Normal heart rate refers to the regular heartbeat of a healthy person. This means that the beats occur at consistent intervals, usually ranging between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest for an adult. However, in trained athletes, a normal heart rhythm can drop to between 40 and 60 bpm without being considered abnormal.
What is the heartbeat (pulse)
The physical manifestation of the heartbeat, known as the pulse, is the sensation perceived as a slight rhythmic movement in arteries near the skin.
This occurs when the heart pumps blood, creating a pressure wave that travels through the arteries.
The pulse can be measured or felt in different parts of the body such as the radial artery at the wrist, the carotid artery in the neck, the femoral artery in the groin, and the dorsalis pedis artery in the foot.
Understanding these areas helps obtain information such as heart rate, rhythm regularity, and the strength of each heartbeat; all of these data points can help reflect blood pressure levels and the amount of blood being pumped.
Heart rate
Heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute. This information is a key indicator of cardiovascular function and can vary depending on a person’s age, physical activity level, emotional state, and health conditions.
Although heart rate and pulse are related, they are distinct indicators. While heart rate measures the actual heartbeats per minute, the pulse reflects the pressure waves generated by these beats.
Under normal conditions, the two values coincide, but in certain situations or in the presence of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, this may not be the case.
Why does my heart beat fast when I’m not doing anything?
When the heart beats faster than normal at rest, it may be due to various reasons, all of which should be taken seriously, especially if it occurs frequently or is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain.
Among the physiological causes, conditions such as stress, anxiety, or fever can increase heart rate. In addition, the consumption of substances such as alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine can also contribute to this effect.
In a dehydrated person, the lack of fluids reduces blood volume, forcing the heart to beat faster. Similarly, lack of sleep causes physical stress, which may result in the development of tachycardia.
There are also pathological causes that can trigger this, for example:
- Anemia: the lack of red blood cells reduces oxygen transport, forcing the heart to work harder.
- Hyperthyroidism: the thyroid gland produces too many hormones, accelerating metabolism, including heart rate.
- Arrhythmias: alterations in the heart’s electrical system, such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia, may cause this.
- Heart diseases: conditions such as heart failure or structural damage may provoke rapid rhythms.
If you experience episodes of tachycardia while at rest, it is essential to evaluate possible triggers, including the consumption of caffeine or other stimulating substances.
It is also a good idea to practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, as these can be helpful in cases where stress is the underlying cause.
But above all, if these episodes occur frequently or on multiple occasions, specialized medical attention should always be sought from a general practitioner or a cardiologist, as they may be a sign of an underlying condition that could be serious.
Although a normal heart rate is an essential health indicator, it is important to know when it is normal or abnormal, depending on physical activity, age, and other influencing factors.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Cardiovascular Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
MedlinePlus, Texas Heart, Cigna
