Heart & Vascular Institute
Normal Resting Heart Rate By Age (Chart)
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One of the vital signs a nurse checks when you visit the doctor is your heart rate, along with temperature, blood pressure and respiratory rate. Your heart rate, which is measured by your pulse, is an important indicator of your overall health and fitness level. It can signal certain medical conditions or a need to adjust lifestyle habits that elevate your heart rate above the normal range determined by your age.
The normal resting heart rate (when not exercising) for people age 15 and up is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm).
However, your heart rate may vary slightly from the norm due to several factors, including regular exercise, a medical condition, stress and use of some over-the-counter medications.
What Is a Resting Heart Rate?Resting heart rate refers to when your heart pumps the lowest amount of blood your body needs when you're not exercising. Your resting heart rate is measured by your pulse when you're calm, relaxed, sitting or lying down and not ill.
Why Does Your Resting Heart Rate Matter?A heart rate that's too high or low—especially a rate that's higher or lower than your usual resting heart rate—could be a sign of medical issues or other health conditions.
A high resting heart rate could signal an abnormal hormone level, an overactive thyroid, anemia or another potential health issue, such as a heart rhythm abnormality, says Hailu Tilahun, M.D., a cardiologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle, Washington. Meanwhile, a resting heart rate that's too low could cause dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue or even fainting, which is dangerous and should not be ignored.
"Different levels of heart rate might reflect certain medical conditions," says Dr. Tilahun. "However, it doesn't always necessarily mean there's something going on. And that's why heart rate is important—because it can be a hint to at least consider exploring those possibilities."
Normal Resting Heart Rate Chart By AgeNormal heart rate varies, according to your age. Below is the normal heart rate by age, according to the National Institutes of Health.
It's also important to know the normal "maximum" heart rate during vigorous activity and the "target" heart rate for your age.
To find your normal maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220.
Meanwhile, your target heart rate should be about 50% to 70% of your maximum heart rate during moderate-intensity activity like walking. During more intense activity, such as exercising, running or working out with weights, your target heart rate should be about 70% to 85% of your maximum heart rate.
As a general guide, below are the average maximum heart rates and target heart rate zones by age for adults, according to the American Heart Association.
How to Check Your Heart Rate At HomeYou can monitor your heart rate easily by using smartwatches and other fitness-tracking wearables, but it's also simple to check your heart rate manually.
To find your heart rate, place your index and middle fingers gently against the underside of your wrist on the side just below the base of your thumb until you can feel the pulse. You can also measure heart rate by placing two fingers on one of the carotid arteries located on each side of your neck.
Other places where you can check your heart rate include:
After you locate your pulse, count the number of beats you feel for 15 seconds, then multiply that number by four. Alternatively, count the beats for 30 seconds, then multiply by two. If checking your resting heart rate, count the beats when you haven't been exercising or physically active for at least 10 minutes.
There's no best time of day to check your resting heart rate. "You can do it in the morning or in the evening, but you really can check the heart rate at any time," says Dr. Tilahun. "After activity, the heart rate might still be high. Also, you don't want to check your heart rate after resting or meditating for a very long time since that's also not going to be truly reflective."
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What If I Can't Locate My Pulse?If you can't locate your pulse in your wrist, try finding your pulse on your carotid artery or the other parts of your body where the pulse may be stronger. Be careful checking on your neck, though.
"When checking the pulse on the carotid, we have to be a little bit cautious because if it's pressed too hard, it can cause a reflex that leads to lightheadedness and dizziness or may even cause fainting," says Dr. Tilahun.
What Causes a High Resting Heart Rate?Research indicates that a higher resting heart rate is linked with higher blood pressure and body weight, along with lower physical fitness . In addition to medical conditions, such as anemia, high thyroid or hormone levels and blood clots, certain lifestyle factors can cause an elevated resting heart rate, says Dr. Tilahun.
Additional possible causes of a high heart rate include:
When your resting heart rate is in the normal heart rate range for your age, your heart muscle doesn't have to work as hard to pump enough blood to keep a steady beat.
