A resting heart rate can indicate just how healthy your heart is

(FOX 2) - A higher resting heart rate is linked to a greater risk of heart disease, according to a new study published in "Open Heart." So, knowing your resting heart rate could give you a glimpse of your future. 

To find your rate, you put two fingers between on the thumb side of your wrist. Then, count for 15 seconds and then multiply that number by 4. The goal is to have the number be in between 60 - 85, and lower is better.

The number is an indicator of physical fitness because when your heart is stronger it doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood to your body. When you exercise, your heart rate boosts for a while. But then when you are at rest, that same exercise subsequently brings down your heart rate. 

So why is that important? Think heart disease. Doctors want that rate to be between 60-85. But in some cases, like high cholesterole, your heart may be pumping faster. That might be because of restricting blood flow and that means your heart has to pump harder and faster to get the job done. 

If you find your resting heart rate is too high, fret not. There are many ways to lower it.

"Exercise regularly. Do some meditation and eat right," said Dr. Nishit Choksi with Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. "These are fundamental things one can do to reduce your heart rate and keep it at a lower level at all times."

A lot of factors can change your resting heart rate, stress, caffeine, hormones and medications. So you may need to check it several times to get a good readout.