Normal heart rate in children and adults

By the frequency, rhythm and strength of oscillatory blood beats, one can judge a person’s physical health as a whole, record dangerous cardiac disorders, and determine the effectiveness of sports training. Changes in heart rate are symptoms of many life-threatening conditions and diseases, so it is important to know physiological norms. They are different for people of different ages.

How does heart rate differ from pulse?

As already mentioned, heart rate shows how many contractions the heart makes, namely its lower parts - the ventricles - per minute.

The pulse, or heart rate, is the number of times the artery dilates as the heart pumps blood per minute. Blood passing through the vessels during the contraction of the heart creates a bulge in the arteries, which is determined by touch.

The pulse value and heart rate can indeed be equal, but not always, but only in healthy people.

For example, with rhythm disturbances, the heart contracts erratically. If it contracts twice in a row, then the left ventricle does not have time to fill with blood. Thus, the second contraction occurs when the ventricle is empty and no blood is ejected from it into the aorta and peripheral vessels. Therefore, the pulse in the arteries will not be heard while the heart is contracting. With atrial fibrillation and some other diseases, the heart rate does not correspond to the pulse rate. This phenomenon is called pulse deficiency. In such cases, heart rate cannot be determined by measuring the pulse. This can only be done by listening to the heartbeat, for example using a phonendoscope.

In pulse deficiency, the heart rate is greater than the pulse. This usually happens with atrial fibrillation and extrasystole

Why is the pulse called arterial?

The arterial bed receives the entire volume of blood that is pushed out by the heart chamber at the time of contraction. The periods of systole - an increase in pressure as blood comes out - are accompanied by rhythmic beats. The subsequent stages of relaxation of the myocardium for new filling with blood - diastole, make it possible to determine the frequency and strength of these impulses. The oscillations made by the arterial walls are called the pulse. Damage to these vessels, especially large ones, is the most dangerous, as they are accompanied by massive rapid bleeding.

The stronger the pulse beats, the greater the blood flow through the arteries, the more active the oxygen supply to internal organs and overall metabolism. The main “impact” force is provided by the walls of the left ventricle of the myocardium. The following pulse characteristics are important:

• frequency;
• rhythm;
• speed;
• voltage.

Violation of one or more points indicates acute or chronic pathology. Changes in pulse intervals, for example, are a sign of cardiac arrhythmia. An increase or decrease in speed indicates hypertension or a hypotonic state.

Norm

Normal heart rate in adults ranges from 60 to 80 beats per minute. If the frequency is less than 60, it is bradycardia, if above 80, it is tachycardia.

Resting heart rate will vary depending on:

• person's age;
• his gender;
• body size;
• fitness.

In newborns, this figure is usually 120-140 beats per minute. If the child is premature, the value will be higher - from 140 to 160. In children by one year it decreases to 110-120, by five years - to 100, by 10 - to 90, by 13 - to 80.

In a trained person, the heart rate is lower than normal and averages about 50, while in those leading a sedentary lifestyle it can reach 100 beats at rest.

In women, the heart rate is approximately 6 beats higher than in men, and increases even more before the onset of menstruation.

In a healthy older person, the normal heart rate is usually 80 beats. If this figure rises to 160, then this indicates the presence of a serious illness.

Decoding the results

The normal pulse of a 17-year-old teenager can be found in the table. After the measurement, the value should be compared. If the indicator deviates slightly from the norm, it is impossible to say with a 100% guarantee that the child has some kind of disease.

Normal heart rate in teenagers, children and adults

This may be due to physiological reasons or incorrect measurement.

When it changes

The value is not the same at different times of the day. The indicator changes throughout the day depending on the following factors:

• during physical activity;
• in moments of anger, fear, excitement and other emotions;
• depending on body position (lying, sitting, standing);
• after eating;
• after taking certain medications.

The heart rate increases after eating food, especially hot and protein foods.

