Copied! Have you ever wondered what a normal heart rate is? Well, you aren’t alone. Your pulse, or heart rate, is the number of times your heart beats each minute. It is important to know that your normal heart rate can be different from other people’s. A resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you’re not engaged in a physical activity. What’s normal depends on your age and activity level but, generally, a resting heart rate of 60 to 80 beats per minute (BPM) is considered to be in the normal range. If you are an athlete, a normal resting heart rate can be as low as 40 BPM. Studies have shown that men tend to have higher maximum heart rates than women, however the same
does not apply to resting heart rates. Here’s how to quickly check your normal resting heart rate. Take your pulse at either the base of your thumb on the palm side of your wrist or the base of your neck on the side of your windpipe. Using two or three fingers, not your thumb, press lightly on your skin until you can feel your pulse beating underneath. Count the beats for 10 seconds, then multiply that number by six. That number is your resting heart rate. Normal Resting Heart Rate by AgeFor most adults, the normal heart rate is 60 to 80 BPM. Well-trained athletes can have a normal heart rate of 40 to 60 BPM.
What Should My Heart Rate Be When I Am Active?When you work out, your heart rate will get higher. This number is your active heart rate. Active heart rates, like resting heart rates, differ among people and change as you age. How to calculate your maximum heart rateGenerally, a healthy active heart rate is 60 to 80 percent of the highest your heart rate should safely go. The highest heart rate is called your maximum heart rate. A guideline for calculating your maximum heart rate is to subtract your age from 220, like this: 220 – your age = your maximum heart rate What is a Target Heart Rate?A target heart rate is usually expressed as a percentage of your maximum safe heart rate. The maximum rate is based on your age. The target ranges normally are: For moderate-intensity exercise—50 percent to 69 percent of maximum. For vigorous-intensity exercise—70 percent to 90 percent of maximum. How to find your target heart rateThis table shows estimated normal target heart rates for different ages. Your maximum heart rate is about 220 minus your age. The figures are averages, so use them as general guidelines.
Does Heart Rate Increase or Decrease With Age?Aging causes changes in the heart and circulatory system. As you age, your heart may not be able to beat as fast during times of physical activity or stress as it did when you are younger. Your resting heart rate, however, should not change significantly with normal aging. What is a Dangerous Heart Rate?There are two types of dangerous heart rates:
If your heart rate is too high or too low and/or you are also experiencing shortness of breath, make an appointment with your health care provider. Irregular Heart Rate CausesThe most common cause of arrhythmia or irregular heart rate is atrial fibrillation, which can cause a fast heart rate. Other factors may contribute to an abnormally high heart rate, including:
How to Lower Resting Heart RateIf you are having an episode of elevated heart rate, try the Valsalva maneuver, a simple trick to relax your heart:
This quick, full-body strain can trigger your heart to go back to a normal rhythm. Generally, a lower resting heart rate indicates that your heart is functioning efficiently. The ability of the heart to return to a resting heart rate quickly after exercise is an indicator of good cardiovascular fitness. If your resting heart rate changes drastically or you have a consistently elevated heart rate, talk to your provider. A higher resting heart rate can be a sign of a heart problem. If you are an adult with a resting heart rate between 80 to 100 BPM, you might be at risk. Keeping track of your heart rate can help you improve your overall health and adjust your exercise routine to stay healthy. Want to learn more about your heart? Visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on July 11, 2015, and was last reviewed on April 6, 2022. Is 45 a good sleeping heart rate?During sleep, it is normal for a person's heart rate to slow down below the range for a typical resting heart rate. Between 40 to 50 beats per minute (bpm) is considered an average sleeping heart rate for adults, though this can vary depending on multiple factors.
What is the danger of a low heart rate?The main symptom of bradycardia is a heart rate below 60 beats per minute. This abnormally low heart rate can cause the brain and other organs to become oxygen-deprived, which can lead to symptoms such as: Fainting. Dizziness.
Why is my heart rate at 45?Unless you feel tired, dizzy, or weak, there's usually no cause for concern, especially because it sounds like you're in good physical shape. Endurance athletes and other people who exercise a great deal often have lower-than-average heart rates, sometimes even below 40 beats per minute.
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