Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide? Therefore, it’s crucial to take note of your heartbeat as it could be an early indicator of heart damage.

This article will explore the importance of monitoring your heart rate, how to take your pulse and other symptoms you should look out for.

What is a normal heart rate?

Before we delve into the importance of monitoring your heart rate, it’s imperative to understand what constitutes a normal heart rate. A typical adult’s heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM).

Newborns and infants have a higher BPM count compared to adults ranging from 120 to 160 BPM. As we grow older, the BPM count decreases, and by the time you reach 60, the average BPM count should be between 60 to 100.

Why is it important to monitor your heart rate?

The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen to various organs. The heart muscles contract and relax, creating a rhythm referred to as a heartbeat.

An irregular heartbeat could be indicative of an underlying health problem. Monitoring your heart could help detect the early signs of heart damage, allowing you to seek medical attention before the damage becomes severe.

How to take your pulse

The first step to monitoring your heart rate is learning how to take your pulse. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take your pulse:.

Sit down in a quiet place and relax your body. Avoid excess movement as it could affect your pulse rate.
Place your index finger and middle finger on your wrist or neck, and press gently until you can feel your pulse.
Count the number of beats you feel in 60 seconds, this is your heart rate. Alternatively, you can count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by two to obtain your heart rate per minute.

Symptoms of heart damage

An irregular heartbeat could be indicative of an underlying heart problem. Here are a few symptoms that could indicate heart damage:.

Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Fluttering or racing heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue or weakness
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

Causes of heart damage

Various factors could contribute towards heart damage. Here are a few causes of heart damage:.

High blood pressure
Smoking
High cholesterol levels
Obesity
Diabetes
Poor diet
Sedentary lifestyle

Preventing heart damage

Preventing heart damage involves a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and medical management. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent heart damage:.

Eat a balanced diet
Monitor your BP and cholesterol levels
Avoid smoking
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Manage stress levels
Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor

Treatment options for heart damage

Treatment for heart damage depends on the severity of the damage. Here are a few treatment options:.

Lifestyle changes: Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes such as exercising, avoiding smoking, and eating healthy to prevent the damage from progressing.
Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure, reduce swelling, or improve your heart’s ability to pump blood.
Surgery: In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery, such as angioplasty, to unblock arteries or heart transplant surgery.

Conclusion

The heart is a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. An irregular heartbeat could be indicative of an underlying health problem such as heart damage.

Monitoring your heart rate could help detect early signs of heart damage, allowing you to seek medical attention before the damage becomes severe. Make healthy lifestyle choices, monitor your heart rate, and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of heart damage.