If someone notices an increase in their heart rate within a certain period—after not being physically active for a year or two, for example—but other things haven't changed much with their health, the elevated heart rate could indicate they may need to be more active to lower the heart rate, says Dr. Tilahun.
If your resting heart rate is higher than the normal adult heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, regular activity is key to bringing the heart rate down. "That activity could be exercise, but it doesn't have to be dedicated exercise. It could be walking, gardening, mowing the lawn or other regular activities," says Tilahun.
"When you're doing the activity, the heart rate is going to be higher, and people sometimes get worried. But that's not an issue—it's what's supposed to happen. Over time, regular activity will lower the heart rate for most people," he adds.
When to See a DoctorIf a higher heart rate is a result of being under stress or consuming a lot of alcohol or caffeine, that's not typically a cause for alarm. However, these situations still warrant a discussion with your clinician, as they can discuss with you how to best address any necessary lifestyle changes.
Meanwhile, adults without an acute condition that might cause an elevated heart rate may also want to contact their doctor if their resting heart rate remains above 100 beats per minute for a few days, says Dr. Tilahun.
"If the heart rate is persistently elevated for more than a few days and there is absence of a clear thing that can explain it, that should be a time to talk to your doctor," he says.
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Your Heart Rate: What Does It Say?
Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in 1 minute. Heart rates vary from person to person. It's lower when you're at rest and higher when you exercise.
Knowing how to find your pulse can help you figure out your best exercise program. If you're taking heart medications, recording your pulse daily and reporting the results to your doctor can help them learn if your treatment is working.
Blood pressure vs. Heart rate
Your heart rate is different from your blood pressure, which is the force of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels.
A faster pulse doesn't necessarily mean higher blood pressure. When your heart speeds up, like when you exercise, your blood vessels should expand to let more blood pass through.
Heart rate vs. Pulse rate
While the two go hand in hand, they are different. Your heart rate is a measure of the number of times your heart beats in a minute. With each beat, your heart squeezes. That creates enough pressure to push blood out of your heart to the rest of your body through a network of arteries. And that brief rise in pressure creates your pulse, which allows you to feel and count your heart rate. Pulse is a way to measure your heart rate.
You can feel your pulse on certain parts of your body where there's an artery close to your skin. Two easy spots are:
There are a few places on your body where it's easier to take your pulse:
Infants and children have much higher heart rates than adults. During your teens, heart rates tend to settle into the range of 60-100 beats per minute, which is normal for adults. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images)
Put the tips of your index and middle fingers on your skin. Press lightly until you feel the blood pulsing beneath your fingers. You may need to move your fingers around until you feel it. Count the beats you feel for 10 seconds. Multiply this number by six to get your heartbeats per minute.
A healthy heart rate for adults over 18 is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Your number may vary.
The best time to measure your resting heart rate is just after you wake up in the morning before you start moving around or have any caffeine.
Children tend to have higher resting heart rates than adults.
Normal heart rate by age (when awake):
Newborns (birth to 4 weeks) 100-205 beats per minute (bpm) Infants (4 weeks to 1 year) 100-180 bpm Toddlers (1 to 3 years) 98-140 bpm Preschoolers (3 to 5 years) 80-120 bpm School-aged (5 to 12 years) 75-118 bpm Teens (13 to 18 years) 60-100 bpmTachycardia
Tachycardia means your heart beats faster than normal, usually more than 100 bpm. Tachycardia is only a concern if your resting heart rate is higher than 100 bpm.
You may not feel symptoms of tachycardia. But it can mean there's a heart issue you need to be aware of. Certain heart conditions that cause tachycardia can lead to stroke, heart failure, or even sudden death. Your doctor will prescribe the best treatment for the cause of your tachycardia.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate -- fewer than 60 bpm. Your resting heart rate typically drops below 60 bpm when you're sleeping. Some athletes and young adults can have heart rates of 40-60 bpm as well. More seriously, bradycardia results from your heart being unable to pump well enough to send oxygenated blood throughout your body. Bradycardia can make you dizzy, tired, weak, or short of breath, or you may feel no symptoms at all. Severe cases of bradycardia may require a pacemaker.
