Justin Timmer analyzed his resting heart rate data for a two year period and produced an elegant summary of his findings. Resting heart rate has become a popular health marker. A lower RHR indicates physical fitness and suggests a longer lifespan. One investigation into RHR sampled nearly 3,000 men over a sixteen year duration.

There are a variety of fitness tracker which can be used to track resting heart rate. I use a Garmin Vivoactive HR which I export the data from Garmin Connect. Justin used a MyBasis B1 (which is no longer an option). The Jawbone UP4, Fitbit Charge 2, Beddit, and Emfit are ready to track RHR.

Justin’s findings revealed that alcohol, lack of sleep and illness would increase his resting heart rate. Reduced activity and social engagement would decrease his RHR. One unexpected finding was a yearly pattern of reduced RHR in September that increases and peaks in December. Oddly enough I see a similar pattern in my own RHR data of a reduced RHR in August that climbs into December.