It's normal to wonder if your heart is ticking just right. Sometimes you may think it beats too slowly. Or you might worry it's racing too fast. The truth is, there's a lot you've heard about your pulse that's flat out wrong. It's time to set the record straight. That's the old standard. Many doctors think it should be lower. About 50-70 beats per minute is ideal, says Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, director of women's heart health at Lenox Hill Hospital. Recent studies suggest a heart rate higher than 76 beats per minute when you're resting may be linked to a higher risk of heart attack. The better shape you're in, the slower your heart rate will be when you're not moving around. "It might be OK to have a resting heart rate of 80, but it doesn't mean you're healthy," Steinbaum says. When your heart beats in an irregular pattern, you're having
what's called palpitations. You may feel as if it skipped a beat or speeds up. Or it may seem like a brief flutter or a pounding in your chest. "Most of the time these sensations are not life-threatening," says Apoor Patel, MD, a cardiologist at North Shore-LIJ Medical PC in Manhasset, N.Y. Many things can cause palpitations, like: "Having an
irregular heartbeat doesn't mean you're having a heart attack," Steinbaum says. But if it's a new symptom, or if you have chest pains or problems breathing, call your doctor. Stress is just one thing that can raise your pulse. Your heart rate may also speed up when you exercise, get excited, or feel anxious or sad. When you stand up, your pulse may go up for 15 to 20 seconds before it goes back to normal. Even the weather, like high temperatures or humidity, can
raise it. If you take thyroid medication, a fast pulse may be a sign you're taking too much. Talk to your doctor. Sometimes your heart rate and your
blood pressure go hand in hand. For example, when you exercise, or get angry or scared, they both go up. But they're not always linked. If your heart rate is normal, your blood pressure may not be. It could be too high or too low, and you may not realize it. Even if your heart rate seems fine, get your blood
pressure checked regularly. Not necessarily. A slow heart rate can be a sign that you're healthy and fit. An athlete's heart muscle is in better shape, so it doesn't have to work as hard to keep up a steady beat. In general, Patel says, slow rates are only a problem if you also pass out, feel dizzy, are short of breath, or have
chest pain. See your doctor if you have any of those symptoms. What is a normal pulse rate?We explain what a normal pulse rate is, what can cause it to change, and when to get medical help. What's on this page
What is a normal pulse rate?Your pulse rate, also known as your heart rate, is the number of times your heart beats per minute. A normal resting heart rate should be between 60 to 100 beats per minute, but it can vary from minute to minute. Your age and general health can also affect your pulse rate, so it’s important to remember that a ‘normal’ pulse can vary from person to person. What is a fast pulse rate?If your heart rate is over 100 beats per minute when you are at rest, this is considered fast. A rapid heart rate, also known as tachycardia, can be related to many different health conditions. It’s normal for your heart rate to increase when you’re exercising or if your body is fighting off an infection. If you have noticed a sudden increase in your heart rate and are also feeling dizzy, faint or having palpitations (a feeling of being aware of your heartbeat, or that your heart is pounding or beating irregularly), you should speak with your GP. What is a slow pulse rate?A heart rate below 60 beats per minute when you are at rest is considered slow (bradycardia). A slower heart rate can be normal for some people, including athletes, fit and healthy young adults, or those taking medications like beta-blockers. For example, it is common for someone who exercises a lot to have a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute or less. However, if a slow heart rate is not normal for you, especially if you feel unwell with it, this could indicate a problem with your heart. If you notice your heart rate is slower than usual, and you are feeling faint, fatigued or dizzy, you should talk to your GP. Is it normal for my heart rate to speed up when I'm exercising?Yes, it’s normal for your heart rate to increase to 130 to 150 beats per minute or more when you exercise – this is because your heart is working to pump more oxygen-rich blood around your body.
What can cause my heart rate to change?As well as exercise, there are many other reasons why your heart rate may suddenly change. Some common reasons include illness or fever, dehydration, anxiety, medications, as well as other health conditions. DehydrationWhen you are dehydrated, the volume of your blood decreases and your heart needs to work harder to pump blood around your body. You may notice a faster heart rate and palpitations (a feeling of being aware of your heartbeat, or that your heart is pounding or beating irregularly). Staying hydrated is an important way to regulate your heart rate and has many other health benefits. Women should aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day (or 1.6 litres), and men 8-10 glasses (or 2 litres). Infection or fever (including Covid-19)It’s common for your pulse rate to increase in response to an infection or fever. This happens as your heart pumps harder to deliver oxygen and immune cells around your body, helping to fight the infection. Viral infections such as the flu or Covid-19 may cause your heart rate to increase.
MedicationSome medications can also cause changes to your heart rate. For example, certain asthma medications can cause your heart rate to speed up, while heart medications (like beta blockers) can make your heart rate slow down. If you notice sudden changes to your pulse rate after starting a new medication, and you are not feeling well, it’s best to speak to your GP. Heart conditionsIn some cases, an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) can be caused by a problem with your heart’s electrical conduction system. This can cause your heart to beat more slowly, quickly, or in an irregular way. Some arrhythmias are more serious than others, and some may be related to more serious heart conditions.
Other health conditionsThere are many other conditions, which aren’t heart or circulatory diseases, which can cause changes to your heart rate - including infection, anaemia, or disease of the thyroid gland. Want to get fit and healthy?Our fortnightly Heart Matters newsletter includes the latest updates about coronavirus when you have a heart condition, as well as support for healthy eating, staying active and your emotional wellbeing. I’d like to sign-upFind out how to check your pulseIf you know how to check your pulse, you may be able to recognise changes to your heart rate or rhythm.
Why do I need to check my heart rhythm?When you’re checking your pulse, you can also check whether your heart rhythm is regular or irregular. An irregular heart rhythm can be caused by a number of heart rhythm disturbances - the most common is atrial fibrillation, which puts people at a higher risk of a stroke. If you have atrial fibrillation, blood clots are more likely to form in the heart, and if one is pumped out of the heart and travels to the brain, it can cut off the blood supply and cause a stroke. Anticoagulant medication can reduce that risk. You can ask your doctor to check your heart rhythm, or you can check it yourself at home. If you develop any new symptoms or suspect your pulse is irregular, let your doctor know. When should I speak to my GP?It’s important to remember that not all changes to your heart rate mean something is necessarily wrong. If you do notice that your heart rate is consistently fast, slow or irregular (especially if you are feeling faint or dizzy), it’s best to speak to your GP. They will be able to check your heart rate and arrange further tests if needed. If you have any questions you can call our Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, to speak to one of our cardiac nurses. Updated 27 May 2021 |