Understanding and Monitoring Your Heart Rate

Heart rate, or pulse, is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Normal rates vary from person to person. Knowing yours can be an important heart-health gauge.

For adults, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Athletes may have a resting heart rate below 60 bpm, reflecting higher cardiovascular fitness.

Age, fitness level, air temperature, body position, emotions, body size, and medication use can all influence heart rate. Even dehydration and the time of day can have an effect.

To measure your heart rate, lightly press the index and middle fingers on your neck or wrist. Count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four. This is your bpm.

Bradycardia is a slower-than-normal heart rate, below 60 bpm. Tachycardia is a faster-than-normal heart rate, over 100 bpm. Both can be indicators of underlying health issues.

A normal heart rate doesn't always signal a healthy heart. Regular exercise can improve heart health and potentially lower heart rate to an athlete's level, reflecting efficiency.

Sudden changes in heart rate without physical reasons could signal a medical condition. Consistent monitoring can detect arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, and other cardiac concerns.