What it means
MedlinePlus lists a normal adult resting heart rate as 60 to 100 beats per minute. Well-trained athletes can sit between 40 and 60. It is best measured in the morning before getting up, or after sitting quietly for several minutes.
Fitness, age, stress, caffeine, dehydration, illness, poor sleep and medicines all affect resting heart rate. A lower rate over time often reflects better cardio fitness, and resting heart rate is part of the Karvonen formula for training zones.
GLP-1 medicine labels note that they can raise resting heart rate by a few beats per minute on average. Dehydration from side effects can add to this.
Tell your prescriber if your heart races or pounds at rest for long stretches, especially with dizziness or shortness of breath. Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting or a very fast or irregular heartbeat.
Why it matters
GLP-1 medicines can nudge resting heart rate up, so knowing your baseline makes changes easier to spot.