What a 'Normal' Resting Heart Rate Should Really Be

While you're at rest, meaning you're sitting down or lying on your back, your heart rate may fluctuate a bit, and you might not be entirely certain what to expect. What's typically considered a normal resting heart rate?

Thankfully, it's incredibly simple to measure with or indeed without a smartwatch.

A medical doctor specialising in emergency medicine, and director of healthcare services at CareHive Health in Austin, Texas.

What are the typical heart rate ranges for men, and what can information about our heart rates tell us about our health? Here's the essential information you need to be aware of.

What is the Typical Heartbeat Rate for Adult Males?

An average heart rate at rest is generally between 60 and 100 heartbeats per minute.

According to Kate Traynor, M.S., R.N., director of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Centre at Massachusetts General Hospital, not having to work as hard "means it doesn't have to do as much.

'Imagine your heart to be a car and the oxygen in your blood as fuel. The quicker you travel, the more fuel you consume – or, in this case, the more blood the heart has to pump. A bigger fuel requirement puts the heart under constant strain,' says Traynor.

You're looking for a way to determine your resting heart rate.

to get your numbers.

A great way to work out your resting heart rate is by teaching yourself to check your pulse," states Dr. Mittal. "This can be done by feeling for the pulse at your wrist or neck.

Place the pads of your index and third fingers on the sides of your neck, just in front of the windpipe. Alternatively, to examine the pulse at your wrist, position your two fingers between the bone and the tendon, searching for your radial artery, which is situated on the ventral side of your wrist opposite your thumb.

Once you locate your pulse, note the number of beats in 15 seconds and then multiply that number by four to work out the number of beats your heart beats in a minute, as advised by the Mayo Clinic.

Your heartbeat will naturally fluctuate, but it's helpful to maintain a normal resting rate. Once you're aware of what's typical for you, keep track of it. If you notice any variations, it's a good idea to consult with a doctor, particularly if you experience persistent instances of unusually slow or unexplained rapid heartbeats.

'Your exercise routine is becoming more tiresome than usual, or if you're finding yourself puffing and feeling excessively fatigued during your workouts, now is the perfect time to pay a visit to your doctor,' advises Traynor.

Anybody with worries about their heart rate should get medical help, says Dr Singh. A high heart rate feels like a bounding or racing heart, leaving you not feeling quite right. Slow heart rates aren't felt in the chest itself, but mean people often feel unsteady on their feet. It can even reach a point where a very slow heart rate can leave you on the verge of fainting. The upshot: If any of this happens, do get checked out.

What is a Typical Resting Heart Rate at Different Ages?
A person's resting heart rate can vary depending on their age, fitness level and overall health. In general, a normal heart rate for an adult is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
A baby's resting heart rate is usually faster, usually between 100 and 160 beats per minute, but a normal range is not well established.
Children under the age of 12 have a higher resting heart rate compared to adults. For children, typical heart rates are:
• Infants (0-1 year): average resting heart rate is around 100 beats per minute, and a normal range is typically between 80-120 beats per minute.
• Toddlers (1-2 years): typical heart rate is around 80-120 beats per minute, and a normal range is between 80-120 beats per minute.
• Children (2-6 years): a normal heart rate for this age group averages 80-120 beats per minute.
• School-age children (6-12 years): resting heart rate is typically around 70-100 beats per minute, with a lower end of 55 beats per minute.
In teenagers, a normal resting heart rate is usually between 55-90 beats per minute.

to calculate the normal heart rate for a man in relation to his age:

What's Classed as a Slow or Fast Heart Rate?

Fast Resting Heart Rates

This event triggers the release of the 'fight or flight' hormone adrenaline.

"Adrenaline is like pouring fuel on a fire when it comes to heart rate," says Traynor. It can also cause more serious issues, including fainting spells and potentially life-threatening conditions such as blood clots that can cause a stroke or, ultimately, lead to heart failure.

It has been discovered that individuals with a resting heart rate of 84 beats per minute or above over an extended period of five years have a 55% higher likelihood of succumbing to heart disease compared to those with lower resting heart rates.

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Slow Resting Heart Rates

On the other hand, a resting pulse with a rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute is referred to as bradycardia, and it can lead to inadequate blood circulation to the brain.

'Symptoms of an abnormally low heart rate can include tiredness, feeling off balance, dizziness and, in severe cases, a complete loss of consciousness,' says Suneet Mittal, M.D., F.H.R.S., of the Cardiology Society.

According to Dr. Singh, certain conditions, such as thyroid disease, can influence your heart rate. 'For individuals suffering from an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, an excessive thyroid hormone level can cause their heart rate to accelerate,' he explains. 'Conversely, those with an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, may display slower heart rates.'

