Why Is Heart Rate Important?

The number of times the heart beats per minute is called heart rate or pulse. It is an important gauge for heart health. Normal heart rate varies from person to person. It can change frequently throughout the day and vary based on each person’s fitness level and underlying medical conditions.

Normal resting heart rate for adults can range from 60 to 100 beats a minute. But recent guideline suggests about 50 to 70 beats per minute is ideal. This is because, as indicated by recent studies, a resting heart rate higher than 76 beats per minute may be linked to a higher risk of heart attack.

A heart rate lower than 60 does not, however, necessarily signal a medical problem. A lower heart rate just implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. A well-trained athlete, for instance, might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats a minute. 

Many factors like physical activity, age and gender Heart rate can affect heart rate. Heart rate can be higher during physical activity. After a meal, the heart rate can also increase to help digestion. Having larger quantities of food can increase the heart rate for a longer period of time. Caffeine can raise the heart rate considerably, too.

If one has a resting heart rate consistently above 100 beats per minute, palpitations and an exaggerated heart rate response out of proportion to his physiological needs, he or she may have an unusual condition called inappropriate sinus tachycardia. This condition is usually considered only when other causes of fast heart rate have been excluded.

Symptoms from medical conditions, including fever, pain, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest discomfort, can lead to a fast heart rate. Interestingly, rapid heart rate may itself result in symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath, especially in those with heart diseases.

Generally, people should consult their doctors if their resting heart rate is consistently above 100 beats a minute or if they are not trained athlete but their resting heart rate is below 60 beats a minute, especially if they have other signs or symptoms like fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath.

Heart rate can be measured by checking the pulse. The best places to find the pulse are the wrists, inside of the elbow, side of the neck or top of the foot. For example, if one wishes to measure the pulse at the neck, then he or she should place the index and third fingers on the neck to the side of the windpipe. To check the pulse at the wrist, he or she should place 2 fingers between the bone and the tendon over the radial artery that is located on the thumb side of the wrist. Once the pulse is felt, count the number of beats in 60 seconds.