A typical resting pulse rate for adults is considered to be between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Variations in rate are influenced by activity levels, making it either higher or lower. However, a heart rate exceeding 100 bpm, accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, is regarded as potentially dangerous.
The heart rate is defined as the number of times the heart beats within a minute. It does not remain constant and is known to fluctuate in response to factors such as activity level and emotional state.
Typically, the heart rate is measured when an individual is at rest and in a relaxed state. This is referred to as the resting heart rate.
For adults, a typical resting heart rate is considered to be between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). In children, the resting heart rate may be higher, depending on their age.
Although heart rates can vary from one individual to another, certain heart rates are recognized as potentially dangerous. Further details about this can be explored.
What’s a normal resting heart rate?
A normal resting heart rate must first be understood to identify what may be considered dangerous. Determining a normal heart rate is not always straightforward, as it is influenced by factors such as age, activity levels, and individual differences.
However, some general parameters are recognized as normal. The resting heart rate is described as the rate at which the heart pumps the minimal amount of blood required by the body while at rest.
Variations in resting heart rates are observed among individuals. Additionally, factors such as age, levels of physical activity, and the use of certain medications are known to impact resting heart rates.
Normal resting heart rate for adults
The normal resting heart rate for adults is defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) as being between 60 and 100 bpm. However, a resting heart rate lower than 60 bpm is still regarded as normal in certain cases.
For instance, lower heart rates, sometimes reaching as low as 40 bpm, are commonly observed in athletes. Similarly, individuals taking specific medications, such as beta-blockers, may also experience lower resting heart rates.
Further factors that influence resting heart rates will be examined later. The table below provides the average normal resting heart rates for adults categorized by age.

Normal resting heart rate for kids
As children grow, their normal resting heart rate changes. The table below shows pediatric resting heart rates, both when children are awake and asleep, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

What is the maximum heart rate?
The maximum heart rate is calculated to determine the ideal target heart rate during exercise.
The estimation of the maximum age-related heart rate is performed by subtracting an individual’s age from 220. For instance, for a 35-year-old individual, the maximum age-related heart rate would be estimated as 220 minus 35, resulting in 185 bpm.
This calculation is utilized to assess whether the level of exercise is excessive or insufficient. The target heart rate, derived from this calculation, is used to identify the optimal bpm required for an effective workout.
What is a target heart rate?
According to the AHA, the target heart rate during moderate-intensity activities is typically between 50 to 70 percent of the maximum heart rate. For vigorous physical activity, the target should be between 70 to 85 percent of the maximum heart rate.

For a 35-year-old, the target heart rate range would be between 93 and 157 bpm, which is 50 to 85 percent of their maximum heart rate.
The table below presents the target heart rate range and average maximum heart rate for various ages, based on AHA information.

Resting heart rate can vary from person to person and can be influenced by a variety of factors. A normal resting heart rate for an adult (who isn’t an athlete) is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The normal heart rate for children changes as they age.
Both tachycardia (fast heart rate) and bradycardia (low heart rate) are typically indicators of other health conditions. If left untreated, they can lead to potentially serious health complications.
If you’re experiencing a heart rate that’s consistently too high or too low, you should make an appointment with a doctor, as there are a variety of reasons this could be occurring. While not all of these reasons are dangerous, some could be signs of heart trouble.
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