To understand what a normal heart rate or normal heart rhythm is, we must first define what heart rate is. Simply put, heart rate refers to the number of heartbeats or pulses per minute, commonly referred to as beats per minute (bpm).
Normal Heart Rhythm
For the body to function properly, the heart must pump blood to all organs at a specific pressure and frequency.
It’s important for people to know their heart rate for several reasons:
On one hand, it helps monitor physical condition, and on the other, it can help detect possible health problems.
How Many Beats Per Minute Is Normal?
Although every person is different, in general, a normal heart rate ranges from 50 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). However, certain conditions can cause fluctuations, and these can still be considered normal:
- At birth: During the first month of life, the heart rate is higher. After the first 30 days, it begins to slow down, and by age 10, it stabilizes.
- Stimuli: Throughout the day and night, various stimuli may cause fluctuations.
- Exercise: Physical activity or high-intensity movement can increase heart rate, sometimes above 100 bpm, which is known as tachycardia, but this is a normal physiological response.
Other factors that can affect heart rate include, air temperature: In hot or humid conditions, the heart may beat faster, changes in posture shifting from sitting or lying down to standing can briefly raise heart rate.
Medications: Some slow the heart rate, while others increase it.
When the heart rate is below 50 bpm, it’s known as bradycardia.
Heart rate fluctuates due to various factors.
Below is a general guide for resting heart rate ranges by age:
- Up to 1 month: 70–190 bpm
- 1 to 11 months: 80–160 bpm
- Up to 2 years: 80–130 bpm
- Up to 4 years: 80–120 bpm
- Up to 6 years: 75–115 bpm
- Up to 9 years: 70–110 bpm
- 10 years and older: 60–100 bpm
Please note that these are not exact figures and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
A normal heart rate increases during exercise. Below are estimated target heart rate ranges, from 50% to 100% effort, by age:
- 20 years old: 100–200 bpm
- 30 years old: 95–190 bpm
- 40 years old: 90–180 bpm
- 50 years old: 85–170 bpm
- 60 years old: 80–160 bpm
- 70 years old: 75–150 bpm
Heart rate during exercise also depends on the type, intensity, and whether it is aerobic or strength-based activity.
How to Measure Heart Rate
Specific instructions may be given, depending on the level of accuracy needed.
However, for a simple check, heart rate can be measured in several ways.
There are four common pulse points on the body: inside the wrist, inside the elbow, side of the neck or top of the foot.
The most common way to measure heart rate is by taking your pulse at the wrist. To do this, place your index and middle fingers a few centimeters below the hand and, applying light pressure, then count how many beats you feel in one minute.
Today, many smartwatches also include heart rate monitoring and can indicate whether your pulse is within normal range.
While these methods are useful for tracking your rhythm, if you have concerns or irregularities, it’s best to seek professional guidance from a doctor or nurse to get an accurate reading and interpretation.
As mentioned, heart rate fluctuations are normal. However, if these changes are frequent or prolonged, it’s important to see a healthcare professional — especially a cardiologist — who can assess all factors to determine if there’s a cardiovascular issue.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Cardiovascular Center, we can provide you with specialized care, contact us and find out if your heart rate is within the normal range!
Fuentes:
MedlinePlus, AMIIF, HealthyChildren
