Heart rate is the number of beats per minute. A normal resting heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute, although a highly trained athlete may have a resting heart rate as low as 40 beats per minute. The American Heart Association advises that a lower resting heart rate typically implies more efficient heart function and greater cardiovascular fitness. Heart rate is usually measured by the vital signs during a checkup at a doctor's office. It can also be gauged at home by checking the pulse by placing two fingers on the wrist or neck and timing it against a watch. A heart rate can indicate several effects in the body.
Tachycardia
The American Heart Association states that a maximum healthy heart rate is approximately 220 minus one's age. However, in many cases a resting heart rate may be consistently high due to a condition called tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate. The Mayo Clinic notes that a resting heart rate that is continuously above 100 can indicate other underlying conditions such as heart valve problems, heart murmurs, high blood pressure or hypertension and thyroid imbalances. In some cases, other symptoms may be present along with tachycardia, such as shortness of breath, fainting and dizziness.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is a consistently low heart rate that can indicate a sluggish or slow functioning of the heart. The Mayo Clinic advises that a rate of 60 beats per minute and below is considered to be bradycardia. A slower-than-average heart rate may not cause symptoms or problems in some individuals. However, in others, bradycardia can signal potentially serious problems, as the heart may be unable to adequately pump oxygen-rich blood to the body. Symptoms include frequent fainting, heart failure or inability of the heart to pump enough blood fast enough, and sudden cardiac arrest.
Some patients may require implanted pacemakers and other treatments to correct bradycardia.
Arrhythmias
Heart arrhythmias are rhythm problems in which there is an irregular heart rate. The Mayo Clinic explains that this most commonly occurs when the electrical impulses generated by the SA node, or pacemaker of the heart, begins to misfire, causing the heart to beat irregularly. Heart arrhythmias are common and in most cases do not cause harm. In some cases, an arrhythmia can feel like a racing or fluttering heart and some patients may feel chest pain. Other heart problems can become worse due to an irregular heart rate.
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