Key result
Physical inactivity is linked to a ~10-bpm higher resting heart rate compared to active individuals.
Why the study?
Elevated resting heart rate is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and its association with lifestyle risk factors in young adults is not well characterized.
Cross-Sectional (n=200)
No
Absolute Event Rate: 85.8% vs 76.2%
p-value: p=0.01
In a cohort of young adults, modifiable lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and inadequate sleep were significantly associated with an elevated resting heart rate, underscoring the need for early preventive health interventions.
Hypothesis-generating in young adults; prospective studies needed before linking inactivity modification to lower RHR or CV risk.
Resting heart rate (RHR) is a commonly used clinical marker of cardiovascular function and autonomic nervous system balance. It’s a measure of the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity and is believed to be a simple measure of overall cardiovascular health (1). The elevated resting heart rate has been increasingly recognised as an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in healthy and diseased subjects (2). Lifestyle risk factors like physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor sleep quality, and psychological stress have been suggested to be associated with autonomic regulation and increased resting heart rate (3). Young adults are increasingly experiencing these behavioural risk factors, driven by academic pressure, reliance on digital technology and sedentary lifestyle (4). Prolonged exposure to these elements might lead to early autonomic imbalance and increased cardiovascular risk even in apparently healthy subjects (5).
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Shah et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Elevated resting heart rate (n=200). Physical inactivity vs. Physical activity (Active) was evaluated on Mean resting heart rate (bpm) (p=0.01). Physical inactivity was significantly associated with an elevated mean resting heart rate compared to being physically active (85.8 bpm vs 76.2 bpm, p=0.01).
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