Heart rate (heart rate) is the number of times the heart beats per minute. This is an important measure of heart function and is different in men, women, children, at rest or during exercise.
Heart rate is usually measured counting the number of heartbeats in one minute (bpm). However, it can also be measured over shorter periods, such as 15 seconds, and then multiplied by four to get heart rate per minute. When the heart rate is too low we speak of bradycardia and if it is too high we talk about tachycardia. Heart rate monitoring can be useful for monitoring heart health, assessing physical fitness, detecting possible heart problems, and adapting exercise or medical treatments accordingly.
What is the normal heart rate in women?
“Normal heart rate in an adult woman usually varies between 50 and 100 bpm“, says Dr. Fiorella Salerno, cardiologist. Heart rate can vary from woman to woman depending on various factors, including age, physical condition, activity level, stress, medications and underlying medical conditions.”Some women may have a resting heart rate slightly below 50 bpm, which is also considered normal for them if they are healthy“, she explains.
What is the normal heart rate in humans?
“The normal heart rate in an adult male is usually in the range of 60 to 100 bpm“, replies the cardiologist. In humans too, heart rate can vary depending on age, physical condition, activity level, stress, medications and underlying medical conditions. For example, Some men may have a resting heart rate slightly below 60 bpm, which is also considered normal if they are healthy.
What is the normal heart rate in babies and children?
Normal heart rate in babies and children varies depending on their age.
► Newborns (0-1 month): The normal heart rate in newborns is usually between 100 and 160 beats per minute (bpm).
► Babies (1 month – 1 year): For babies aged 1 month to 1 year, the normal heart rate is usually 100 to 150 bpm.
► Children (1 year – 10 years): In children ages 1 to 10, the normal heart rate is usually between 70 and 120 bpm.
► Pre-teens and teens (10 years and older): Older children tend to have a heart rate closer to that of adults, that is, between 60 and 100 bpm.
These ranges are general estimates, and there may be individual variations. “There are 3 circumstances during which an abnormality in the child’s rhythm can be discovered, explains our interlocutor: during a systematic examination by the pediatrician, by chance by the parents when they put their hand on their child’s chest, by the child himself when he is able to express his discomfort“.
What is the normal resting heart rate?
The normal resting heart rate for an adult is generally between 50 and 100 bpm. “Some healthy people may have a resting heart rate below 50 bpm, which is also considered normal for themreassures the doctor. Very well trained athletes can even have even lower resting heart rates, sometimes below 40 bpmdue to their excellent cardiovascular conditioning”. An abnormally low or high resting heart rate may be an indicator of underlying medical problems and the person should be evaluated by a doctor. “It was observed that the higher the resting heart rate, the greater the risk of heart failure or cardiovascular mortality.“, indicates our interlocutor.
What is the normal heart rate during exercise?
The normal heart rate during exercise varies depending on the intensity of physical activity, individual physical condition and other factors such as age. “Typically, during moderate to intense exercise, your heart rate increases to meet your body’s increased demand for oxygen and energy.“, explains Dr. Salerno. Here are some heart rate ranges that could be considered normal during exercise:
► Light warm-up zone: 50 to 60% of maximum heart rate. This corresponds to light activity, such as brisk walking.
► Moderate training zone: 60 to 70% of maximum heart rate. This can include activities like running at a moderate pace.
► Aerobic training zone: 70 to 80% of maximum heart rate. This corresponds to moderate to intense cardiovascular activity, such as swimming or cycling.
► Anaerobic training zone: 80 to 90% of maximum heart rate. You hit this zone during very intensive activities, like brisk running or interval training.
► Maximum heart rate zone: 90 to 100% of maximum heart rate. You hit this area during very intense exercise, usually of short duration.
Theoretical maximum heart rate (FMT) can be estimated by subtracting your age from 220. For example, if you are 30 years old, your maximum heart rate would be around 190 bpm. However, it is important to note that this formula is only an estimate and the actual maximum heart rate may vary from person to person. It is advisable to use heart rate monitors to track your heart rate during exercise and ensure you stay within the appropriate target range for your needs.
Thanks to Dr Fiorella Salerno, Cardiologist at the Jacques Cartier Private Hospital (Ramsay Santé).