Study Links Very Low and Very High Resting Heart Rates to Increased Stroke Risk

A new study presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference has found that both very low and very high resting heart rates are associated with an increased risk of stroke, according to a report from mindbodygreen. The researchers identified a U-shaped relationship, with the lowest stroke risk observed among individuals with resting heart rates between 60 and 69 beats per minute.

Heart rates below 50 beats per minute were linked to a 25% higher stroke risk, while rates at or above 90 beats per minute were associated with a 45% higher risk, the study reported. The findings challenge the common assumption that a lower resting heart rate always indicates better cardiovascular fitness.

Study Details and Findings

The study analyzed data from approximately 460,000 participants in the UK Biobank over an average of 14 years. During that period, 12,290 strokes occurred. The U-shaped pattern persisted after adjusting for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors, the researchers said.

However, the pattern disappeared when the analysis focused on participants with atrial fibrillation. According to the study, atrial fibrillation itself carries a fivefold increased risk of stroke, which may have overshadowed the effect of heart rate. The study was reported by multiple outlets after its presentation at the European Stroke Organisation Conference.

Fast heartbeat, or tachycardia, is known to increase the risk of stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, and death, according to [3]. Various causes of fast heartbeat, including arrhythmias, are described in [5].

Potential Mechanisms

The researchers proposed that very low heart rates may reduce blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of ischemic stroke. Elevated heart rates, on the other hand, may place increased stress on blood vessel walls, potentially contributing to both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.

Co-author Alastair Webb said that very low or very high heart rates should act as a signal for clinicians to assess overall cardiovascular risk and to reinforce lifestyle changes and standard prevention strategies, according to the study report. [4] notes that exercise can reduce heart rate and blood pressure, lowering the oxygen demand of the myocardium.

Broader Context and Alternative Perspectives

Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can influence resting heart rate. A separate study cited in [6] found that 99% of heart attacks and strokes are preceded by at least one measurable risk factor, emphasizing the importance of monitoring overall cardiovascular health.

According to [1], vigorous exercise has been shown to significantly lower stroke risk. [2] provides strategies for lowering resting heart rate through lifestyle changes, such as aerobic exercise and stress reduction. Some holistic health practitioners argue that factors like nutrition, sleep, and environmental toxins also play a role in heart rate regulation, though these views were not part of the study.

Natural approaches, including dietary improvements and regular physical activity, may help optimize heart rate. [5] discusses how fast heartbeat can result from various physiologic and pathologic causes, underscoring the need for individualized evaluation.

Conclusion

The study suggests that resting heart rate extremes warrant attention as potential indicators of underlying health issues. Individuals with heart rates consistently outside the 60 to 69 beats per minute range are advised to consult a doctor for further evaluation.

The findings indicate that the healthiest resting heart rate may fall in the middle, not at the low end. Resting heart rate remains a simple and accessible metric, but the study underscores that its interpretation should consider the full clinical picture.

References

1. Vigorous Exercise May Significantly Lower Your Stroke Risk – Mercola.com. Dr. Mercola. October 4, 2013.
2. Top 6 Ways to Lower Your Resting Heart Rate – Mercola.com. Dr. Mercola. November 1, 2019.
3. Fast heartbeat causes side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com – NaturalNews.com. April 3, 2018.
4. Aging, physical activity and health – Shephard Roy J.
5. Facing your fifties: every man’s reference guide to mid-life health – Ehlers Gordon.
6. Huge Study Links 99% of Heart Attacks and Strokes with 4 Risk Factors – Activist Post. March 25, 2026.