that your wasting his time. But that's the best thing a doctor can tell you!

My resting heart rate is in the same range. So is George Dubya's so you are in good company.

That seems like a pretty big drop in 8 months. How long 'til it's down to 20? ;)

I agree with the others. Couldn't hurt to call the doc. S/he might want you to come in and get a physical and a couple of blood tests, which may render some interesting stuff anyway (your hematocrit, etc.).

Only time i herd of this persoanlly is with my freinds dad his resting heart rate was 40 but he is takign meds to keep it down cause his heart would race upto 230bpm witch is heart attack time, when he works out it gets up to about 85... Are u takign heart meds?

Check first that the HRM is in good working order then if it is think about this
RHR is taken at night when you are alsleep so if this is the case that doesn't sound all that weird to me. As we become more fit the stroke volume will increase thus decreasing the amount times the heart needs to beat to get the oxygen to the body. But if this is something that is taken while wide awake and just sitting there you need to do like the above have said. Get it looked at.
Velocity

My old running training partner had a resting HR in the 30's. I once took his pulse, and it was the oddest thing to feel a pulse that low. Mine at the time was 48. Resting pulse rate is a genetic factor. AAMOF, some world-class aerobic athletes have high pulse rates. One example is Jim Ryun, ex mile world record holder whose resting PR was in the 70's.

Having said that, my resting pulse rate went from 58 to 41 in about 10 months when I started cycling. Obviously, you are in great shape - if you were not, you would not be inclined to work out as often as you apparently do.

I think you should have it checked out by a doctor. That seems like a large drop for just 10 months.

I have a similar resting heartrate (around 40) but it's always been that way when I'm in shape. A year ago when I started riding I was in the low 60s and I was reasonably fit. When I'm out of shape I'm in the low 70s so my heartrate has changed in about the same time range as you. My doctor girlfriend doesn't see any problems with my low heartrate considering all the riding I've been doing.

Still, since you seem a bit concerned you can check it out with your doctor. When I've done that before, they look at me, ask how active I am then just say that it's normal.

Before I started riding again this spring, my RHR was around 60 and has now dropped to around 40. When I was in college and training in another sport my RHR was in the low 30s. I'd say you are probably OK, but if you are uncomfortable with the heart rate you should see a doctor to confirm that there are not any hidden problems.

Dave

You also need to check your average doing nothing HR. The difference should not be great. A large difference in HR's may be a sign of trouble.