Data from more than 600 people shows resting heart rates have their own secret rhythm
The rhythms aren’t necessarily tied to hormones, nor any other single cause.
The resting heart rates of more than 600 people have been found to possess their own unique rhythms, according to a recent study published in EBioMedicine. Researchers analyzed data from years of smartwatch recordings of young adults, discovering that 70% of participants experienced slow, recurring patterns in their heart rates independent of external factors.
These rhythms, which can span weekly, monthly, or even ten-week cycles, were observed in both men and women. By employing spectral analysis to examine daily resting heart rates over time, the study identified dominant "colors" representing individual cycles. While most individuals had their own distinct rhythm, three main groups emerged: those with weekly (13%), monthly (37%), or longer multi-month (50%) cycles.
The findings suggest that these heart rate rhythms may not be solely influenced by biological factors like the menstrual cycle, but rather by environmental cues such as light levels or weekly schedules. The study highlights the importance of considering infradian rhythms, which are slower than daily cycles, in understanding and treating cyclic symptoms in various health conditions.
Researchers are now exploring how these rhythms may impact mood, stress levels, and disease risk, potentially leading to new insights into overall wellbeing.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
