Heart Health
Heart Rate
Resting and active heart rate basics.
Overview
Heart rate is how many times the heart beats each minute. It varies with age, fitness, stress, illness, and activity, so the same person’s normal range can change during the day.
What the numbers mean
A resting heartbeat is often around 60–100 beats per minute in adults, though fitter people may sit lower. Very high or irregular rates can be a sign of illness, stress, dehydration, medication effect, or a heart rhythm problem.
Risk factors
Dehydration, fever, anxiety, stimulant medicines or caffeine, thyroid disease, anaemia, and heart rhythm disorders can all change heart rate. Alcohol, poor sleep, and intense exercise can also affect it.
Common blood tests
Blood tests may be used to look for anaemia, thyroid disease, infection, electrolyte problems, or other factors that influence the heart rate.
Lifestyle information
Regular aerobic exercise, good sleep, limiting excessive caffeine, staying hydrated, and managing stress can help keep the heart rhythm steady. A sudden or persistent increase in resting heart rate is worth checking.
When to seek medical advice
Get medical attention for a very fast, irregular, or persistent resting heart rate, especially alongside dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or palpitations.