Your resting heart rate is a good indicator of just how healthy your heart is.
Monitoring this number can help provide information about your overall heart health. It can also help you gain insight into your fitness level and emotional health. What is this range and what exactly are contributing factors to these numbers?
According to the American Heart Association, your resting heart rate should be between 60-100. Slower than 60 is considered bradycardia (slow heart rate) and higher than 100 is called tachycardia. Some reasons for a slower heart rate for healthy individuals are due to their physical activity and being physically fit, being prescribed certain medications, and it lowering during sleep. A slow heart rate can also be a sign of disease. It may indicate heart disease, an infection, high levels of potassium in the blood, or an underactive thyroid. A fast heart rate could be due to pregnancy, being nervous or excited, being engaged in exercise, or using a stimulant. It could also indicate some problems such as an infection, heart disease, anemia, asthma, low levels of potassium in the blood, and an overactive thyroid.
Many people now-a-days wear a fitness tracker smartwatch that can keep track of the heart rate. For those that don’t, you can still figure out your resting heart rate. Simply find your pulse either on the side of your neck or on your wrist. Then, count the number of beats you hear in 30 seconds. Double this number and you have your heart rate. It is best to check this in the morning according to the American Heart Association.
Things to look out for in order to assess your own heart health can be done by paying attention to your body. Typical signs of a slow heart rate include sudden fatigue, dizziness, feeling faint, and confusion. A fast heart rate could be experienced through palpitations, feeling your heart racing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Many of these symptoms can also be caused by things other than a heart rate problem. When it comes to your heart health, it is important to address any concerns you may have. It is best to bring any concerns to a medical provider.
