A person's heart rate is determined by many factors and can change frequently throughout the course of a day. To get an accurate average heart rate, you should take it several time during the day and take it for several days in a row. One of the most critical elements in determining your average heart rate is your health. Poor health can lead to an increased or decreased heart rate, which is dangerous for many other systems in your body.
Normal Heart Rate
When health professionals look at a person's heart rate, they typically use an average resting heart rate to gauge whether or not the person's heart rate falls into a normal category. Your resting heart rate is taken when you are relaxed, in a seated position, with your feet flat on the floor. According to the Mayo Clinic, a normal resting heart rate can vary between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Heart Rates in Trained Athletes
Engaging in regular fitness training can alter a person's resting heart rate. Trained athletes often have lower resting heart rates than the average population. Throughout an athlete's cardiovascular training, they are working out their heart like the other muscles in their body. When the heart is healthy and strong, it can work more efficiently. A lower heart rate in a trained athlete reflects that the heart is able to do the same amount of work with less effort.
Heart Rates in Unhealthy Individuals
In the case of most individuals, a resting heart rate that is consistently bradycardic (below 60 beats per minute) or tachycardic (above 100 beats per minute) can signal a health issue. Both bradycardia and tachycardia can result from a variety of factors, including genetic conditions, medications and lifestyle.
Effects of an Unhealthy Heart Rate
Unhealthy heart rates can have serious side effects. If you're resting heart rate is consistently below 60 beats per minute, your body is not getting sufficient oxygen to function properly. You can experience dizziness or fainting, memory loss, and exhaustion. If you're resting heart rate stays over 100 beats per minute, your heart is working overtime. This constant exertion can place a great deal of stress on your heart, leading to stroke or heart attack.
Improving Your Heart Rate
Just like every muscle in the body, the heart requires exercise to stay strong. Performing regular cardiovascular exercise is the best way to strengthen the heart. In general, participating in moderate to strenuous physical activity most days of the week will maintain an otherwise healthy heart. Of course, if you have any other health risks, such as a family history of heart disease or a chronic condition like hypertension, consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.
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