


In fact, you could experience irregular heartbeat even if your heart is healthy. Abnormalities in this circuit can cause fast, slow or irregular heart rhythms.Īrrhythmias can be an emergency or completely harmless. The heart normally beats in regular, synchronised time with an internal ‘electrical circuit’ controlling the rhythm. It does not necessarily mean your heart is beating too fast or too slow, it just means your heart is out of its normal rhythm. If your resting heart rate does not fall within the normal range as listed above, you may want to check if it could be a sign of a medical condition? When your heart rate is irregularĪn abnormal heart beat is medically known as arrhythmia. This includes exercise, body temperature, body position such as standing up too quickly, and emotions such as anxiety and arousal. The normal heart rate undergoes healthy variation in response to changes in body conditions as well. Stress, medication, and medical conditions also influence your heart rate. Ageing tends to speed it up while regular exercise tends to slow it down. Many factors influence resting heart rate.

To break it down further, these are normal ranges for resting heart rates according to age: Ageįor well-trained athletes, their resting heart rate can average 40 – 60 bpm. It is natural for heart rates to get progressively slower through childhood towards adolescence. Children (aged 5 – 6) have a normal resting heart rate of 75 – 115 bpm. The normal resting heart rate for older children and adults (aged 10 and above) is 60 – 100 beats per minute (bpm). Medically defined as the ‘lowest amount of blood you need when you are not exercising’, your resting heart rate is the rate at which your heart is pumping the minimum amount of blood you require to go about your day-to-day activities. When we talk about your heart rate, we are actually referring to your resting heart rate. You should also wait at least an hour after consuming caffeine, which can cause palpitations and make your heart rate rise. To avoid miscalculating your heart rate, you are advised not to measure your heart rate within 1 – 2 hours after exercise or a stressful event, as your heart rate can stay elevated after strenuous activities. Multiply this number by 4 to calculate the number of beats in a minute. When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 15 seconds. Alternatively, place 2 fingers between the bone and tendon over your radial artery which is located on the thumb side of your wrist.Ģ. Place your index and 3rd fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe. To get you started, here’s how you measure your heart rate:ġ.
Low pulse rate how to#
How to calculate your resting heart rate? You can also speak to a specialist if you've any concerns about your heart health. You can get started by taking your own pulse, and learn what your heart rate might be saying about your health. Unless you are medically trained, you will most likely find it hard to tell what is going on inside your body and even harder to ascertain if your heart is functioning at an optimal level.
