The normal human pulse rate varies by age and activity level. Children have higher pulse rates and athletes are likely to have lower pulse rates. The normal human pulse rate is determined while one is at rest due to the fact that it is normal for the pulse rate to increase during exercise. A pulse rate that is too fast, too slow or irregular may be a sign that something is wrong.
Pulse Rate
Normal pulse rate is age-specific. For the average adult and children over 10 years of age, a normal pulse rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, although this range may vary depending on the standards used by a particular hospital system. The normal heart rate for children aged 1 to 10 is between 70 and 120 beats per minute. Newborn infants have the highest range at 100 to 160 beats per minute. Athletes may have a pulse rate of 40 to 60 beats per minute.
Variations
The pulse rate rises in situations where the body's need for nutrients and oxygen increases. During exercise, muscles use extra energy and oxygen, so the pulse rate increases to deliver blood more quickly to the working muscles. Stress causes the pulse rate to rise to prepare the body for "fight-or-flight" situations. The body directs increased blood flow to areas of infection to deliver nutrients and white blood cells, which may lead to an increased pulse rate.
Significance
Pulse, or heart rate, indicates the rate at which the heart is beating. With each heartbeat, the heart pushes blood throughout the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to body tissues, and to carry away carbon dioxide and other wastes.
Measuring Pulse Rate
One can measure the pulse rate by placing two fingers on a pulse point, such as the neck or the wrist, and counting the number of heartbeats for one minute. This can be done quicker by counting heartbeats for 10 seconds and multiplying by 6, or counting for 15 seconds and multiplying by 4. Pulse rate guidelines are for pulse rates at rest, not during exercise. For example, a healthy adult should have a pulse rate between 60 to 100 beats per minute, but may have a normal exercising pulse rate of 150 beats per minute or more.
Abnormal Heart Rhythms
Abnormal heart rhythms are called arrhythmias and include a range of more specific problems. Bradycardia is a heart rate that is too low; a heart rate that is too high is called tachycardia. In some people, the heart periodically misses a beat or adds an extra beat. Fibrillation occurs when the heart beats in an uncontrolled, disorganized manner. An increased heart rate resulting from stress or activity is not an arrhythmia, but a normal reaction to the body's increased need for energy.
