High Heart Rate Is A Factor For Heart Disease, Says BHF

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Heart Disease
Article Date: 04 Feb 2009 - 3:00 PST

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In response to a study published in the British Medical Journal which investigates a resting heart rate as a low tech predictor of coronary events in women, Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said:

"This study shows that having a high heart rate is a risk factor for future heart disease in women, a finding that has been known for some time in men. "It adds heart rate to the numerous other risk factors known to influence the chances of having a heart attack.

"However, one's heart rate changes minute by minute in response to things like activity and emotion, so people shouldn't automatically assume that if their heart rate happens to be high at a particular time it is putting them at risk of a heart attack."

Issued in response to 'Resting heart rate as a low tech predictor of coronary events in women: prospective cohort study' by Husia et al published by British Medical Journal. DOI:10.1136/bmj.b219

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation's heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work. Because together we can beat heart disease.

British Heart Foundation, Greater London House 180 Hampstead Road, London, London NW1 7AW United Kingdom

British Heart Foundation

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