What is a dangerous heart rate?Your heart rate refers to the number of times that your heart beats in a minute, which you can measure manually or check with a heart rate monitor. Show
The normal heart rate is typically between 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM). If you go outside this range, you experience either of the following:
However, having a resting heart rate outside of the 60 to 100 BPM is not necessarily dangerous, says Dr. Jim Liu, a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. By itself, the heart rate is not always meaningful because it still depends on the individual, their symptoms, potential underlying causes, and the overall heart rhythm, he adds. Here's what you need to know about the heart rate and when you should seek medical attention. Normal variations in heart rateIt's normal for heart rates to fluctuate widely based on what's going on with the body, Liu says. For instance, your heart rate typically increases during exercise or in times of stress, while it can decrease and fall below 60 BPM during sleep. Other variables could affect your heart rate, such as:
Here is a chart showing how the normal resting heart rate changes with age: In general, a heart rate that's normal for you might not necessarily be normal for somebody else. Therefore, it's difficult to establish a universal heart rate that is considered dangerous for everyone. "Some individuals may be able to tolerate a certain heart rate better than others, whereas other individuals who may have underlying heart problems or other medical conditions may not tolerate those same heart rates," Liu says. What could cause a heart rate that is too slow?A low heart rate — less than 60 BPM — is not always concerning because it can be due to a number of factors. For example, the following could result in a low heart rate:
It's important to consider the heart rate with the heart rhythm and any concerning symptoms. If you have a heart rate around 40 BPM, but your heart has a normal rhythm and you don't have any concerning symptoms, it's not necessarily dangerous, Liu says. On the other hand, if your heart rate is about 50 BPM but you have symptoms like dizziness, weakness, or confusion, you would need immediate medical attention. Serious causes of a slow heart rate may include:
What could cause a heart rate that is too fast?A fast heart rate is a normal physiologic response to a lot of different things, Liu says. Any of the following may drive the heart rate up:
It may be concerning if the fast heart rate is due to problems with the electrical signals in the heart, says Aziz. These electrical abnormalities lead to irregular heart rhythms, which include:
"A normal heart rhythm with rates around 120s may not be considered dangerous, but someone with a serious arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation in those same heart rates would be considered differently," Liu says. When to see a doctor immediatelyAccording to Aziz and Liu, you should seek medical attention if an abnormal heart rate — whether too slow or too fast — occurs with the following symptoms:
If you are concerned with any new or sudden irregularities with your heartbeat, consult an electrophysiologist, a cardiologist that specializes in heart rhythm abnormalities, Aziz says. Insider's takeawayYour normal heart rate depends on various factors like your age and physical fitness. By itself, a slow or fast heart rate is not necessarily concerning. "The heart rates have to be taken into context with respect to symptoms, rhythm, and what else is going on with the patient," Liu says. If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately.
Carla Delgado Freelance Reporter, Insider Reviews Carla is a Filipino freelance health & culture journalist with bylines in Insider, Architectural Digest, Elemental, Observer, and Mental Floss. Outside of writing, she works for local theatre productions as a stage manager and assistant sound operator. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read less Is a heart rate of 40 dangerous?A slow heart rate isn't always a concern. For example, a resting heart rate between 40 and 60 beats a minute is quite common during sleep and in some people, particularly healthy young adults and trained athletes.
What is the lowest heart rate acceptable?A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute.
When should I go to the ER for low heart rate?Adults and children who have a low pulse and experience symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, or exercise intolerance should also go to the hospital. A person should contact a doctor about bradycardia when they: experience an unexplained change in heart rate that lasts for several days.
Is a resting heart rate of 50 good?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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