The heart rate is a measure of the heart's beats per minute. This rate is important for doctors to assess the health of the heart and body. The American Heart Association reports that a normal heart rate at rest is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Well-conditioned athletes normally have lower heart rates even during physical activity while individuals who are not fit may have higher resting heart rates. Heart conditions and general body health can also be indicated by heart rate. Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, may be due to heart valve malfunctions, heart murmurs or thyroid hormone imbalances. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, and arrythmias or an irregular heart rate can indicate other underlying heart conditions. There are several procedures for determining the heart rate.
Checking the Pulse
The heart rate is normally assessed during routine visits to the doctor's office for health checkups. A nurse or medical assistant will do this by placing two fingers at the wrist on the side of the thumb or on the neck to feel a pulse. The pulses will then be counted for 15 seconds and multiplied four to calculate the beats per minute. A patient can also do this at home by timing heart beats against a clock. The American Heart Association maintains that the maximum heart rate for a healthy person should be no more than 220 minus the age in years.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram is also referred to as an EKG or ECG. This procedure involves measuring the electrical activity of the heart to chart the beats per minute as well as the pattern of the heart rate. This non-invasive test is usually done when there is thought to be an underlying problem. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute notes that an electrocardiogram can be vital in diagnosing a heart attack or heart damage. This procedure detects whether the heart is beating abnormally due to damage to the muscles in any area of the heart.
Stress Test
A stress test is also referred to as an exercise electrocardiography or exercise tolerance test. This non-invasive heart rate procedure involves measuring the electrical output or the heart and heart rate during physical activity such as walking or jogging on a treadmill. A study published in the March 6, 2008, "European Heart Journal" explains that physical exertion can emphasize any heart problems, making them easier to see and determine an abnormal heart rate, heart damage or decreased blood flow to the muscles of the heart.
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