Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. It's an important measure of your overall health and fitness. A normal heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but it can vary depending on your age, activity level, and other factors.
In this article, we'll discuss the normal heart rate range for adults, as well as what factors can affect your heart rate. We'll also provide tips for keeping your heart rate within a healthy range.
Let’s jump into more detail about a normal heart rate, factors that may affect heart rate, and some additional information regarding abnormal heart rates.
What is the Normal Heart Rate
A normal heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
- Normal range: 60-100 bpm
- Varies with age, activity
- Lower resting heart rate is better
- High heart rate can indicate problems
- Bradycardia: heart rate below 60 bpm
- Tachycardia: heart rate above 100 bpm
- Arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythm
- Heart rate affected by genetics, lifestyle
- Exercise can lower resting heart rate
If you have concerns about your heart rate, talk to your doctor.
Normal range: 60-100 bpm
A normal heart rate for adults at rest is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). This means that your heart beats 60 to 100 times each minute. Your heart rate can vary depending on your age, activity level, and other factors.
A lower resting heart rate is generally better. This is because it means that your heart is working efficiently and doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood throughout your body. A resting heart rate below 60 bpm is considered to be Bradycardia, while a resting heart rate above 100 bpm is considered to be Tachycardia.
An irregular heart rhythm is called Arrhythmia. Arrhythmias can cause your heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others can be serious and even life-threatening.
Your heart rate is affected by a number of factors, including your genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, people who exercise regularly tend to have lower resting heart rates than people who are inactive. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, anemia, and dehydration, can also affect your heart rate.
If you have concerns about your heart rate, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your heart rate is normal and, if not, what may be causing the problem.
Varies with age, activity
Your heart rate can vary depending on your age and activity level.
- Age:
As you age, your heart rate tends to slow down. This is because your heart muscle becomes less efficient at pumping blood. The average heart rate for a newborn baby is around 120 bpm, while the average heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 bpm.
- Activity level:
Your heart rate also increases when you are active. This is because your body needs more oxygen and nutrients when you are exercising. The harder you exercise, the faster your heart rate will beat. Once you stop exercising, your heart rate will gradually return to its resting rate.
- Other factors:
Your heart rate can also be affected by other factors, such as your emotions, stress levels, and body temperature. For example, your heart rate may increase when you are feeling anxious or stressed. Additionally, your heart rate may increase when you have a fever.
It is important to note that everyone's heart rate is different. Some people naturally have a higher or lower heart rate than others. If you are concerned about your heart rate, talk to your doctor.
Lower resting heart rate is better
A lower resting heart rate is generally better for your overall health.
- Reduced risk of heart disease:
People with a lower resting heart rate have a lower risk of developing heart disease, such as heart attack and stroke. This is because a lower heart rate means that your heart is working more efficiently and doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood throughout your body.
- Improved athletic performance:
Athletes with a lower resting heart rate tend to have better endurance and performance. This is because their hearts are more efficient at pumping blood and delivering oxygen to their muscles.
- Increased longevity:
Studies have shown that people with a lower resting heart rate tend to live longer than people with a higher resting heart rate. This is likely because a lower heart rate is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- Better sleep:
People with a lower resting heart rate tend to sleep better. This is because a lower heart rate helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
If you are concerned about your resting heart rate, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your heart rate is normal and, if not, what may be causing the problem.
High heart rate can indicate problems
A high heart rate can be a sign of a number of health problems. Some of the most common causes of high heart rate include:
- Anemia:
Anemia is a condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. This can cause your heart to beat faster in order to try to make up for the lack of oxygen.
- Dehydration:
Dehydration is a condition in which you don't have enough fluid in your body. This can cause your blood pressure to drop, which in turn can cause your heart rate to increase.
- Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause your metabolism to speed up, which can lead to an increase in heart rate.
- Heart disease:
Heart disease can cause your heart to work harder than it should. This can lead to an increase in heart rate.
- COPD:
COPD is a lung disease that can cause shortness of breath. This can lead to an increase in heart rate.
- Pain:
Severe pain can cause your heart rate to increase.
- Sepsis:
Sepsis is a life-threating condition in which the body is overwhelmed by infection. This can lead to a significant increase in heart rate.
- Stress and anxiety:
Stress and anxiety can both cause your heart rate to increase.
