What Is A Normal Resting Heart Rate?

What is your resting heart rate? What is a healthy heart rate? What is a normal resting heart rate? In this video, we look at what is a healthy heart rate, what affects heart rate, and how to take your pulse. We also look at normal heart rate as well as exercise and heart rate.

A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute.

To measure your heart rate, simply check your pulse. Place your index and third fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe. To check your pulse at your wrist, place two fingers between the bone and the tendon over your radial artery — which is located on the thumb side of your wrist.

When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to calculate your beats per minute.

Tips for measuring your resting heart rate

• Do not take your RHR within one to two hours after exercise or a stressful event.
• Your heart rate can stay elevated after strenuous activities.
• Wait at least an hour after consuming caffeine, which can cause heart
• palpitations and make your heart rate rise.
• The American Heart Association recommends checking your resting heart rate first thing in the morning (but before you get out of bed).

Although there’s a wide range of normal, an unusually high or low heart rate may indicate an underlying problem. Consult your doctor if your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 beats a minute (tachycardia) or if you’re not a trained athlete and your resting heart rate is below 60 beats a minute (bradycardia) — especially if you have other signs or symptoms, such as fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath.