Association between resting heart rate and cardiovascular mortality: evidence from a meta-analysis of prospective studies.

The results from published studies on resting heart rate (RHR) and risk of cardiovascular mortality are not consistent. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively summarize the evidence from prospective studies about the association of RHR with risk cardiovascular mortality. Pertinent studies were identified by a search of Pubmed and Web of Knowledge to January 2015. The random effect model was used. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted. Dose-response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline and variance-weighted least squares regression analysis. Twenty prospective articles were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results suggested that highest RHR level versus lowest levels was significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular mortality [summary relative risk (RR) = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.42-2.00, I(2) = 87.5%]. Subjects with RHR levels of > 80 bites per minute (bpm) had a RR of 1.49 (1.24-1.79) for cardiovascular mortality. The results for subgroups analysis of geographic locations, sex and duration of follow-up are consistent with the overall results. The linear dose-response analysis indicated that an increase in RHR of 10 bpm was statistically significantly associated with a 6% increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular mortality (summary RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.04-1.08). Thus, we conclude that elevated RHR was significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.