Normal heartbeat | Normal heart rate according to age
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A normal heartbeat is an indicator of how our heart works, as it
determines the number of heartbeats in one minute. This measure naturally
varies while we are at rest and during physical activity. We can see this
change simply when we exercise, as the natural heart rate increases to help the
body meet the increased physical demands. Once we get back to rest, our normal
heart rate returns to its base rate.
Article sections
- What is the normal heartbeat during rest?
- What is the normal heartbeat during exercise?
- Normal heart rate according to age
- How can the heart rate be measured?
- What factors affect the normal heartbeat?
- When is heartbeat dangerous?
- How can a normal heartbeat be maintained?
What is the normal heartbeat during rest?
Normal
heartbeat
It is important to measure our resting heart rate accurately and
regularly. The best time to do this is early in the morning before getting out
of bed, after a good night's sleep. It is also advised to measure the pulse
rate over consecutive days to ensure accuracy, and to record these readings
daily.
Based on the American Heart Association's guidelines, a resting heart
rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute is best. However, this number can
increase slightly with age, and it may be lower in people who exercise regularly.
This information helps us assess the health of our hearts and see if they are
functioning normally.
What is the normal heartbeat during exercise?
After calculating the resting heart rate, it is the turn of calculating
the normal heart rate during exercise activities. If you are using conventional
and manual methods, you will have to take a few moments off from exercising to
measure your heart rate.
It is worth noting that there are heart rate monitors that do this
automatically during physical activity, without the need to stop. But these
devices must be used regularly to obtain accurate information.
Normal heart rate according to age
Based on the estimates of the American Heart Association, the heart rate
during exercise can vary according to the intensity and type of exercise, and
in general, normal heart rates according to ages can be summarized as follows:
- At age 25: 100: 170 bpm.
- In the thirties: 95: 162 beats per minute.
- In the forties: 90: 153 beats per minute.
- In the fifties: 85: 145 bpm.
- Sixties: 80: 136 bpm.
- Seventies and beyond: 75 : 128 bpm.
It should be noted that these percentages are general estimates and may
differ from one person to another, and the important thing is to continue to
exercise regularly and monitor the reactions of the heart during it.
How can the heart rate be measured?
Measuring the heart rate is a simple process, as you can follow the
following steps:-
Find your pulse: You can start by looking for the pulse on your wrist or
in the neck area.
Wrist pulse measurement: To measure your heart rate at your wrist, place
the tips of your index and middle fingers over the radial artery that passes in
the wrist area. Gently press and look for pulsations.
Avoid using the thumb: Avoid using the thumb to measure, as it has its
own pulse that may affect the measurement results.
Take your pulse for a minute: Once you feel your pulse, count the beats
you feel over a full minute. You can also count the beats for 30 seconds and
multiply by 2 to get the beats per minute.
What factors affect the normal heartbeat?
The normal heartbeat is affected by many and varied factors, including:
Age: Heart rate changes with age,
being highest in youth and gradually decreasing with age.
Smoking: Smoking can negatively
affect the health of the heart and increase its heart rate.
Body size: Weight and body size
can affect heart rate, as people with larger bodies tend to have lower pulses.
Temperature: Environmental heat
can affect the heartbeat, as it tends to rise at higher temperatures.
Emotional state: Emotional emotion
(positive or negative) can increase heart rate.
Fitness and activity level:
Physical fitness and activity level can positively affect the heartbeat and
make it healthier.
Diseases and medications: Chronic
diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and blood vessels may affect the
heartbeat. In addition, some medications may affect the heart rate, making it
higher or lower.
When is heartbeat dangerous?
Heart palpitations is a phenomenon that must be observed, as the number
of heartbeats when it reaches about 100 beats per minute. If this situation
continues for more than 30 seconds, this may indicate a condition that requires
emergency medical attention. In this condition, the heart does not have time to
fill to its capacity with blood before the next contraction, which can affect
blood flow throughout the body and pose a health risk.
In addition to heart palpitations, this
condition may be associated with other symptoms that must be taken into
account, such as:
- Fainting.
- Breathing difficulty.
- Feeling dizzy or dizzy.
- Pain in the chest area.
The severity of these symptoms is affected by several factors, including:
- Presence of associated heart conditions.
- The person's general health condition.
- The intensity and extent of the heartbeat.
Potential complications include:
Formation of blood clots: These
clots can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Heart failure: Ignoring heart
palpitations can lead to overwork and deterioration of the heart muscle.
Loss of consciousness: Heart
palpitations may cause loss of consciousness, increasing the risk of physical
injury.
Sudden death: In cases of severe
tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, the situation can cause sudden death.
It is always advised to consult a physician if any of these symptoms or
complications are suspected.
How can a normal heartbeat be maintained?
To maintain a healthy heartbeat and avoid unusual palpitations, some
simple procedures can be followed that contribute to maintaining a healthy
heart. Here are some of these guidelines:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity is good for the heart and helps maintain a normal heartbeat.
- Follow a balanced diet: Be careful to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and avoid foods rich in saturated fats and processed foods.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Controlling body weight and keeping it within a healthy range reduces the risk of heart rhythm problems.
- Monitoring pressure and cholesterol: Following a healthy lifestyle helps keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels within normal limits.
- Abstain from smoking and alcohol: Smoking and consuming alcohol in large quantities may negatively affect the normal heartbeat.
- Reduce intake of stimulants: Caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee and tea may increase heart rate.
- Dealing with stress: Relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing techniques can reduce the impact of stress on heart health.
- Respect for the body: Providing adequate periods of sleep and rest contribute to maintaining a normal heartbeat.
- By adopting these habits, a normal heartbeat can be maintained and the risk of heart problems in the future can be reduced.