When body temperature rises to 37 degrees, it increases by 20 beats.

During sleep it decreases by five to seven units.

Heart rate increases by about 10% when a person is sitting and by 20% when standing.

Heart rate increases:

• when in a stuffy, hot room;
• during stress;
• during physical activity.

Possible complications

It is necessary to find out the cause of the constant high or low pulse and begin timely treatment. If this rule is ignored, there is a high probability of complications.

Possible consequences:

• loss of consciousness;
• impaired blood circulation in the brain and other organs;
• the formation of blood clots in the heart;
• heart failure;
• death.

Pulse is a criterion by which the state of human health can be determined. PS has different characteristics - frequency, rhythm, content. Most often, the pulse is detected at the wrist or neck. After measurement, the value is compared with the norm. In adolescence (12–17 years), the pulse is slightly higher than in adults. PS may deviate from the optimal value up or down.

This indicates physiological (stress, poor diet, being in an unventilated area) or pathological (cardiovascular, endocrine diseases) reasons. If the pulse deviates from the norm for a long time, you need to visit a specialist.

The doctor will prescribe diagnosis and treatment. The most important thing is to reduce the likelihood of complications. To do this, you must follow your doctor's recommendations.

Causes of tachycardia and bradycardia

If your heart rate at rest is not normal, this may be a sign of illness. Usually, other manifestations of the disease are also present.

If tachycardia is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, fainting, then the following cannot be ruled out:

• infectious disease;
• heart disease;
• onset of stroke;
• endocrine disorders;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• tumor processes;
• anemia.

Bradycardia can normally be observed in the following cases:

• for athletes (40 strokes);
• in people engaged in heavy physical labor;
• when taking certain medications.

It can also be a sign of illness:

• poisoning;
• heart attack;
• stomach ulcers;
• hypothyroidism;
• myocardial inflammation.

Symptoms of increase and decrease

The normal heart rate of a 12-year-old teenager is between 55 and 100 beats/min. PS can deviate more or less. A decrease or increase is characterized by certain symptoms.

In the first case, the following symptoms may appear:

• coldness and paleness of the skin;
• increased irritability;
• worsening sleep;
• lethargic state;
• labored breathing;
• changes in blood pressure;
• dizziness;
• cold sweat;
• lack of coordination;
• nausea and vomiting;
• lack of air;
• chest pain;
• darkening of the eyes;
• mood changes;
• loss of consciousness;
• constant fainting;
• cardiac arrest (in critical cases).

When your heart rate is high, the following symptoms may occur:

• discomfort;
• rapid heartbeat - the process may be accompanied by jerking movements in the chest area;
• pain in the chest (symptom may be absent);
• anxiety, especially at night;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• sleep disturbance;
• difficulties with performing the usual load;
• changes in blood pressure;
• increased sweating;
• loss of consciousness.

How to measure

Heart rate is measured at rest in a quiet and warm room. To carry out the procedure, you will need a stopwatch and an assistant. Approximately an hour before the measurement, you need to eliminate physical and emotional stress and smoking. It is not recommended to take medications or drink alcoholic beverages.

To measure your heart rate, you need to place your palm on your chest

The person whose heart rate will be measured can lie down or sit down. After he takes the desired position, you need to lie down or sit quietly for five minutes.

The assistant places a clean, dry palm on the chest below the left nipple for a man and under the mammary gland for a woman.

It is necessary to determine the impact on the chest at the apex of the heart, which is called the apical impulse. It is heard in half of healthy people in the fifth intercostal space if the person is standing. If you can’t determine it, it means it falls on an edge.

After this, you need to take a stopwatch and start counting the person’s heartbeats for a minute. If the rhythm is incorrect, you need to do this for three minutes, then divide the resulting number by three.

Heart rate can be measured in other places, where the arteries come close to the surface. The pulsation is clearly palpable:

• on the neck,
• under the collarbone,
• at the temple,
• on shoulders,
• on the hip.

