Do women have a slightly faster heart rate? Expert talks about the 'normal'
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Some people think that women have slightly faster heart rates compared to men and others do not think it's possible or true. Research by Cleveland Clinic affirms it and noted that pregnancy and menopause lead to changes in heart function.
According to the study, the average heart rate for adult women is 78-82 beats per minute. The normal range is between 60-100 per minute. Some factors like hormones, exercise, and lifestyle choices elevate it.
An interventional cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, Dr Ranjan Shetty, agrees with the study. He said that there may be variations of up to 10 beats but these differences still fall within the normal range. This faster heart rate is also not a significant factor in women's health. "This is because most women are protected from cardiac diseases, particularly during their childbearing years when their heartbeat tends to be naturally higher."
He also said that both men and women can lower heart rates via some lifestyle changes. "Both men and women can naturally lower their heart rate through exercise with variations such as walking for two minutes and then jogging or running for one minute. Engaging in a combination of exercises, yoga, and meditation for about 20 to 25 minutes also works."
Speaking about heart health, he said: "It is important to note that while the heartbeat functions as a collective indicator, it is akin to a unique signature for each individual and may not necessarily reflect their heart health accurately. Thus, solely relying on the heartbeat as a marker for cardiac health may or may not be the appropriate approach."
The matter appears to be still under debate. There are different opinions about the matter among medical professionals in India too.
Another medical practitioner in the same field at Sharda Hospital in Noida Dr Subhendu Mohanty disagrees. He told The Indian Express that heart rate is not related to gender at all. In his opinion, heart rate is all about how much physical activity a person is used to.