Question

If a patient is a marathon runner, what would be expected resting pulse rate?

1) Higher than average
2) Lower than average
3) Same as average
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

A marathon runner's resting pulse rate would typically be lower than average due to the efficiency of their heart from endurance training. A resting heart rate below 60 bpm in such athletes is common and usually not of concern unless symptoms arise.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient is a marathon runner, it would generally be expected that their resting pulse rate is lower than average. In adults, a normal resting heart rate (HR) ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). However, for trained athletes, and particularly endurance athletes like marathon runners, a resting heart rate below 60 bpm is quite common and is referred to as bradycardia. This is not considered clinically significant unless accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, or palpitations. Marathon runners often have more efficient hearts, which require less effort to pump blood throughout their bodies, resulting in a lower resting heart rate.

The physiological adaptations due to prolonged and intensive endurance training, such as marathon running, enhance the heart muscle's efficiency. Consequently, the heart can pump a greater volume of blood with each beat, allowing for a lower number of beats per minute at rest. As individuals age, maximum heart rates decrease, but for seasoned marathon runners, this decrease is mitigated by their training.