What does a high resting pulse rate typically indicate?

A high resting pulse rate generally indicates potential stress or illness due to the body's physiological response to various factors. When the body is under stress—whether from physical exertion, emotional stress, or illness—it may require an increased heart rate to deliver more oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream to vital organs and muscles. This heightened state can occur due to conditions such as dehydration, fever, or anxiety, which can all elevate the resting heart rate significantly.

In the context of physical fitness, a high resting pulse rate is typically a sign of poorer cardiovascular health, as well-conditioned athletes usually exhibit lower resting heart rates, reflecting their heart's efficiency. Therefore, the correlation of a high resting pulse rate with potential stress or illness is more accurate in assessing overall health status rather than fitness or normal biological functioning.