However, some individuals may experience slight variations in these heart rates.
For example, fit individuals may have resting heart rates below 60 bpm.
A dangerous heart rate for a child can also vary significantly depending on their age.
A heart rate that is above 100 bpm and too fast is calledtachycardia.
A heart rate that is too slow and below 60 bpm is calledbradycardia.
When youre active during the day or exercising, your heart pumps faster to get oxygen to your muscles.
This makes yourheart rate go up.
At night, when your body is at rest, your heart rate tends to go down.
And if you’re an athlete, your resting heart rate may be below 60 bpm.
If it doesn’t, check in with your healthcare provider.
Generally, your maximum heart rate is about 220 minus your age.
Whilemoderately exercising, your target heart rate should be 50-70% of your maximum heart rate.
However, once you are done exercising, your heart rate should fall back below 100 bpm at rest.
If you exercise regularly, a resting heart rate of 40 beats per minute might be normal for you.
Types of High Heart Rates
A heart rate that’s too high is calledtachycardia.
In general, tachycardia means having a sustained heart rate above 100 bpm.
Symptoms of a High Heart Rate
In some cases, tachycardia does not cause any symptoms.
Seek medical care if you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or are concerned.
Causes of a High Heart Rate
There are several causes of a high heart rate.
These include, but are not limited to:
Your heart rate generally decreases while you sleep.
If you notice that it increases during sleep, it can signalsleep apneaor another underlying cause.
There is no specific heart rate that is a sign you are having a heart attack.
A persons heart rate can be higher or lower than normal if theyre having a heart attack.
Alternatively, you’re able to take your pulse for 15 seconds and multiply it by four.
For example,beta-blockersslow your heart down, while decongestants can increase it.
What Is a Dangerous Heart Rate for a Child?
Summary
A normal resting heart rate for adults is 60 to 100 bpm.
The American Heart Association.Bradycardia: slow heart rate.
The American Heart Association.Target heart rates chart.
American Heart Association.Target heart rates chart.
American Heart Association.Tachycardia: Fast heart rate.
American Heart Association.Bradycardia: Slow heart rate.
Zhou X, Hong G, Vannan MA.Echocardiography.
In:Integrated Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging: A Guide for the Practitioner.International Atomic Energy Agency; 2021.