When measuring your pulse, to get more accurate results, you need to do it on both sides of the body.

Athletes need to monitor their heart rate during training

Measurement

Pulse measurement is usually performed at the wrist. It is enough for a person to count the number of pulse waves in 1 minute. To obtain more accurate data, it is recommended to take measurements on both limbs. As a comprehensive examination in a hospital setting, the doctor will first find out the heart rate, then he will count the number of respiratory movements (RR) in 1 minute and determine the type of breathing. The resulting indicator is especially important for assessing the child’s development.

When measuring your pulse, you need to pay attention to its rhythm. The shocks should be of equal strength and at equal intervals of time. If there are no deviations, it is enough to spend 30 seconds on the procedure, and then multiply the result by 2. If a clear disturbance in the heartbeat is detected, it is better to spend at least 1 minute on the measurement and consult a doctor. The specialist will prescribe instrumental examination methods. The main one among them is electrocardiography (ECG). It will allow you to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and identify the causative factor of arrhythmia. As a supplement, the following tests are prescribed:

• Daily ECG monitoring will allow you to see changes in heart function throughout the day under the influence of various factors.
• A treadmill test is prescribed to assess heart rate under the influence of physical activity.

Due to problems with blood vessels or injuries, it is sometimes necessary to count pulse waves in other arteries. Instead of the wrist, you can palpate the neck. The vibrations will come from the carotid artery.

Maximum heart rate

This is the highest number of beats per minute that the heart can make. This indicator is used by athletes to know what maximum load the heart can be subjected to.

It is best to determine the maximum heart rate clinically, that is, this should be done by a cardiologist using a treadmill and an electrocardiograph.

There is another simplified way to find out the capabilities of your heart, but the result will be approximate. Maximum heart rate is determined by the formula:

• for men – 220 minus age;
• for women – 226 minus age.

Possible reasons for deviations of the pulse value from the established norm

The most common reasons affecting the change in the number of strokes are:

1. Physical stress on the body.
2. Regular exercise.
3. Sexual intercourse.
4. Feeling very hungry.
5. Oversaturation of the body.
6. Stressful situation.
7. Drinking alcoholic beverages.
8. Drug use.
9. Use of tobacco products.
10. The beginning of a woman's menstruation.
11. A course of massage or other procedures that relax the body.

reasons for abnormal heart rate

Prevention of rare pulse

Preventive measures boil down to timely treatment of organic heart lesions, elimination of the effects of toxic substances on the myocardium, competent selection of doses of pharmacological drugs and their administration under medical supervision. Don't forget to make regular preventive visits to your therapist and cardiologist.

Make an appointment with CELT specialists and find out the reasons for your rare pulse without delay.

Make an appointment through the application or by calling +7 +7 We work every day:

• Monday—Friday: 8.00—20.00
• Saturday: 8.00–18.00
• Sunday is a day off

The nearest metro and MCC stations to the clinic:

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• Partisan
• Enthusiast Highway

Driving directions

Features in men and women

An important factor that is taken into account when making a verdict about the normal or pathological pulse is the gender of the person. Due to anatomical and physiological characteristics, the number of pulse oscillations per minute differs, which is due to:

