Heart rate
refers to the number of heartbeats a person has per minute. It is also commonly
called the pulse. Having a lower resting heart rate is usually a sign of good
health.
In this
article, learn how to measure the resting heart rate. We also discuss the ideal
range, and how to lower the heart rate immediately and in the long term.
The easiest
way to check the pulse
is by placing the index and middle finger side-by-side on the neck, below the
edge of the jawbone. Count how many heartbeats occur in 60 seconds. Some people
can also feel their pulses on the inside of their wrists.
It may be
easier to count the number of heartbeats that occur in 30 seconds, then
multiply the result by 2.
It is best to
measure the pulse after periods of prolonged rest. A person should ideally count
their heartbeats first thing in the morning, still lying in bed.
Resting heart rate and health
A lower heart
rate allows the heart to maintain a healthful rhythm and respond to routine
stressors efficiently. These may include exercise, illness, and day-to-day
activities.
Having a
relatively low heart rate is a significant contribution to overall health. An
abnormally high heart rate can lead to a variety of health risks and
conditions.
Complications
associated with a high heart rate include:
- low energy levels
-
- low physical fitness
-
- obesity
-
- chest pain or discomfort
-
- difficulty or discomfort breathing
-
- reduced blood circulation, especially to the hands and feet
-
- low blood pressure
-
- weakness
-
- lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting
-
- blood clots
-
- heart failure, heart attack, or stroke
Ideal heart rates
The heart
rate varies. Many factors contribute to a changing heart rate, including:
- physical activity
-
- time of day
-
- age
-
- weather
-
- hormonal changes or fluctuations
-
- emotional stress
A healthy
resting heart rate will vary from person to person. For most people, however, a
target resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).
A person can
calculate their maximum heart rate by subtracting their age in years from 220.
A healthful heart rate range is usually 50–70 percent of this maximum during
moderate exercise.
During
strenuous activity, the healthful range will be 70–85 percent of the maximum
heart rate.
Average heart
rate ranges are:
Age in
years
|
Target
heart rate
|
Average
maximum heart rate
|
20
|
100–170 bpm
|
200 bpm
|
30
|
95–162 bpm
|
190 bpm
|
40
|
93–157 bpm
|
185 bpm
|
45
|
90–153 bpm
|
175 bpm
|
50
|
88–149 bpm
|
170 bpm
|
55
|
85–145 bpm
|
165 bpm
|
60
|
83–140 bpm
|
160 bpm
|
65
|
80–136 bpm
|
155 bpm
|
70
|
75–128 bpm
|
150 bpm
|
How to lower the heart rate
If the heart
rate is suddenly spiking in response to issues such as emotional stress or
environmental factors, addressing the cause is the best way to reduce the heart
rate.
Ways to
reduce sudden changes in heart rate include:
- practicing deep or guided breathing techniques, such as box breathing
-
- relaxing and trying to remain calm
-
- going for a walk, ideally away from an urban environment
-
- having a warm, relaxing bath or shower
-
- practice stretching and relaxation exercises, such as yoga
Many
lifestyle habits can contribute to lower the resting heart rate in the long
term.
They may also
improve a person's ability to maintain a healthy heart rate during physical
activity and stress.
The following
tips may help to lower the heart rate in the long term:
1.
Exercise: The easiest and most effective way to achieve a lasting lower
heart rate is to do regular exercise.
2. Stay
hydrated: When the body is dehydrated, the heart has to work harder to
stabilize blood flow. Throughout the day, drink plenty of sugar- and
caffeine-free beverages, such as water and herbal tea.
3. Limit
intake of stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine: Stimulants can cause dehydration,
increasing the heart's workload.
4. Limit
alcohol intake: Most forms of alcohol dehydrate the body. Alcohol is also a
toxin, and the body must work harder to process and remove it.
5. Eat a
healthy, balanced diet: Eating a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables,
lean proteins, nuts, and legumes can help to improve the health of the heart,
as well as overall health.
Foods and
supplements rich in antioxidants
and healthy fats can lower blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to
pump.
Heart-healthy
nutrients include:
- omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, lean meats, nuts, grains, and legumes
-
- phenols and tannins, found in tea, coffee, and red wine (in moderation)
-
- vitamin A, found in most leafy, green vegetables
-
- dietary fiber, found in whole grains, nuts, legumes, and most fruits and vegetables
-
- vitamin C, found especially in citrus fruits, leafy greens, and bean sprouts
-
A variety of
supplements are available for purchase online, including multivitamins,
omega-3
supplements, and fiber supplements.
Source: Medical News Today
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