Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. It is a measure of how hard your heart is working to pump blood throughout your body. Your heart rate can vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, activity level, and overall health.

What is a normal heart rate?

A normal heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. This means that a normal resting heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, it is important to note that there is a wide range of normal heart rates, and what is considered normal for one person may not be normal for another.

Factors that affect heart rate

There are a number of factors that can affect your heart rate, including:

• Age: Your heart rate tends to decrease as you get older. For example, a normal resting heart rate for a young adult may be in the 60s, while a normal resting heart rate for an older adult may be in the 80s.
• Activity level: Your heart rate increases when you are active. This is because your body needs more oxygen when you are exercising, and your heart needs to work harder to pump blood throughout your body.
• Stress: Stress can also cause your heart rate to increase. This is because stress hormones can make your heart beat faster.
• Medications: Some medications can also affect your heart rate. For example, beta-blockers are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, and they can cause your heart rate to slow down.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can also affect your heart rate. For example, people with heart disease or thyroid problems may have a faster or slower heart rate than normal.

What is an unhealthy heart rate?

A heart rate that is consistently above 100 beats per minute or below 60 beats per minute (and you're not an athlete) may be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you are concerned about your heart rate, it is important to see a doctor.

How to measure your heart rate

You can measure your heart rate by taking your pulse. Your pulse is the rhythmical beating of your heart that you can feel in your wrist, neck, or chest. To take your pulse, place your index and middle fingers on your wrist, just below your thumb. You should be able to feel a strong pulse. Count the number of beats you feel in one minute.

How to lower your heart rate

If you have a high heart rate, there are a number of things you can do to lower it, including:

• Exercise regularly: Exercise helps to strengthen your heart and make it more efficient. This can help to lower your resting heart rate.
• Lose weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to lower your heart rate.
• Reduce stress: Stress can cause your heart rate to increase. Finding ways to reduce stress, such as yoga or meditation, can help to lower your heart rate.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can damage your heart and increase your heart rate. Quitting smoking can help to lower your heart rate and improve your overall health.