Heart Rate - Medical Glossary

Understanding Heart Rate and Its Significance?

A normal resting heart rate for adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 bpm. Athletes may have lower rates due to better heart efficiency. Heart rate increases with exercise, stress, or illness, and decreases with relaxation or sleep. Tracking your rate helps evaluate your heart’s health and performance.

Factors That Influence Heart Rate?

Several factors affect heart rate, including physical activity, stress, medication, caffeine, fever, and dehydration. Conditions like anemia, thyroid disorders, or heart disease can also alter your rate. Age, fitness level, and sleep quality play a role in determining what’s normal for each person.

High vs. Low Heart Rate: What It Means?

Tachycardia is when the heart beats too fast (over 100 bpm), which may be linked to stress, fever, or heart conditions. Bradycardia is a slower-than-normal rate (under 60 bpm), often seen in athletes but can signal issues like heart block. Both may need medical evaluation if symptomatic.

Monitoring and Managing Your Heart Rate?

Heart rate can be checked manually or with devices like fitness trackers, pulse oximeters, or ECG machines. Regular monitoring helps track fitness, recovery, or underlying heart issues. Staying active, managing stress, staying hydrated, and avoiding stimulants help maintain a healthy heart rate.

When to Seek Medical Help for Heart Rate Issues?

See a doctor if you notice a consistently high or low heart rate, feel faint, dizzy, or have chest discomfort. Sudden, unexplained changes or heart palpitations may indicate a more serious problem. Prompt evaluation helps prevent complications and ensures timely treatment.