According to Dr. Singh, certain medications can have an effect on heart rate. For example, stimulants such as pseudoephedrine, which is commonly found in decongestants, can increase heart rate. On the other hand, beta-blockers, which are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure or overactive thyroid, can lower heart rate and cause a reading to appear lower than normal. Additionally, faulty electrical signals in the heart's pathways can also result in a slower-than-usual resting heart rate.

Their resting heart rate can go below 40 beats per minute. This is because they are able to meet their basic energy needs without the need for such a high heart rate, Dr. Singh explains. "The heart adapts to pump blood more efficiently when we exercise, which is why we advise cardiovascular exercise," he says.

One of the key elements to maintaining a healthy resting heart rate is to exercise moderately but regularly. You should incorporate a combination of aerobic activities and strength training into your schedule, ideally aiming for a total of 150 minutes of exercise per week, Traynor advises.

Influences on Normal Resting Heart Rate

Fitness Level

People with good cardiovascular fitness train their heart to work more effectively during exercise. As a result, the heart becomes more adept at pumping blood at a greater intensity, allowing it to pump blood at a slower rate overall.

Body Size

Those who are taller appear to have a reduced resting heart rate compared to those who are shorter.

Physical/Mental State

The hotter it is outside, the slower the heart rate tends to become.

Your resting heart rate can be greatly influenced by how you're feeling emotionally. If you're experiencing a lot of anxiety or distress, your heart is likely to be beating at a higher rate.

It's a good idea to get familiar with your resting heart rate, as it varies from person to person and even has a specific range which is considered normal, so it's worth noting yours so that you can seek medical attention if you notice any unusual changes.

What Is My Maximum Heart Rate?
The "Maximum Heart Rate" calculation, also known as the "220 minus your age" method, is often used as a formula to estimate the maximum heart rate for an individual based on their age.
The formula is: 220 - age = maximum heart rate
For example, if an individual is 40 years old, their maximum heart rate would be calculated as follows:
220 - 40 = 180 beats per minute
This formula takes into account the fact that maximum heart rate tends to decrease with age, due to the natural aging process. However, keep in mind that this is only an estimate and can vary depending on factors such as genetics, fitness level, and overall health.
A more accurate way of measuring maximum heart rate may involve consulting with a healthcare professional who can provide a more personalized assessment.

As you engage in physical activity, your heart rate will increase. Your highest possible heart rate is:

220 minus your age

It's not advisable to work out at a heart rate beyond this high level as it poses a risk to your health. To avoid this, it's recommended that you find a fitness level and heart rate that feels suitable to your current abilities and health circumstances.

Understanding Your Resting Heart Rate
Do you ever find yourself wondering why your heart beats rapidly, even when you're not physically active? Your resting heart rate refers to the number of times your heart beats per minute when you're in a relaxed state, usually after a few minutes of rest. Experiencing an irregular heartbeat can be unsettling, but the good news is that you can make a few lifestyle adjustments to lower it.
The Benefits of a Lower Resting Heart Rate
A faster resting heart rate can be a sign of underlying medical conditions, such as an overactive thyroid or stress. It can also be a result of physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive coffee or caffeine consumption. By making simple changes to your daily routine, you can work towards a healthier resting heart rate.
Causes of a High Resting Heart Rate
* A high resting heart rate can be a sign of:
* Inadequate sleep or lack of sleep
* Physical inactivity or lack of exercise
* Dehydration or excessive caffeine or nicotine consumption
* Medical conditions, such as an overactive thyroid or high blood pressure
* Stress or anxiety
Ways to Lower Your Resting Heart Rate
You can simply try to incorporate these simple tips into your daily routine:
1. Establish a regular sleep schedule: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule.
2. Stay physically active: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or weightlifting.
3. Practice relaxation techniques: Regularly engage in relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid caffeine and excessive nicotine consumption.
5. Monitor and manage stress: Engage in activities that help you manage stress, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with friends and family.
By making these small changes, you can work towards a healthier resting heart rate and overall well-being.

If you're worried about your resting heart rate being excessively high, you may wish to consider the following lifestyle modifications:

Research indicates that a regular regime of physical activity tends to bring about a reduction in resting heart rate. The investigation found that yoga and aerobic exercise appeared to have a particularly positive effect.
Determined that individuals with greater body masses exhibited higher resting heart rates compared to those with lesser body masses.
Stress can impact adrenaline and cortisol levels, which are key contributors to an increased heart rate. By employing stress-reduction strategies, we can assist in lowering our resting heart rate.
Disruptions to usual sleep schedules may have a detrimental impact on resting heart rates.
By incorporating a balanced diet including a reasonable amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with a sufficient intake of important nutrients, we are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. In addition to this, consuming whole foods will also likely increase our fibre intake, which may help to decrease the risk of heart-related illnesses.
Dehydration can have a severe impact on our health, potentially leading to an increased risk of various illnesses.
Guidelines suggest consuming 6-8 glasses of water daily.