The normal heart rate for a healthy adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Sometimes illness, medication, stress and other factors can cause your heart to temporarily beat faster or slower than normal. If you notice that your heart is beating at a different rate than what is normal for you, or if your heart seems to be beating irregularly, see your doctor for an evaluation.
Measuring Your Heart Rate
If you are concerned about your heart rate, you can check it at home by taking your pulse. Locate your heartbeat on the side of your throat or on your inner wrist, and count the number of beats in one minute, using a stopwatch or a clock with a second hand. This is most effective if done after at least 10 minutes of rest or first thing in the morning before getting out of bed.
Tachycardia
A heartbeat that is faster than 100 beats per minute is called tachycardia. Tachycardia may be caused by a fever, exercise, emotional distress and some medications. Sometimes it may be caused by a heart attack, severe bleeding, anemia or thyroid problems. Drinking a lot of coffee or alcohol, smoking cigarettes or being under a lot of stress can also lead to tachycardia. Some symptoms of this condition include dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath. Treatments may include medication, stress reduction techniques and cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
Bradycardia
While usually having a slower heart rate is better than a faster heart rate, if your heart rate is below 60 beats per minute, a condition called bradycardia, it may lead to complications. Athletes may have slower heartbeats without any ill effects. Other times, a slow heartbeat may be caused by a problem with the heart's natural pacemaker, metabolic problems or damage from a heart attack. Sometimes this can cause symptoms related to the brain not receiving enough oxygen, including lightheadedness and dizziness, and occasionally it can cause chest pain, high blood pressure and heart failure. Usually bradycardia does not require treatment, but if it persists, you may need medication or an artificial pacemaker.
Irregularity
Everyone occasionally experiences the disconcerting sensation of the heart skipping a beat or rushing to "catch up" after a skipped beat. Commonly called heart palpitations, this type of irregularity is usually benign and self-limiting. If irregular heartbeats persist, though, you should see your doctor promptly. In some cases, they may be caused by electrolyte imbalances, hypertension, coronary heart disease or other potentially serious health problems. If you experience pain or other symptoms of a heart attack, seek emergency care or call 911 immediately.
