Association Of Resting Heart Rate With Risk Of Stroke In Men

Abstract

Background: The basic clinical measurement of resting heart rate (RHR) has been related to different cardiovascular outcomes. However, its link to stroke risk, especially in males, is uncertain.

Objective: This research examines men's stroke risk and resting heart rate.

Methods: This observational research at department of Medicine, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from 1^st January 2022 to 31^st December 2022, comprised 1,000 male participants aged 40–70. Participants were separated into two groups based on resting heart rate: Group A (RHR < 70 bpm) and Group B (RHR > 70 bpm). Baseline demographics, clinical features, and RHR were recorded. Over a 5-year follow-up, stroke incidence was the main outcome. Using Cox proportional hazards models, the relative risk of stroke between the two groups was calculated, controlling for age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, and BMI.

Results: There were 1000 participants in all, with an equal distribution of individuals between two groups: Group A and Group B. The average age was comparable between Group A (55.3 ± 10.2 years) and Group B (54.8 ± 11.1 years) with a p-value of 0.432, indicating that the difference was not statistically significant. The BMI values were similar in the two groups (Group A: 27.4 ± 3.5 kg/m², Group B: 27.1 ± 3.7 kg/m², p=0.281).

Conclusion: This research reinforces the data that an elevated resting heart rate is a substantial risk factor for stroke in males.