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Thromb Haemost
DOI: 10.1055/a-2593-1679
Stroke, Systemic or Venous Thromboembolism

Resting Heart Rate and Risk of Incident Venous Thromboembolism: The Tromsø Study

Oda G.R. Leknessund 
1   Department of Clinical Medicine, Thrombosis Research Group, UiT—the Arctic University of Norway, Troms, Norway
,
John-Bjarne Hansen
1   Department of Clinical Medicine, Thrombosis Research Group, UiT—the Arctic University of Norway, Troms, Norway
2   Division of Internal Medicine, Thrombosis Research Center, University Hospital of North Norway, Troms, Norway
,
Sigrid K. Brækkan
1   Department of Clinical Medicine, Thrombosis Research Group, UiT—the Arctic University of Norway, Troms, Norway
2   Division of Internal Medicine, Thrombosis Research Center, University Hospital of North Norway, Troms, Norway
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Abstract

Background

While resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with multiple diseases, conflicting information exists on the association between RHR and venous thromboembolism (VTE). We, therefore, aimed to investigate the association between RHR and risk of VTE in a population-based cohort.

Methods

Participants (n = 36,395) were followed from inclusion in the Tromsø 4 to 7 surveys (1994–2016) throughout 2020. RHR was measured in beats per minute (bpm) at each survey (repeated measurements for those attending several surveys). All first-time VTEs during follow-up were recorded. Hazard ratios (HR) for VTE with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) according to RHR categories (61–70, 71–80, and >80 bpm) with ≤60 bpm as reference were estimated using Cox regression models, and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and physical activity. We also performed age-stratified analyses (<60 and ≥60 years).

Results

During a median of 6.6 years of follow-up, 1,072 participants experienced a VTE. Fully adjusted HRs (95% CI) for overall VTE were 1.12 (0.93–1.35), 1.35 (1.11–1.63), and 1.19 (0.97–1.47) for RHR categories 61 to 70, 71 to 80, and >80 bpm, respectively. Corresponding HRs for unprovoked VTE were 1.56 (1.14–2.14), 1.76 (1.28–2.43), and 1.60 (1.13–2.25), whereas no association was observed for provoked VTE. The association was more consistent in those ≥60 years, with HRs for overall VTE, >80 bpm versus ≤60 bpm of 1.30 (1.02–1.65) and for unprovoked VTE of 1.86 (1.24–2.81).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that higher RHR may be a risk factor for VTE and more consistently so for those ≥60 years. The VTE risk by higher RHR was particularly pronounced for unprovoked events.

Keywords

venous thrombosis - deep vein thrombosis - pulmonary embolism - resting heart rate - unprovoked venous thrombosis

Authors' Contribution

Conception and design: J.B.H., S.K.B. Statistical analysis: O.G.R.L., S.K.B. Interpretation of results: O.G.R.L., J.B.H., S.K.B. Draft of manuscript: O.G.R.L. Critical revision of manuscript: S.K.B., J.B.H. Approval of submitted version: all authors.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 12 April 2024

Accepted: 23 April 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
24 April 2025

Article published online:
08 May 2025

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