Do You Know How Fast Your Heart Beats?

There used to be days where we didn't think about our heart rates unless we were working out or staring into the eyes of the person who made our hearts (metaphorically) skip a beat.

Now, we have watches, rings and other smart devices that can tell us exactly what our hearts do over time. But why do these numbers matter?

A resting heart rate is how many times your heart beats each minute without exerting physical effort and reflects how much work your heart is doing. The American Heart Association recommends adults having a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but individuals may differ depending on age, fitness level, body size, medications and other factors.

Knowing your resting heart rate can help you monitor changes. And, if your resting heart rate is consistently higher than recommended, it may be time to consult your doctor about improving your cardiovascular health.

To measure your heart rate manually, take your pulse on your wrist's inner, thumb side. Use the tips of your index and middle fingers to press the artery lightly. Count your pulse for 30 seconds, then multiply that number by two to find your beats per minute (bpm). Your healthcare provider may recommend wearing a heart rate monitor or smartwatch during physical activity to track your heart rate more accurately.

Your resting heart rate differs from your maximum heart rate (MHR)— the number of beats per minute your heart can handle while working its hardest. This reading helps calculate heart rate during physical activity, which is generally accepted to be between 50% to 70% of your MHR for moderate-intensity activities and 70% to 85% of your MHR for vigorous physical exercise. For example, if you're 50 and your heart rate is 128 after a run, you're in a good MHR range.

While an elevated heart rate can be caused by stress, dehydration and certain medications, a MHR that's higher than recommended also could signal an underlying health condition, like anemia, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and asthma. Both high and low rates, known as tachycardia and bradycardia respectively, can be a sign of heart conditions such as arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation or myocardial infarction. Untreated tachycardia and bradycardia can lead to fainting, heart failure, stroke or death.

Regardless of whether your heart rate is too high or too low, it's important to see a doctor to make sure you are not at risk for serious medical conditions. A doctor can perform tests and ask you questions to assess your risk for any health problems related to your heart rate.

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