Mary Ann McLaughlin, MD
Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. You may pay little to no attention to your heart rate, but it can give you vital insight into your health—and may even save your life.
In this Q&A, Mary Ann McLaughlin, MD, MPH, FACC, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Health and Wellness, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, and Associate Professor of Medicine, Population Health Science and Policy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the importance of heart rate, as well as how to monitor it.
What is a normal heart rate range?
The normal heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The average is 72 beats per minute.
How can I measure my heart rate?
The easiest way to detect your heart rate (without a device) is to feel your pulse in your wrist or neck for 60 seconds. For a more accurate heart rate, you can purchase a device, such as a wearable fitness tracker (e.g., smart watch), which can monitor your heart rate during sleep (resting heart rate) and exercise.
What affects my heart rate?
Heart rate increases to deliver more oxygen to your muscles. With any physical activity, your heart rate will go up. In addition, anxiety or emotional stress can cause an increase in adrenaline leading to high heart rates, often called the “fight or flight” response.
Can I improve my heart rate, and how?
You can improve your resting heart rate with regular exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and avoiding too much caffeine.
When is it time to see a doctor?
If you notice a very strong thumping sensation in your chest, feel dizzy or light-headed or faint, you need to talk to a doctor. If you are sitting or relaxing, and your heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute, you should talk to your doctor. If you have a family member who is diagnosed with an arrhythmia or irregular heart rate, you should notify your doctor. One particular arrhythmia, which can run in families, is called atrial fibrillation, and it can lead to stroke.
What is atrial fibrillation, and how is it related to heart rate?
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm. Symptoms are palpitations or thumping in the chest. If a family member has a history of atrial fibrillation, your risk for it is higher, which is why you should speak to a doctor.
My heart rate is below 60 beats per minute. Is that bad?
Having a low heart rate is generally a good thing, and is common among athletes. In most cases, it means the heart and cardiovascular system are working efficiently. However, in rare cases, a low resting heart rate can be a sign that something is wrong, especially if it is unusual for you. If you feel dizzy, fatigued, out of breath, or feel pain in your chest, you should see a doctor.
