What is Normal Resting Heart Rate?

Heart rate or pulse differs from one person to the next, depending on many factors. However, a normal resting heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Did you know your resting heart rate is a reflection of your current and future health? When checked in the context of other factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight, your resting heart rate can help blow the whistle on an impending health crisis.

Ideally, you want to keep your resting heart rate low but not too low. This is because a low heart rate indicates efficiency, meaning that your heart muscle is strong enough to pump blood and oxygen without overexerting itself. This explains why trained athletes have a very low resting heart rate, and it's considered normal and even healthy.

So, what is considered normal?

For adults, a normal resting heart rate falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. This range is affected by factors such as;
•    Weight. People who weigh a lot have a higher resting heart rate because the heart has to work harder.

•    Air temperature. Your heart rate increases when the temperature is hot and goes down when it’s cold.

•    Age. Children have a very high resting heart rate, and this settles to 60-70 BPM when they reach age 10. However, as you grow older, your heart becomes less efficient, and your heart rate goes up.

•    Medication. Certain medications such as beta-blockers can lower your heart rate.

•    Emotions. Anxiety, excitement, and stress can increase your heart rate.

•    Caffeine and nicotine. Smokers and coffee drinkers have a higher heart rate.

•    Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) and Hyperthyroidism. These two conditions produce an abnormal increase in pulse rate and even cause palpitations.

•    Anaemia. When your body doesn't have enough blood, the heart has to work harder to supply what you have, leading to a higher heart rate.

What is Dangerous Resting Heart Rate?

A dangerous heart rate occurs when your heart is beating too fast or too slow. For adults, this is when your heart rate is over 100 beats per minute, a condition known as tachycardia. However, numerous studies show that a resting heart rate of 80 BPM is also dangerous and is a risk factor for a heart attack.

On the other hand, it's also considered dangerous if your heart rate is too low, usually below 60 beats per minute. Athletes and people who are very fit are excluded from this zone. Possible factors that cause bradycardia include; medication, electrolyte imbalance, hypothyroidism, obstructive sleep apnea, and an underlying heart condition. People who have a continuously low heart rate often faint, lack energy, feel dizzy, and suffer from shortness of breath.

Checking your Heart Rate

Checking your resting heart rate often is important if you want to stay healthy. There are two ways you can do that; go to a doctor for a check-up or use your fingers to check your own heart rate at home.

•    Place your middle and index finger on the side of your neck (just below your jaw) or the front side of your wrist.

•    Once you locate the pulse, set a timer and count the beats until one minute is over.

•    Alternatively, you can count for 15 seconds then multiply by 4.

•    Measure your heart rate when sitting down, as lying down or standing up affects the speed.

If your resting heart rate is below or above normal, make a point to see your doctor immediately. It's also essential to take care of your heart health by exercising, drinking a lot of water, eating well, and getting enough sleep.

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