There's a myth that you can predict your child's sex by listening to its heartbeat in the womb. The notion is that male and female fetuses have different heart rates. Female fetuses, the myth holds, have heart rates of 140 bpm or higher, while male fetuses' have heart rates below 140 bpm.
However, studies have been debunking this myth for at least the past 60 years. Fetal heart rates can vary (some are faster than average, while some are slower), but they can't be used to predict your future baby's sex.
Other than exercise, things that can affect your heart rate include:
Several health conditions can cause tachycardia, including:
Health conditions that contribute to bradycardia include:
In general, people who are fitter and less stressed are more likely to have a good resting heart rate. A few lifestyle changes can help you slow it down:
Heart rate medications
If you have a faster-than-normal heart rate (your heart beats more than 100 times per minute), you have what doctors call tachycardia. It's not always a bad thing. Exercise, for example, can push your heart rate above 100 bpm. However, you may require medication to slow your heart rate if it's fast due to a health condition such as atrial fibrillation or arrhythmia. These medications include:
Your maximum heart rate is, on average, the highest your pulse can get. One way to get a rough estimate of your predicted maximum is to subtract your age from the number 220.
For example, a 40-year-old's predicted maximum heart rate is about 180 bpm.
You can learn your actual maximum heart rate with a graded exercise test. If you're taking medicines or have a medical condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, ask your doctor whether you should adjust your exercise plan to keep your heart rate under a specific number.
You get the most benefits when you exercise in your "target heart rate zone." Usually, this is when your heart rate is 60%-80% of your maximum. In some cases, your doctor may decrease your target heart rate zone to around 50%.
Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. They can help you find a routine and target heart rate zone that match your needs, goals, and overall health.
When you start an exercise program, you may need to slowly build up to your target heart rate zone, especially if you haven't exercised regularly before. If the exercise feels too hard, slow down. You'll lower your risk of injury and enjoy the exercise more if you don't try to overdo it.
When you exercise, take a break and check your pulse regularly to find out whether you're in your target zone. If your pulse is below your target zone, make your workout more intense.
Age
Target Heart Rate (HR)
Zone (60%-80%)
Predicted Maximum Heart Rate
20
120-170
200
25
117-166
195
30
114-162
190
35
111-157
185
40
108-153
180
45
105-149
175
50
102-145
170
55
99-140
165
60
96-136
160
65
93-132
155
70
90-128
150
Your Actual Values:
Target HR:
Max. HR:
If your heart rate is consistently above 100 bpm or below 60 bpm and you're not a competitive athlete, it may be cause for concern. Reach out to your doctor if you have symptoms such as:
When you feel anxious or stressed, your heart rate goes up. Why? It's part of what's called our fight or flight response, in which a perceived danger triggers the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline. This puts your body in high gear to allow you to face threats or make a swift escape. Your brain does this when you're facing physical danger, such as an armed robber. But this process can kick in for more mundane stressors, such as a fast-approaching work deadline.
These stress hormones also impact the parts of the brain that manage both your blood pressure and your heart rate. So, as a result of your anxiety (whatever the cause), your heart can start pounding, beating fast, or skipping beats. These are called heart palpitations.
If this happens often, such as if you have an anxiety disorder, the effect on your heart rate could contribute to heart disease. In very serious cases, the effect on your heart rate could lead to cardiac arrest, in which your heart suddenly becomes unable to pump blood. This can quickly result in death, if not treated promptly.
It works both ways, though. If you have palpitations due to an arrhythmia, for example, you may develop anxiety, which can then lead to more palpitations, creating a tough cycle.
If you feel anxious or experience heart palpitations occasionally, that's probably normal. We all get stressed sometimes. But if it occurs frequently, see a doctor to determine what's going on.
