What is the effect of a decreased resting heart rate?

A decreased resting heart rate reflects the heart's increased efficiency, particularly in individuals who have engaged in regular cardiovascular training. When a person trains consistently, their heart adapts by becoming stronger and more efficient at pumping blood. As a result, the heart can pump a larger volume of blood with each beat, allowing it to maintain adequate circulation even when at rest. This often leads to a lower resting heart rate.

Individuals with a lower resting heart rate typically indicate better cardiovascular fitness, as their heart does not need to work as hard to supply oxygen to the body. Therefore, a lower resting heart rate is commonly associated with improved cardiovascular health and enhanced athletic performance.