Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship between resting heart rate (RHR) and coronary heart disease (CHD) and to explore the value of RHR in predicting the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome. Methods 445 patients with CHD were divided into stable angina group and acute coronary syndrome group. RHR, risk factors for coronary heart disease and their correlation were analyzed. Results RHR was higher in the acute coronary syndrome group than in the stable angina group (P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that RHR (OR =1.052, 95% CI: 1.009~1.097, P=0.017), systolic blood pressure (OR=1.027, 95% CI: 1.003~1.053, P=0.031) and hyperglycemia (OR=2.743, 95% CI: 1.207~6.233, P=0.016) were independent risk factors for acute coronary syndrome. Conclusion RHR is an independent risk factor for incidence of acute coronary syndrome.

Key words: resting heart rate, coronary artery disease, risk factors