For most healthy adults, a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Children tend to have faster heart rates, while those of athletes might be lower. You can check your pulse most easily at your wrist or on the side of your neck. If you need to raise or lower your heart rate, talk with your health care provider about lifestyle changes and exercise programs that may be right for you.
What is a good heart rate by age?
After adolescence, a medically normal heart rate for any age adult is anywhere between 60 and 100 bpm. Most healthy adults have a heart rate of 55-85 bpm.
What's an unhealthy heart rate?
Trained athletes can have very low heart rates, and children typically have higher ones. If you are neither and have a heart rate that stays below 60 bpm or above 100 bpm along with worrisome symptoms, you should see a doctor.
What heart rate is considered too low?
Your heart rate slows to about 40 to 60 bpm when you sleep. If you aren't physically fit or are having unusual symptoms, a consistent heart rate under 60 bpm may be cause for concern.
Is a heart rate of 120 normal?
If you're exercising, stressed, or sick, your heart rate can rise to 120 bpm. If it stays at that rate at rest and you feel symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations, you should see a doctor.
What To Know About Low Blood Pressure With A High Pulse
A low blood pressure with a high pulse, or heart rate, can occur after exercising or standing up too quickly. Other possible causes include pregnancy, medication use, or shock, a potentially life threatening condition.
Low blood pressure by itself may not be an issue unless it causes symptoms. Some people with low blood pressure may experience mild to moderate symptoms.
The normal range for blood pressure is below 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for many healthy adults. While there is no precise cutoff point for low blood pressure, the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute (NHBLI) consider low blood pressure to be anything below 90/60 mm Hg.
In general, a high pulse or heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute. Other factors may cause variations to this number as well.
Although some causes of low blood pressure and high heart rate are benign, a person should contact a doctor. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a person may require immediate medical attention. This is because it can indicate more severe conditions, such as infection, sepsis, and septic shock.
Keep reading to learn more about what may cause low blood pressure and a high pulse.
The cause of low blood pressure with a high pulse varies. Sometimes, symptoms occur after a specific activity, such as standing up too quickly, while others result from an underlying issue.
Sometimes, having low blood pressure leads to a higher pulse, but this is not always the case.
When a person has low blood pressure, the blood flow that pushes against the arteries' walls is weaker than normal. If the blood pressure is particularly low, the heart may have difficulty delivering enough oxygen-rich blood to the organs.
In response, the body might increase the heart rate to push more oxygenated blood to the organs. This process may cause a combination of low blood pressure and high pulse.
Low blood pressure and a high pulse can cause the following symptoms:
Additional symptoms can include pain in the chest (angina), head, and neck, and reduced cognitive ability, such as difficulty concentrating.
There are a few situations when low blood pressure and a high pulse may happen, though the exact cause will vary from person to person.
Orthostatic hypotensionSometimes, standing up too quickly may cause a temporary spike in pulse with a drop in blood pressure. This condition, called orthostatic hypotension, is generally temporary.
The condition is common, and some people may not experience any symptoms.
When moving from lying down to a standing position quickly, gravity forces blood downward. This leads to extra pressure. The extra pressure means that the heart has to work harder against the force of gravity to pump the same amount of blood around the body.
If the heart suddenly cannot do so, the body responds by narrowing the blood vessels and increasing the heart rate to get the blood moving back toward the heart.
The effects of this are generally short-lived and go away as the body successfully adjusts to the change in position.
Most people do not experience symptoms, and the effect on blood pressure and heart rate is minimal.
ExerciseExercise may also cause temporary increases in heart rate. The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that exercise causes the heart to pump faster to allow for more blood to reach the muscles.
As the heart beats faster, the blood vessels dilate to allow more oxygenated blood to travel around the body, supplying the muscles with the oxygen they need. Because the dilated blood vessels allow the blood to pass through easily, blood pressure may increase by a small amount.
The heart rate does not return to normal immediately after exercising because the heart keeps pumping faster than normal to ensure the muscles have enough oxygen.
