A Few Things to Know about Normal Heart and Pulse Rate
Your pulse rate is equal to your heart rate. The total number of times the heart beats in one minute is the heart rate. This heart rate can vary from person to person. Usually, when you are at rest, the pulse is lower. Your pulse becomes higher when you work out or exercise. Here are a few things to know about normal heart and pulse rate chart that would help you to know when your pulse is high or low. Also, you will know how to measure your heart rate or pulse rate.
What is the normal heart rate?
When you are at rest, according to the normal heart rate chart, having 60 to 100 heartbeats per minute is normal. Generally, while being at rest, having a lower heart rate implies better cardiovascular fitness along with a more efficient heart function. For instance, as per the normal pulse rate chart, an athlete can have a pulse rate of around 40 heartbeats per minute while being at rest. Usually, children have a higher resting pulse rate compared to adults.
Maintaining a normal heart rate is obviously the best for the health of your heart. However, according to healthcare professionals, keeping the pulse rate in the “target heart rate zone” while exercising is the best way to gain maximum benefits.
How can the normal heart rate be measured?
Although you can always take the help of a medical expert or a doctor to check your heart rate or pulse, having a basic knowledge of the normal heart and pulse rate chart and how to measure the pulse rate is advisable. If you are under any medication and can measure and take a record of your daily pulse rate, you can prepare your normal pulse rate chart and show the reports to your doctor. This will help them to understand how the treatment is progressing. Here is how you can measure your pulse rate:
- Place your third finger and the index finger on your neck towards the side where your windpipe is located.
- If you want to check the pulse at the wrist, you need to place two fingers between the tendon and bone over the radial artery that is located on your wrist, on the thumb side.
- Once you feel the pulse, you need to count the total number of heartbeats in 15 seconds.
- Now, simply multiply the counted heartbeat number by 4. The result is your heart beats per minute.
If the difference between your pulse rate and the that indicates in a normal heart and pulse rate chart is more, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible.