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Heart Rate Facts

The heart pumps all of the body's blood through over 60,000 miles of blood vessels in three minutes. Heart rate is the measurement of how fast the heart beats.

  1. Target Heart Rate

    • To calculate minimum target heart rate, subtract your age from 220, then multiply by 60 percent. To calculate maximum target heart rate, subtract your age from 220, then multiply by 70 percent.

    Resting Heart Rate

    • At rest, the average adult heart beats about 60 to 100 times per minute. Tachycardia is a resting heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia is a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.

    Arrhythmia

    • Tachycardia and bradycardia are both often caused by arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. Most arrhythmia causes no symptoms, but some can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.

    Associated Risks

    • According to Ben Freedman, professor of cardiology at University of Sydney, "having a high heart rate is associated with an increase in heart attack."

    How to Check Heart Rate

    • Heart rate can be measured by pressing the index and middle finger at any point where the pulse of an artery can be felt, such as the wrist, neck, groin or chest.

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