Measuring your heart rate is important during exercise. You heart rate can define your exertion level and help you become healthier. The higher the heart rate during exercise, the more benefits you will receive. Measuring your heart rate can also indicate a serious health issue for you or your child.
Adult Heart Rates
A normal resting heart rate is your heart rate's beats per minute while you are at rest. For the average adult, a normal resting heart rate is from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Because your heart rate fluctuates during your waking hours, you can find the most accurate resting heart rate as soon as you wake up in the morning--before you get out of bed. You can find your heart rate by taking your pulse for 15 seconds and then multiplying that number times 4. Some factors that can cause fluctuations in your heart rate are activity and fitness levels, certain medications, body temperature, body size and body position.
Heart Rate in Children
The resting heart rate for children and teenagers varies, depending upon the age of your child. In newborns, a normal resting heart rate is 100 to 160 beats per minute. For children ages 1 through 10, a normal resting heart rate is 70 to 120 beats per minute. For children over age 10, the resting heart rate is the same as adults, between 60 and 100 beats per minute. You can calculate your child's heart rate by taking his pulse for 15 minutes and multiplying that number by 4.
Heart Rate and Exercise
When you exercise, your heart rate will increase. How high your heart rate can become will depend on the type, length of exercise and level of exertion. The average person can usually receive health benefits from a perceived exertion level. That means that as you exercise, you be able to maintain a conversation while you work out. For maximum benefit, you will want your heart rate to fall into the 50 percent to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. The general guidelines for computing your maximum heart rate is 200 minus your age. So, for a woman aged 50, the maximum heart rate is 170. The target heart rate is 85 to 145 beats per minute.
Abnormal Heart Rates
Several conditions and medications can affect your heart rate. A medication that can lower your heart rate is a beta blocker. According to MayoClinic.com, "Beta blockers slow your heart rate, which can prevent the increase in heart rate that typically occurs with exercise." Beta blockers can prevent you from achieving your target heart rate.
An arrhythmia can also affect your heart rate. A tachycardia is a condition that occurs when your heart beat is more than 100 beats per minute. A bradycardia occurs when your heart beats fewer than 60 beats per minute.
Warning
MayoClinic.com acknowledges that it is "perfectly safe" for most people to enjoy normal activities and regular exercise. However, it does recommend you see a doctor before you exercise if your heart rate is consistently above 100 bpm or below 60 bpm or if you experience "fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath."
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