What should your standing heart rate be

The muscle has an electrical system that tells it when to beat and push blood around the body. A faulty electrical system can lead to an abnormal heart rhythm.

It is normal for the heart rate to vary throughout the day in response to exercise, anxiety , excitement, and fear. However, a person should not normally be aware of their resting heartbeat. If you feel that your heart is beating out of rhythm, too fast, or too slow, speak to a doctor about your symptoms. An extra beat is called an ectopic beat. Ectopic beats are very common, usually harmless, and do not often need treatment. People concerned about palpitations or ectopic beats should speak to your doctor who will be able to carry out an electrocardiogram ECG to assess the heart rate and the rhythm.

There are many different types of abnormal heart rhythm. The type depends on where in the heart the abnormal rhythm starts, and whether it causes the heart to beat too fast or too slow. The most common abnormal rhythm is atrial fibrillation. This replaces the normal heartbeat with an erratic pattern.

A fast heart rhythm is also known as a tachycardia , and can include:. Slow heart rhythms such as atrioventricular AV heart block , bundle branch block, and tachy-brady syndrome are called bradycardias. While exercise is important for promoting a low and healthy heart rate, there are several other steps a person can take to protect their heart health, including:.

One in every four deaths in the U. Maintaining a normal heart rate is one of the easiest ways to protect the heart. Various products to manage heart rate, such as wearable heart rate monitors, are available to purchase online. It is important to compare the benefits and features of different brands, and speak to a doctor about the use of these products. Read the article in Spanish. A study identifies complex distinctions in genomes that help map the migrations of the Arabic people.

See our editorial policies and staff. Fitness Basics. Getting Active. Staying Motivated. How do I get my heart rate in the target zone? What is a resting heart rate? Is resting heart rate different by age? The figures are averages, so use them as a general guide. You've got goals. How Other Factors Affect Heart Rate Air temperature: When temperatures and the humidity soar, the heart pumps a little more blood, so your pulse rate may increase, but usually no more than five to 10 beats a minute.

Body position: Resting, sitting or standing, your pulse is usually the same. Sometimes as you stand for the first 15 to 20 seconds, your pulse may go up a little bit, but after a couple of minutes it should settle down. Medication use: Meds that block your adrenaline beta blockers tend to slow your pulse, while too much thyroid medication or too high of a dosage will raise it.

Learn more: Blood Pressure Vs. Last Reviewed: Jul 31, Watch, Learn and Live See your cardiovascular system in action with our interactive illustrations and animations. For adults older than 18, a normal resting heart rate should be between 60 and beats per minute. Children ages 6 through 15 should have a heart rate between 70 and beats per minute. A heart rate is a measurement of the number of times the heart muscle beats per minute. Healthy kids and adults will have hearts that beat at different speeds because of their age and body size.

If the heart is beating too fast or too slow, this could mean you have an underlying health problem. Your resting heart rate will also allow you to gauge your current heart health. The average healthy adult will have a resting heart rate of 60 bpm or higher. Although in clinical practice, the resting heart rate between 60 and bpm is considered to be normal, people with a resting heart rate higher than 80 bpm could have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Athletes are an exception.