In this article
At what heart rate will you die?
dossier
Although the average heart rate may vary from person to person, there is an ideal range within which it should lie. A heart rate that falls outside this “normal” range may be a sign of underlying health problems.
Also read: How do you measure your heart rate yourself and what is the average heart rate per age?
What is your heart rate?
© Getty Images
The heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in a minute. It is completely normal for the heart rate to change a little during the day. In general, the heart rate is highest when someone is anxious or exercising and lowest when someone is sleeping. A heart rate that is too high can be very dangerous and may even require immediate medical attention.
Also read: Is the heart rate monitor of your sports watch reliable?
What is a normal heart rate?
Your normal heart rate (resting heart rate) is your heart rate when you are sitting still and relaxed. This represents the minimum amount of blood your body needs because you are at rest. For healthy adults, the resting heart rate is usually between 60 and 90 beats per minute (bpm). Well-trained athletes may have a lower resting heart rate, between 40 and 60 beats per minute. A 2013 study showed that a resting heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute triples the risk of premature death compared to the lowest heart rate category of less than 50 beats per minute.
Also read: Should you be worried if you have palpitations?
Factors that influence heart rate
Factors that can cause a high heart rate include:
- Anxiety: People with anxiety have a higher heart rate, especially during panic attacks.
- Pain: Intense physical pain can increase the heart rate.
- Weather and temperature: The heart is likely to beat more often in warm and humid climates.
- Pregnancy: Being pregnant can cause an increased or irregular heart rate.
- Smoking: Smokers generally have a higher resting heart rate.
- Caffeine: Drinks like coffee increase both heart rate and blood pressure.
- Medications: Some medications can increase or decrease heart rate as a side effect.
Also read: What is your ideal heart rate when exercising?
How do you lower your resting heart rate?
If you have a chronically high heart rate, some simple lifestyle changes can help lower your resting heart rate.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise at a certain heart rate ensures that the heart is put under minimal strain and that the exercises provide maximum benefit. The American Heart Association recommends that people exercise in their target heart rate zones, which are calculated as a percentage (usually between 50 and 85%) of their maximum (safe) heart rate.
- Eat right and maintain your weight: This will help keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
- Control stress: Being tense or anxious increases your heart rate during the day.
- Use over-the-counter medications with caution: Learn about the possible side effects and talk to your doctor about which medications you should avoid.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: If you choose to drink these drinks, do so in moderation.
- Quit Smoking: It’s one of the best things you can do for your health.
Also read: 11 possible causes of chest pain
What is a high heart rate?
In general, for adults, a resting heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute is considered high (tachycardia).
Your actual maximum heart rate can best be determined by a medically monitored maximum exercise test, but a quick and easy way to calculate your maximum heart rate is to subtract your age from 220. For example, the predicted maximum heart rate for a 50-year-old person is 170 beats per minute.
Going beyond your maximum heart rate is not only unhealthy, but can also be dangerous. Your target heart rate tells you whether you are training at the right intensity. Your target heart rate zone is the heart rate range you should aim for if you want to become physically fit. It is calculated as 60 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate.
Tachycardia usually lasts for several seconds to minutes before normal rhythm returns. You may experience one or more episodes of tachycardia in a day, each lasting a few seconds. If an episode lasts longer than 30 minutes and is accompanied by a sudden decrease in lung capacity (shortness of breath) and chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Also read: A skipping heartbeat or extrasystole: what is it and what can you do about it?
When to go to the doctor?
It is best to contact your doctor if you suffer from:
- Sudden changes in resting heart rate.
- Heart rate changes that cause anxiety.
- Changes in heart rate after taking new medications.
- Often an irregular heartbeat.
Go to the emergency room immediately if you:
- you feel dizzy, faint, light-headed or confused.
- have chest pain and an irregular heartbeat.
- have chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Also read: Chest pain: when do you think about angina pectoris or myocardial infarction?
Also read: Atrial fibrillation: the most common heart rhythm disorder
Sources:
Last updated: January 2024
Articles about health in your mailbox? Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a free e-book with healthy breakfast recipes.
Related articles
Related sections
2024-01-31 23:02:06
#heart #rate #die #health.be
