Heart rate, also known as pulse rate, is the number of times your heart beats per minute. The heart rate measurement is essential for monitoring heart health, and a normal resting heart rate can help determine if there is an underlying health condition.
So what is considered a normal heart rate at rest?.
What is Resting Heart Rate?
Resting heart rate is the rate at which your heart beats while you are resting and not doing any physical activity. It is usually measured when you wake up in the morning before getting out of bed.
The resting heart rate varies from person to person, and several factors affect it, such as age, fitness level, gender, and medication.
What is a Normal Resting Heart Rate?
A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, the average resting heart rate is around 70 beats per minute. A lower heart rate is usually an indicator of better heart health and fitness levels.
How to Measure Resting Heart Rate?
There are two ways to measure resting heart rate:.
- Manually checking your pulse
- Using a heart rate monitor
To measure your heart rate manually, find the pulse on your wrist or neck and count the number of beats for 30 seconds. Multiply the result by two to get your heart rate per minute.
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Alternatively, you can use a heart rate monitor, such as a wearable device or a smartphone app, to measure your heart rate accurately. These devices use sensors that measure the heart rate by detecting blood flow changes in the arteries.
What are the Factors that Affect Resting Heart Rate?
Several factors influence resting heart rate, including:.
- Age: As you age, your heart may not beat as fast or efficiently, leading to a slightly higher resting heart rate.
- Fitness level: People who are physically fit often have a lower resting heart rate because their heart is stronger and pumps more effectively.
- Gender: Women typically have a higher resting heart rate than men.
- Body size and composition: People with larger bodies or more muscle mass may have a higher resting heart rate than those with smaller bodies or less muscle mass.
- Stress: Stress can cause a temporary increase in heart rate.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, can lower heart rate.
What if your Resting Heart Rate is not in the Normal Range?
If your resting heart rate is below 60 or above 100 beats per minute, it is advisable to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional.
A high or low resting heart rate may indicate an underlying health condition, such as heart disease, thyroid disorder, or anemia, among others.
How to Maintain a Healthy Resting Heart Rate?
If you want to maintain a healthy resting heart rate, you can adopt the following habits:.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower your resting heart rate and improve heart health
- Eat a healthy diet: A nutrient-rich diet can help improve heart health and maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can increase heart rate and raise the risk of heart disease
- Manage stress: Stress can raise heart rate, so finding healthy ways to manage stress like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can be beneficial
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Too much caffeine or alcohol can raise heart rate and affect heart health
The Bottom Line
A normal resting heart rate is essential for maintaining good heart health. The average resting heart rate for adults is about 70 beats per minute, but the range can vary from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Several factors affect resting heart rate, including age, fitness level, gender, body size, stress, and medication. If your resting heart rate is not in the normal range, consult your healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and take appropriate measures to address it.