How long it takes for the heart to reach its normal resting rate may depend on personal factors and overall health.
There are some situations where a person's blood pressure may fall during and after exercise. A 2016 meta-analytic investigation found that in the hours following a workout, exercise can lower a person's blood pressure.
Additionally, losing too much water through sweat and exercising in the heat can lead to being dehydrated. Dehydration can sometimes cause a drop in blood pressure.
Some people also experience post-exercise hypotension. This refers to a phenomenon where a person experiences a prolonged decrease in blood pressure after exercise. The decrease in blood pressure can last from a few minutes to hours.
ShockIn other cases, low blood pressure and a high heart rate may point to a medical emergency.
Shock is a life threatening condition that occurs when a person's blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels, meaning the organs do not receive enough blood or oxygen. Some causes of shock include:
Signs of shock include:
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention.
Other underlying conditionsAn underlying condition or issue can also cause a high heart rate and low blood pressure.
The AHA lists several underlying issues that may cause symptoms of low blood pressure alongside a high heart rate:
MedicationsCertain medications may also cause symptoms resulting from low blood pressure. These may include:
Can dehydration cause low blood pressure and high heart rate?The AHA states that dehydration can sometimes cause low blood pressure. However, low blood pressure is more likely if a person is significantly dehydrated.
Dehydration can also lead to orthostatic hypotension, heart palpitations, and a fast heart rate.
Having low blood pressure is not always an immediate cause for concern. Many people with low blood pressure are unaware that they have it. Doctors may only consider treatment for low blood pressure if it causes troubling symptoms.
People who experience temporary symptoms of low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness or increased heart rate after standing up too quickly, should sit down to rest until the symptoms subside.
People who frequently experience these symptoms must take great care when moving from a prone position to standing to avoid falling.
If a medication causes symptoms of low blood pressure, doctors may recommend switching medications or lowering a dosage. A person should only change their medication under the guidance of a doctor.
The NHLBI notes that some people may not need treatment for low blood pressure at all. However, for those that do, possible treatments may include:
Doctors will discuss specific treatment options with the person in each case.
If a person's low blood pressure is a result of infection or shock, a person may need antibiotics, IV fluids, and medications to increase blood flow.
Treatment for high pulse will vary according to a range of factors.
It is helpful to try to identify when the pulse first began to rise. Some episodes of a high pulse may be temporary. For example, if a person develops a high pulse after moving from a prone to a standing position too quickly, the heart might beat more quickly to compensate for gravity's effects.
People who experience bouts of low blood pressure or high pulse while moving from a prone to a standing position could try to slow down these movements to help avoid the issue.
Exercising may also lead to a high heart rate, especially if a person is not very fit. This is because the heart may start beating faster even after a person attempts minor exercise.
If a person notices that their heart is beating faster, finding ways to calm the body and brain may help. A person can try slowing down their breathing rate or practicing guided meditations to help them relax and reduce their heart rate.
If the heart rate does not go back to normal or if a person is experiencing other symptoms, such as fever, they should contact seek immediate medical attention.
Learn more about how to lower resting heart rate here.
Anyone who experiences worrying symptoms of shock should seek emergency medical attention.
People who experience mild but uncomfortable symptoms of low blood pressure may also want to talk with their doctor to discuss treatment options.
Anyone uncertain or uncomfortable about symptoms such as low blood pressure and high heart rate should see a doctor as well. A full diagnosis can help bring peace of mind and identify any underlying issues.
Having low blood pressure is not always a cause for concern. A high pulse with low blood pressure may occur for various reasons. Some people may regularly experience a higher heart rate than normal, as the heart pumps more to make up for their lower blood pressure.
Sometimes the heart rate rises temporarily after standing up quickly or after a workout. They are not usually a cause for concern.
Sometimes, the combination of low blood pressure and a high pulse signifies that the body is not getting enough oxygen. This may put the body at risk for shock, which can be serious.
Anyone who suspects their body is going into shock should seek immediate, emergency medical attention.
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