The number of times your heart beats per minute is called your pulse, or heart rate. A "normal heart beat rate" refers to a heart rate within a medically established, healthy range. If you have concerns regarding normal heart rate, discuss them with your health care provider.
Identification
At rest, the normal adult heart beats at a rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute. According to the Children's Heart Institute, the normal heart rate for newborns ranges between 130 and 160 beats per minute, and decreases with age. To measure your heart rate, place your first two fingers on the inside of your wrist and count the beats for one minute.
Significance
Heart rate indicates how well the heart is doing its job. Deviations from the normal heart rate range act as signals that something might be wrong. Having a normal heart beat suggests that your heart is healthy and functioning normally. Knowing the normal heart beat range allows you to check your pulse and report abnormalities to your health care provider.
Misconceptions
You may think that having a normal heart rate proves you are well. The normal heart rate is not a definitive means of predicting your overall heart health. You could experience heart disease or health problems, even with a normal heart beat rate.
Considerations
The normal heart rate increases during exercise and remains elevated for several minutes after working out. Strong emotion and certain medications can also affect heart rates. Men tend to have lower heart rates then women, so gender is another consideration when assessing normal heart beat range.
Benefits
Having a normal heart beat rate is highly beneficial to your health. A normal heart rate protects your heart from working too hard. Over the course of a lifetime, a normal heart rate reduces the wear on your heart muscle. A normal heart beat prevents the feeling of your heart racing in your chest, producing less anxiety and discomfort.