If you are experiencing a high heart rate, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Bradycardia: heart rate below 60 bpm
Bradycardia is a condition in which your heart rate is below 60 beats per minute. This can be a normal variant, especially in athletes and other people who are very fit. However, bradycardia can also be a sign of a medical problem, such as:
- Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. This can cause your metabolism to slow down, which can lead to a decrease in heart rate.
- Heart block:
Heart block is a condition in which the electrical signals that coordinate your heartbeats are blocked. This can cause your heart rate to slow down or even stop.
- Sick sinus syndrome:
Sick sinus syndrome is a condition in which the sinoatrial node (SA node), which is the natural pacemaker of your heart, doesn't work properly. This can cause your heart rate to slow down or become irregular.
- Certain medications:
Some medications, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, can slow down your heart rate.
In some cases, bradycardia can be a serious medical condition that requires treatment. However, in other cases, it may not cause any symptoms or problems.
If you are experiencing symptoms of bradycardia, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Tachycardia: heart rate above 100 bpm
Tachycardia is a condition in which your heart rate is above 100 beats per minute. This can be a normal response to exercise or stress. However, tachycardia can also be a sign of a medical problem, such as:
- Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause your metabolism to speed up, which can lead to an increase in heart rate.
- Heart disease:
Heart disease can cause your heart to work harder than it should. This can lead to an increase in heart rate.
- Anemia:
Anemia is a condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. This can cause your heart to beat faster in order to try to make up for the lack of oxygen.
- Dehydration:
Dehydration is a condition in which you don't have enough fluid in your body. This can cause your blood pressure to drop, which in turn can cause your heart rate to increase.
- Certain medications:
Some medications, such as stimulants and decongestants, can cause your heart rate to increase.
- Alcohol and caffeine:
Alcohol and caffeine can both cause your heart rate to increase.
In some cases, tachycardia can be a serious medical condition that requires treatment. However, in other cases, it may not cause any symptoms or problems.
If you are experiencing symptoms of tachycardia, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythm
An arrhythmia is a condition in which your heart beats irregularly, too fast, or too slow. Arrhythmias can be harmless or they can be serious and even life-threatening.
- Types of arrhythmias:
There are many different types of arrhythmias. Some of the most common include:
- Atrial fibrillation:
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly and too fast.
- Atrial flutter:
Atrial flutter is similar to AFib, but the heart rate is usually slower.
- Ventricular fibrillation:
Ventricular fibrillation (VFib) is a serious arrhythmia that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. It occurs when the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) beat irregularly and very fast.
- Ventricular tachycardia:
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is another serious arrhythmia that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. It occurs when the ventricles beat too fast.
- Atrial fibrillation:
- Causes of arrhythmias:
Arrhythmias can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Certain medications
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Stress
- Symptoms of arrhythmias:
Arrhythmias can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Palpitations (a feeling of your heart racing or skipping beats)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fainting
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to determine if you have an arrhythmia and to receive appropriate treatment.
Heart rate affected by genetics, lifestyle
Your heart rate can be affected by a number of genetic and lifestyle factors. Some of the most common factors include:
- Genetics:
Your genes can play a role in determining your resting heart rate. Some people are simply born with a higher or lower heart rate than others.
- Age:
As you age, your heart rate tends to slow down. This is because your heart muscle becomes less efficient at pumping blood.
- Sex:
Men typically have a lower resting heart rate than women. This is because men have a larger heart and a greater stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped out by the heart with each beat).
- Activity level:
People who are physically active tend to have a lower resting heart rate than people who are inactive. This is because exercise helps to strengthen the heart muscle and make it more efficient at pumping blood.
- Body weight:
People who are overweight or obese tend to have a higher resting heart rate than people who are at a healthy weight. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the extra weight.
- Smoking:
Smoking can increase your heart rate. This is because nicotine is a stimulant that can cause your heart to beat faster.
- Alcohol consumption:
Drinking alcohol can also increase your heart rate. This is because alcohol can cause your blood pressure to rise, which in turn can cause your heart to beat faster.
- Stress:
Stress can also cause your heart rate to increase. This is because stress hormones, such as adrenaline, can cause your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure to rise.
By making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress, you can help to keep your heart rate within a healthy range.