Copied! Have you ever wondered what a normal heart rate is? Well, you aren’t alone. Your pulse, or heart rate, is the number of times your heart beats each minute. It is important to know that your normal heart rate can be different from other people’s. A resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re not engaged in a physical activity. What’s normal depends on your age and activity level but, generally, a resting heart rate of 60 to 80 beats per minute (BPM) is considered to be in the normal range. If you are an athlete, a normal resting heart rate can be as low as 40 BPM. Studies have shown that men tend to have higher maximum heart rates than women, however
the same does not apply to resting heart rates. Here’s how to quickly check your normal resting heart rate. Take your pulse at either the base of your thumb on the palm side of your wrist or the base of your neck on the side of your windpipe. Using two or three fingers, not your thumb, press lightly on your skin until you can feel your pulse beating underneath. Count the beats for 10 seconds, then multiply that number by six. That number is your resting heart rate. Normal Resting Heart Rate by AgeFor most adults, the normal heart rate is 60 to 80 BPM. Well-trained athletes can have a normal heart rate of 40 to 60 BPM.
What Should My Heart Rate Be When I Am Active?When you work out, your heart rate will get higher. This number is your active heart rate. Active heart rates, like resting heart rates, differ among people and change as you age. How to calculate your maximum heart rateGenerally, a healthy active heart rate is 60 to 80 percent of the highest your heart rate should safely go. The highest heart rate is called your maximum heart rate. A guideline for calculating your maximum heart rate is to subtract your age from 220, like this: 220 – your age = your maximum heart rate What is a Target Heart Rate?A target heart rate is usually expressed as a percentage of your maximum safe heart rate. The maximum rate is based on your age. The target ranges normally are: For moderate-intensity exercise—50 percent to 69 percent of maximum. For vigorous-intensity exercise—70 percent to 90 percent of maximum. How to find your target heart rateThis table shows estimated normal target heart rates for different ages. Your maximum heart rate is about 220 minus your age. The figures are averages, so use them as general guidelines.
Does Heart Rate Increase or Decrease With Age?Aging causes changes in the heart and circulatory system. As you age, your heart may not be able to beat as fast during times of physical activity or stress as it did when you are younger. Your resting heart rate, however, should not change significantly with normal aging. What is a Dangerous Heart Rate?There are two types of dangerous heart rates:
If your heart rate is too high or too low and/or you are also experiencing shortness of breath, make an appointment with your health care provider. Irregular Heart Rate CausesThe most common cause of arrhythmia or irregular heart rate is atrial fibrillation, which can cause a fast heart rate. Other factors may contribute to an abnormally high heart rate, including:
How to Lower Resting Heart RateIf you are having an episode of elevated heart rate, try the Valsalva maneuver, a simple trick to relax your heart:
This quick, full-body strain can trigger your heart to go back to a normal rhythm. Generally, a lower resting heart rate indicates that your heart is functioning efficiently. The ability of the heart to return to a resting heart rate quickly after exercise is an indicator of good cardiovascular fitness. If your resting heart rate changes drastically or you have a consistently elevated heart rate, talk to your provider. A higher resting heart rate can be a sign of a heart problem. If you are an adult with a resting heart rate between 80 to 100 BPM, you might be at risk. Keeping track of your heart rate can help you improve your overall health and adjust your exercise routine to stay healthy. Want to learn more about your heart? Visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on July 11, 2015, and was last reviewed on April 6, 2022. Who would have a lower resting heart rate an athlete or a non athlete?It is well known that athletes have lower heart rates (bradycardia) than non-athletes. This is generally considered a healthy adaptation.
What is normal resting heart rate by age?Normal Heart Rate by Age Chart. What is an athlete's heart rate at rest?What is an athlete's ideal resting heart rate? Athletes will have lower resting heart rates than the general population. It is not uncommon to see resting heart rates between 30-40 beats per minute. Cardiovascular training has a profound effect on increasing heart size and lowering the resting heart rate.
Is 72 a good resting heart rate?The normal range is between 50 and 100 beats per minute. If your resting heart rate is above 100, it's called tachycardia; below 60, and it's called bradycardia. Increasingly, experts pin an ideal resting heart rate at between 50 to 70 beats per minute.
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