There are several factors that influence a person’s heart rate. However, there is a set range that determines whether your heart rhythm is normal or not.
Heart rate determines how many times the heart beats during a specific period. It is usually measured per minute and is also known as pulse.
According to specialized medical sources, the heart rate can be felt in the wrist, neck, back of the knee, and other places in the body where an artery is located near the skin.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. For this reason, it is essential to rule out any underlying disease in order not to endanger your health and life.
How many beats per minute is normal?
If you are resting, the normal heart rate is between 60 and 80 beats per minute, according to Guatemalan cardiologist Mario Gil. Tachycardia is considered when this frequency is greater than 100 beats per minute, whether at rest or during physical activity, says the specialist.
Various external factors can influence this measurement, including fever, emotional stress, anxiety, pain, etc. In this case, the heart rate may temporarily increase and when this stimulus disappears, the pulse may return to normal, says Gil.
The doctor adds that people who have a resting heart rate of more than 80 beats per minute may be at risk of suffering cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, or damage to the circulation in the legs.
If your heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute, this is considered bradycardia. This also warrants evaluation by a doctor to determine whether or not you have a heart condition.
Visiting a specialist is essential to rule out the presence of arrhythmia or other conditions. In the case of arrhythmia, it is an abnormality or disorder in the heartbeat. In some cases, medication or a pacemaker may be required to regulate the heart rate.
What should I do if I have tachycardia?
If your heart rate is higher than normal, the first step is to stay calm. According to cardiologist Alejandro Amado, if the person’s heart rate is less than 110 beats per minute, it is quite likely that the tachycardia is caused by exercise or stress, so it may take a few minutes to recover.
However, Amado says that if the accelerated heartbeat persists, it is time to seek medical help to rule out any condition that puts your health at risk.
How to measure heart rate?
If you want to do it manually, the Mayo Clinic explains that you can place your index and middle fingers on your neck, on the trachea side. Experts add that you can also measure your pulse at your wrist, placing two fingers between the bone and tendon over the radial artery. This artery is located on the thumb side of the wrist.
“When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 15 seconds. Multiply that number by four to calculate your beats per minute,” the organization’s specialists say. If you prefer to use a device, you can use a blood pressure monitor or oximeter to measure your heart rate.
If you do not have these devices, you can go to a health center, hospital, or fire department for assistance and to find out your current heart rate.
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