Knowing your heart rate is important for monitoring your overall health, and it’s especially vital as you age. Your heart rate (HR) is a measurement of how many times your heart beats per minute (BPM).
As you age, your heart rate can change, and it’s essential to understand what’s considered a normal range so that you can identify any potential heart issues.
Heart Rate: Age-Related Normal Ranges (Chart)
Below are the age-related normal ranges for resting heart rate:.
In Infants & Children
From birth to 3 months: 100-150 BPM.
3 months to 2 years: 80-130 BPM.
3-4 years: 80-120 BPM.
5-6 years: 75-115 BPM.
7-8 years: 70-110 BPM.
9-10 years: 65-105 BPM.
11 years and above: 60-100 BPM.
In Adults
18 years to 25 years: 60-100 BPM.
26 years to 35 years: 60-100 BPM.
36 years to 45 years: 60-100 BPM.
46 years to 55 years: 60-100 BPM.
56 years to 65 years: 60-100 BPM.
Over 65 years: 60-100 BPM (but can be higher than 100 BPM).
Factors Affecting Heart Rate
Several factors can affect your heart rate, and these include:.
Physical Activity
When you exercise, your body needs more oxygen, which means your heart rate increases to supply your muscles with oxygenated blood.
Regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can lower your resting heart rate, making your heart and lungs more efficient.
Temperature
When you’re in a hot environment, your heart rate will increase to help regulate your body temperature and keep you cool. Similarly, when the weather is cold, your heart rate may also increase to help keep your body warm.
Stress and Anxiety
When you feel stressed or anxious, your body releases adrenaline, which can cause your heart rate to spike temporarily. If you have chronic stress or anxiety, it can lead to long-term high blood pressure and an increase in your resting heart rate.
Prescription Medications
Some prescription medications can affect your heart rate, including beta-blockers, which can lower your heart rate, and stimulants, which can increase it.
Conclusion
Monitoring your heart rate is an essential part of keeping track of your overall health, and it’s particularly vital as you age.
Knowing what’s considered a normal range for your age can help you identify potential heart issues before they become a problem. If you notice a sudden increase or decrease in your heart rate or have any concerns about your heart health, you should consult with a healthcare professional.