What is a Normal Heart Rate?
There are three general ways to classify heart rate, 1) normal, 2) fast and 3) slow.
A resting heart rate is normal between 60-100 beats per minute.
A resting heart rate is fast (i.e. tachycardic) at greater than 100 beats per minute.
A resting heart rate is slow (i.e. bradycardic) at less than 60 beats per minute. (Read our article Low Heart Rate)
A resting heart rate predicts longevity and cardiovascular disease, and current evidence suggests that it is also an important marker of outcome in cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. A normal heart rate is between 60-100 beats per minute at rest (sitting, relaxing, etc.). It is well-known that the average resting heart rate for well-trained athletes is 40-60 beats per minute! However, this rate can change dramatically while sleeping or with daily activity and exercise. Usually, a heart rate will be slower during sleep, faster during daily activities or with exercise, and recover quickly back to a resting rate after exercise. This means your heart has appropriate heart rate variability and recovery, which is associated with good heart health. Your resting heart rate can be used to estimate how much energy your body uses, or your basal metabolic rate.