A person’s pulse rate, also known as their heart rate, is an important vital sign that can indicate their overall health and fitness level. The pulse rate is a measurement of how many times a person’s heart beats per minute (bpm). A normal resting adult pulse rate can range from 60-100 bpm, however there are many factors that influence what is considered a healthy or “normal” pulse rate. Generally speaking, a pulse rate consistently outside of the normal range may signify an underlying medical condition that requires attention.
What is considered an unhealthy pulse rate?
An unhealthy or abnormal pulse rate is one that is consistently above 100 bpm (tachycardia) or below 60 bpm (bradycardia) when a person is at rest. Some key indicators of an unhealthy pulse rate include:
– Resting heart rate consistently over 100 bpm
– Resting heart rate consistently under 60 bpm
– Irregular or erratic pulse rhythm
– Sudden increases or decreases in pulse rate
– Inability of heart rate to increase appropriately with exercise
– Palpitations or “fluttering” sensations in the chest
Tachycardia (High Pulse Rate)
Tachycardia refers to a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute. Some common causes include:
– Fever
– Hyperthyroidism
– Anemia
– Heart disease
– Alcohol or drug use
– Dehydration
– Blood loss/shock
When tachycardia becomes dangerous
While temporary tachycardia may not be serious, chronic tachycardia can increase a person’s risk for complications like:
– Heart failure
– Blood clots
– Cardiac arrest
– Stroke
Any heart rate consistently over 150 bpm is considered very high risk and requires prompt medical attention. Extremely high heart rates over 200 bpm are medical emergencies.
Treatment for tachycardia
– Treating underlying conditions like hyperthyroidism
– Blood pressure medications like beta-blockers
– Surgery or medical procedures in severe cases
– Implantable devices for irregular heart rhythms
Bradycardia (Low Pulse Rate)
Bradycardia is characterized by a resting heart rate under 60 beats per minute. Some potential causes include:
– Hypothyroidism
– Sleep apnea
– Electrolyte imbalances
– Heart block
– Heart failure
– Heart damage from heart attack
– Certain medications
When bradycardia becomes dangerous
Mild bradycardia may not require treatment. However, heart rates persistently under 50 bpm can deprive the body of adequate blood flow and oxygen, leading to:
– Fatigue
– Fainting or dizziness
– Shortness of breath
– Chest pain
– Heart palpitations
Very low heart rates under 40 bpm can be life-threatening emergencies if left untreated.
Treatment for bradycardia
– Treating underlying conditions like hypothyroidism
– Reducing or changing medications
– Pacemakers to regulate heart rhythm
– Other cardiac devices or surgery if needed
Irregular Heart Rhythms
An irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia, means the heart is beating too fast, too slow, or in an irregular way. Some examples of arrhythmias include:
– Atrial fibrillation – irregular and rapid heart rate
– Heart block – delayed or disrupted electrical signals
– Long QT syndrome – unsafe rapid heartbeats
– Tachycardia – resting heart rate over 100 bpm
– Bradycardia – resting heart rate under 60 bpm
Dangers of irregular heart rhythms
While not always serious, some arrhythmias can increase the risk of:
– Blood clots
– Stroke
– Heart attack
– Cardiac arrest
– Heart failure
– Fainting
Seeking prompt medical care is recommended if arrhythmias cause bothersome or severe symptoms.
Treating irregular heart rhythms
– Medications to regulate heart rate and rhythm
– Pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators
– Surgery like ablation to disrupt abnormal electrical pathways
– Lifestyle changes like managing stress and avoiding stimulants
What is a normal pulse rate?
A normal resting adult pulse rate can range from 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, what’s considered “normal” can vary significantly based on factors like:
Age
| Age Range | Normal Resting Heart Rate |
|---|---|
| Newborns (0-3 months) | 70-190 bpm |
| Infants (3-11 months) | 80-160 bpm |
| Toddlers (1-2 years) | 80-130 bpm |
| Preschoolers (3-4 years) | 80-120 bpm |
| School age (5-11 years) | 70-115 bpm |
| Adolescents (12-15 years) | 60-105 bpm |
| Teens (15-17 years) | 60-100 bpm |
| Adults (18-64 years) | 60-100 bpm |
| Older Adults (65+ years) | 60-100 bpm |
As illustrated in the table, normal resting heart rates are faster in newborns and gradually slow as children age. Rates remain fairly steady through adulthood.
Physical Fitness Level
People who exercise regularly typically have lower resting heart rates compared to less active people. Athletes often have very low heart rates around 40-60 bpm.
Body Size
Larger people often have slower heart rates compared to smaller people.
Medications
Some medications like beta blockers lower heart rate. Others like stimulants may raise it.
Genetics & Health Conditions
Some people are genetically predisposed to faster or slower heart rates. Underlying health conditions can also impact average pulse rate.
Temperature & Emotions
Heat, stress, anxiety, pain, and other factors can temporarily increase pulse rate.
Checking Your Pulse Rate
Monitoring your resting heart rate regularly can help identify abnormal spikes, dips, or patterns that may need medical evaluation. Here are some tips:
– Check first thing in the morning before getting out of bed. This provides a true resting rate.
– Use your first two fingers (not thumb) to gently press on wrist or neck pulse points.
– Count beats for 60 seconds for maximum accuracy.
– Compare your pulse rate to previous readings for consistency.
– Notify your doctor of any unexplained changes or concerning symptoms.
– Consider wearing a fitness tracker to record heart rate trends.
When to See a Doctor
Consult your physician if you experience:
– Resting heart rate consistently over 100 or under 60 bpm
– Skipped beats, flutters, or irregular pulse rhythm
– Chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath with exertion
– Inability to exercise as hard as before
– New cardiac symptoms or worsening of existing ones
Your doctor can help determine if your heart rate is cause for concern based on your medical history and other factors. They may recommend heart rate monitoring, blood tests, cardiac imaging, stress testing, or other diagnostic procedures. Prompt evaluation of abnormal pulse rates is essential.
Conclusion
Your resting heart rate offers vital insight into your cardiac health and fitness level. Generally speaking, a pulse rate consistently outside the normal range of 60-100 bpm may indicate an underlying medical issue that warrants investigation. Tachycardia, bradycardia, and arrhythmias are examples of potentially dangerous abnormal heart rates. Monitoring your pulse rate regularly and discussing any abnormalities with your doctor is important to identify and manage any heart conditions early. With prompt evaluation and treatment, many heart rate disorders can be effectively controlled.