Understanding Your Heart Rate
What is Heart Rate?
Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute (bpm). It's your body's rhythm of life, pumping oxygen-rich blood to every cell, tissue, and organ.
Normal Resting Heart Rate: 60-100 beats per minute for adults
Factors Affecting Heart Rate
- Physical activity and exercise intensity
- Emotional state and stress levels
- Body position (standing, sitting, lying)
- Air temperature and humidity
- Body size and medication use
- Time of day and sleep patterns
Target Heart Rate Zones
Maximum Heart Rate: 220 - your age
Fat Burning Zone: 70-80% of maximum heart rate
Cardio Zone: 80-90% of maximum heart rate
Peak Zone: 90-100% of maximum heart rate
Why Heart Rate Matters
- Indicates cardiovascular health and fitness level
- Helps optimize workout intensity and recovery
- Signals potential health issues when irregular
- Guides stress management and relaxation
- Tracks progress in fitness journey
Pro Tip: Regular monitoring of your heart rate can help you understand your body better and make informed decisions about your health and fitness activities.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Consistently high resting heart rate (>100 bpm)
- Unusually low resting heart rate (<60 bpm)
- Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing