As we grow older, many changes take place in our body, including how our heart works. Heartbeat is essential for pumping blood to all parts of the body. The average heart rate or heartbeat varies based on age, fitness, and other factors.

In this article, we will discuss age and the average heartbeat.

Heart Rate

Heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute (bpm). It is a crucial measure of cardiovascular health. Age, sex, and fitness level affect the heart rate.

Generally, the lower the heart rate, the better it is for health, as it indicates that the heart is more efficient.

Newborns and Infants

Newborns and infants have a higher heartbeat than adults. The average heart rate for a newborn is 100-150 bpm, while for infants between 1-11 months old, the average heart rate is 90-120 bpm.

Toddlers and Children

The average heart rate for toddlers between 1-2 years old is around 110-130 bpm. For children between 3-4 years old, the average heart rate decreases to 100-115 bpm. As children grow older, their heart rate decreases further.

For example, the average heart rate for children between 10-14 years old is 60-100 bpm.

Teenagers and Adults

During adolescence, the average heart rate stabilizes. For teenagers between 15-19 years old, the average heart rate is around 55-85 bpm. In adults, the average heart rate range is slightly different.

For adults between 20-30 years old, the average heart rate is 60-100 bpm. Adults between 30-40 years old typically have a lower heart rate range of 60-90 bpm, while adults between 40-60 years old have an average heart rate of 60-100 bpm.

Related Article Typical Heart Rate per Age Group

As people reach old age, their heart rate range decreases, with the average heart rate for those over 60 years old being 60-100 bpm.

Fitness Level

In addition to age, fitness level also plays a crucial role in determining the average heartbeat. People who exercise regularly have a lower resting heart rate than sedentary individuals.

Serious athletes may have a lower heart rate that is below the average range. Vigorous exercise can also increase heart rate temporarily, so the average heart rate during exercise will be higher. Factors such as stress, anxiety, or pain can also raise heart rate temporarily.

Other Factors Affecting Heart Rate

Other factors that can affect heart rate include body position, medication, and illness. For example, standing up or sitting down can temporarily increase or decrease heart rate.

Certain medications can also affect heart rate, such as beta-blockers, which slow down the heart rate. Illnesses such as fever or dehydration can also cause an increase in heart rate.

Heart Rate and Health

Keeping track of your heart rate can help you stay healthy. An abnormally high or low heart rate can indicate an underlying health condition. For example, a high resting heart rate might be a sign of dehydration, anemia, or an overactive thyroid.

On the other hand, a low resting heart rate could indicate an underactive thyroid or other heart conditions.

Conclusion

The average heart rate varies based on age, fitness, and other factors. As people grow older, their average heartbeat decreases. Regular exercise can help lower the resting heart rate. Knowing your heartbeat can help you stay on top of your health.

If you notice a significant deviation from the average heart rate, it is best to speak to a healthcare professional.