Is it unhealthy to have a very low resting heart rate?

Low blood pressure and low resting heart rate?

• My resting heart rate is 55 beats per minute. I work out about 3 times a week and once I week I go on a 15-20km run. (I'm active but I'm not a pro athelete). My blood pressure is really low (I don't remember the exact numbers but my doctor told me it was low). I'm 16 years old, 107 pounds, and 5'5". I'm worried because I heard that having a really low heart rate and low blood pressure is bad. I don't feel weak, tired, or faint though. Should I go see the doctor about this?

• Answer:

  Don't listen to that person. I have low blood pressure and have had it my whole life. Athletes have low blood pressure. Imagine your heart is a pump....the kind you see on Little house on the Prairie. That pump weakens after so many years and if it pumps fewer times because you are healthy, you are putting less wear and tear on your heart. (that is how my dr. explained it to me) The side effects would be dizziness if you were to get up too quickly. But, you would have more time to get help if you cut an artery. No, it is not bad. It is preferable.