BackgroundThe Mean Heart Rate (MHR) tends to decrease with age. When adjusted for gender and
diseases, the magnitude of this effect is unclear. ObjectiveTo analyze the MHR in a stratified sample of active and functionally independent
individuals. MethodsA total of 1,172 patients aged ≥ 40 years underwent Holter monitoring and were
stratified by age group: 1 = 40-49, 2 = 50-59, 3 = 60-69, 4 = 70-79, 5 = ≥ 80
years. The MHR was evaluated according to age and gender, adjusted for
Hypertension (SAH), dyslipidemia and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
(NIDDM). Several models of ANOVA, correlation and linear regression were employed.
A two-tailed p value <0.05 was considered significant (95% CI). ResultsThe MHR tended to decrease with the age range: 1 = 77.20 ± 7.10; 2 = 76.66 ± 7.07;
3 = 74.02 ± 7.46; 4 = 72.93 ± 7.35; 5 = 73.41 ± 7.98 (p < 0.001). Women showed
a correlation with higher MHR (p <0.001). In the ANOVA and regression models,
age and gender were predictors (p < 0.001). However, R2 and
ETA2 < 0.10, as well as discrete standardized beta coefficients
indicated reduced effect. Dyslipidemia, hypertension and DM did not influence the
findings. ConclusionThe MHR decreased with age. Women had higher values of MHR, regardless of the age
group. Correlations between MHR and age or gender, albeit significant, showed the
effect magnitude had little statistical relevance. The prevalence of SAH,
dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus did not influence the results.