Resting heart rate varies by age. In adults, a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm) is considered normal. Babies and young children have higher resting heart rates than older kids, teens, and adults. Show
Resting heart rate, measured in beats per minute, is your heart rate while at rest. It serves as an indicator of fitness. In general, a lower resting heart rate indicates a higher degree of fitness. This article reviews how to measure resting heart rate and what it means for you. The Good Brigade / Getty Images Measuring Resting Heart RateThough there are a number of products, like smartwatches and heart rate monitors, that can measure resting heart rate, all you need is a watch with a second hand. To measure your heart rate, place a finger over the radial artery or carotid artery. The radial artery is found at the base of the wrist on the side of the thumb. The carotid artery is found on the neck, to the side of the windpipe, just under the angle of the jaw. Once you have located the artery, place your index
and middle fingers over it and count the number of pulsations in one minute. A quicker method is to count the number of beats over 15 seconds and multiply this by 4 to determine beats per minute. Keys to Getting an Accurate ResultResting heart rate is determined with a pulse measurement when you are relaxed and at rest. Do not take resting heart rate after:
These can all increase heart rate and give inaccurate results for a true resting heart rate. Normal Resting Heart Rate by AgeFrom birth to adulthood, resting heart rate varies. In babies and children, normal resting heart rate is higher, but normal ranges decrease with age until adulthood. One classification for pediatric heart rate ranges based on a wide-scale study is listed below.
For people ages 18 years and older, a normal resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute. What Does It Mean?Lower Than NormalA lower than normal resting heart rate is called bradycardia, though it is not necessarily a bad thing. For example, people with high physical fitness, such as long-distance runners, can have a heart rate as low as the 40s when at rest without any problem. However, for most people, a low heart rate could indicate a problem, especially if any symptoms are present, such as:
Some common causes of low heart rates include the following:
Normal RangeA resting heart rate between 60 and 100 bpm is considered normal, but the lower end of this range is better. One study conducted over approximately 20 years demonstrated that for every 10 bpm increase in heart rate, risk of death increased by up to 20%. Higher Than NormalA heart rate higher than 100 bpm is called tachycardia. Aside from recent exercise, many things can increase resting heart rate, including:
Serious Conditions Causing TachycardiaSome life-threatening conditions can also cause a high resting heart rate, including:
If you have concerning symptoms with high heart rate, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting, seek medical attention right away. How to Improve Your Resting Heart RateYou can lower your resting heart rate by improving your physical fitness and making some lifestyle changes. Regular cardio exercise, like running, swimming, or biking, trains the heart to be more efficient over time. With each heartbeat, the "athletic heart" maintains its output of blood to the body at a lower heart rate. In addition to exercise, other actions that may improve your resting heart rate include:
SummaryResting heart rate is an indicator of fitness, with lower values associated with improved health outcomes. For most adults, the normal resting heart rate is 60–100 bpm. It can be lower in athletes or people who are regularly physically active. People can take steps to improve their resting heart rate by incorporating regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, and managing stress. A Word From VerywellTracking your resting heart rate can be helpful as you age and become more likely to experience illness. It can be useful to healthcare providers treating a variety of conditions. If your resting heart rate is outside the normal range, consider some lifestyle changes and habits to improve your heart health and reach out to a healthcare provider if you are concerned. Frequently Asked Questions
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Angela Ryan Lee, MD Thanks for your feedback! What is a normal heart rate for women?What is the normal heart rate for a woman? The average heart rate for adult women is 78 to 82 beats per minute, though the “normal” range is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Multiple factors such as hormones, exercise and lifestyle choices can affect your heart rate.
What is a normal sleeping heart rate by age?A normal heart rate while sleeping is often between 40 to 50 beats per minute (bpm)3, though there is variability between individuals.
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Typical Resting Heart Rates.. What is a good heart rate for my age chart?To estimate your maximum age-related heart rate, subtract your age from 220. For example, for a 50-year-old person, the estimated maximum age-related heart rate would be calculated as 220 – 50 years = 170 beats per minute (bpm). The 64% and 76% levels would be: 64% level: 170 x 0.64 = 109 bpm, and.
What is the normal heart rate?A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute.
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