Heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute. The heart pumps blood to other organs by contracting and relaxing in a steady rhythm. Several factors control heart rate, including the amount of sodium and potassium entering and leaving the heart muscle cells. Doctors and nurses use heart rate to determine if a patient may have disorders that affect the heart muscle or the amount of electrolytes in the body.
Normal Range
Heart rate varies from one person to another, but should remain within the safe normal heart rate range. Normal heart rate in children ranges from 70 to 100 beats per minute, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Normal heart rate in adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Activity level, air temperature, body position, fitness level, body size and emotional status affect heart rate. Some medications also increase or reduce heart rate.
Identification
Medical professionals use two methods to determine heart rate. One method involves taking the pulse of a patient. During this test, a nurse or physician uses the tips of the index and middle fingers to feel the artery on the underside of the wrist. While looking at a clock or watch that has a second hand, he counts the number of beats he feels in one minute. This determines the heart rate of the patient. The second method involves using a stethoscope to listen to the heart.
Problems
Some heart problems cause the heart to beat too fast or slow. Tachycardia refers to a heart rate above the normal range. MayoClinic.com reports that tachycardia occurs as the result of heart tissue damage, birth defects of the heart, smoking, high blood pressure, heavy alcohol or caffeine use, illegal drug abuse, electrolyte imbalance, hyperthyroidism and adverse reactions to prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Bradycardia refers to a heart rate below the normal range. Causes of bradycardia include sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart tissue infections, age-related heart tissue degeneration, heart surgery complications, hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances and inflammatory diseases.
Exercise Heart Rate
Heart rate increases during exercise, so anyone who works out regularly should know about target heart rate. The American Heart Association defines the target heart rate for exercise as 50 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. Maximum heart rate varies by age group, with the maximum heart rate decreasing with age. A 20 year-old has an average maximum heart rate of 200, resulting in a target heart rate of 100 to 170 beats per minute. The average maximum heart rate for a 50 year-old is 170 beats per minute, which yields a target heart rate of 85 to 145.
Warning
Because sudden increases or decreases in heart rate may cause serious complications, seek medical advice if you experience any symptoms of tachycardia or bradycardia. Tachycardia symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid pulse rate, racing heartbeat and fainting. Symptoms of bradycardia include weakness, chest pain, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath and sleep disturbances.
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