In general a slower heart rate is healthier than a faster heart rate. If your heart rate is faster than necessary for good health excessive stress is put on your entire circulatory system. In fact recent research has documented an increased risk of heart disease and premature death in people who have faster resting heart rates.
A Danish study published recently in the journal Heart reported that for every 10 beats per minute increase over 50 in resting heart rate there was a 16% increase in death. The authors concluded that in healthy subjects an elevated resting heart rate is not merely a marker of poor general fitness but an independent risk factor. Other researchers have suggested that the resting heart rate may be a better predictor of premature death than cholesterol and blood pressure.
The take away message is that if your resting heart rate is at the high end of normal you should consult with your physician. If you are physically fit there may be nothing that you can do about it. If you are in poor physical condition a good exercise program may help slow your heart down. An excellent wellness program is found in our book TriEnergetics.