Understanding Heart Pulse

Introduction

Heart pulse, commonly referred to as heart rate, is the number of times your heart beats per minute (BPM). It is an essential indicator of your heart's health and overall cardiovascular function.

Normal Heart Rate

• Resting Heart Rate (RHR) : Typically falls between 60-100 BPM for a healthy adult.
• Athletes or physically active people often have a lower RHR (as low as 40 BPM).
• Children and newborns tend to have higher heart rates (100-160 BPM for newborns).

Factors Affecting Heart Rate

Several factors influence heart pulse, including: - Age : Heart rate generally slows with age. - Physical fitness : More physically fit individuals tend to have a lower resting heart rate. - Emotions : Stress, anxiety, and excitement can raise heart rate. - Medications : Some drugs, such as beta-blockers, lower heart rate, while stimulants like caffeine can increase it. - Medical conditions : Thyroid disorders, heart disease, and infections can impact heart rate.

When is Heart Rate a Concern?

Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate) : Less than 60 BPM

• Can be normal in athletes but may indicate heart block or hypothyroidism.

Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate) : More than 100 BPM at rest

• May be caused by dehydration, fever, anemia, or arrhythmias that need medical attention.

How to Measure Your Heart Rate

You can check your heart rate by: 1. Placing two fingers on your wrist or neck. 2. Counting beats for 30 seconds and doubling the number. 3. Using a smartwatch or a heart rate monitor.

How to Maintain a Healthy Heart Rate

• Engage in regular exercise (e.g., walking, jogging, swimming).
• Manage stress through meditation or deep breathing.
• Maintain a heart-healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins).
• Avoid smoking and excessive caffeine.
• Monitor your heart rate regularly if you have heart conditions.

When to See a Doctor

• If your resting heart rate is persistently above 100 BPM or below 50 BPM (without being an athlete).
• If you experience dizziness, chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath .

Understanding your heart pulse can help you take proactive steps to maintain a healthy heart and overall well-being.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Rate

1. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/target-heart-rates
2. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
3. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/all-about-heart-rate-pulse
4. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
5. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmias

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84