1. Different heart sizes . In men, the size of the heart cavities is slightly larger, due to which a larger volume of blood is expelled into the great vessels in one minute and fewer contractions are required for this. Normally, women's pulse is 7-10 beats faster. The exception is professional athletes, who, due to constant training and frequent exercise, develop compensatory bradycardia and the indicator is equal to the norms of men.
2. Hormonal imbalance can provoke changes in heart rate in women as they age. Pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimester, physiologically represents a significantly increased load on the cardiovascular system and the entire body, which is manifested by an increased heart rate and, as a consequence, a frequent pulse rhythm. During menopause and menopause, an imbalance of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone occurs, which has a provoking effect on the cardiovascular system. Symptoms of hot flashes, nervousness, and sleep disturbances appear.
3. Frequent, heavy menstruation with loss of a larger volume of blood is the cause of anemia, the main symptom of which is rapid heartbeat and pulse.
4. Mental characteristics , susceptibility to frequent mood swings and experiences in the fairer sex are more pronounced, which is manifested by changes in pulse during stress. In men, the provoking factor is often physical activity, overwork due to lack of rest and sleep, or caffeine/alcohol consumption. Another cause of tachycardia or bradycardia is vegetative-vascular dystonia, in which a disorder of the nervous system manifests itself as a more frequent or rare pulse.
5. Another indicator that should be taken into account when assessing heart rate norms is body weight . Anatomically, an increase in the load on the heart and the need to deliver blood to a larger area of ​​cells, tissues and muscles requires an increase in heart rate and, as a result, a more frequent pulse rate. Therefore, individuals with obesity and concomitant hypertension have an extremely high risk of developing cardiac complications.

Dangerous pulse for humans: causes

The causes of a dangerous pulse for a person can be:

• alcohol, drug addiction;
• acute lack of potassium and magnesium in the body;
• food poisoning, poisons, toxic gases;
• mental or nervous disorders;
• pathologies of the endocrine system that occur in severe stages.

Critically high pulse rates can also occur against the background of coronary heart disease, cardiosclerosis, myocarditis, heart defects of various nature and origin, acute blood loss, traumatic/mechanical damage to the heart muscle. Typically, the listed diseases are under the control of doctors - patients are registered, undergo regular examinations/diagnosis, and take specific medications on a regular basis.

But if there is no therapy, the patient does not get rid of bad habits and does not comply with the recommendations/prescriptions of the attending physician, then the death outcome against the background of the highest possible pulse rate is quite predictable.

conclusions

By counting the pulse and heart rate, one can judge the functioning of the cardiovascular system, the body’s adaptation to the influence of provoking factors in the form of physical and psycho-emotional stress, and the state of health in general. Currently, pulse oscillations are measured both by palpation (by touch) and using special devices. The normal pulse of a person is assessed by year, taking into account constitution and gender. If abnormalities, tachycardia or bradycardia are detected, additional examination by a general practitioner or cardiologist is indicated.

How to stabilize an elevated heart rate?

An increased heart rate in older people requires close attention, even if examinations have not shown the presence of serious pathologies of the heart or other body systems.

To stabilize your heart rate, you must:

1. Review your diet. Limit or exclude salty, fried, spicy foods, smoked foods, coffee, and foods high in cholesterol. Give preference to vegetables, fruits, stewed, boiled, baked dishes.
2. Get your weight in order by adjusting your nutrition system.
3. Give up bad habits - alcohol, smoking.
4. Build a healthy sleep and rest regime, do not forget about daily walks in the fresh air, a contrasting shower.
5. Take care of your psycho-emotional health - do not get nervous over trifles, do not overexert yourself mentally.
6. Introduce reasonable physical activity - do gymnastics in the morning, do Nordic walking, swimming, water aerobics.

If an elderly person's heart rate increases slightly, you can resort to folk remedies - a decoction of rosehip or motherwort, tinctures of valerian, and medicinal herbs. Before you start taking it, you should consult your doctor to rule out contraindications and calculate the required dosage.

If an elderly person has a sharp increase in pulse rate, dizziness, difficulty breathing, pale skin, chest pain, weakness, it is necessary to provide emergency first aid:

• ask the person to take a deep breath several times, hold their breath and tense their abdominal muscles for 10 seconds;
• wash it with cold water;
• give water or sweet tea, ask to lie on your stomach and relax;
• You can perform the following technique: press your thumbs on your eyeballs with moderate force for 30 seconds;
• offer a sedative medicine - validol, corvalol.

If after half an hour the heart rate does not return to normal, you must call an ambulance.