When a patient arrives at a healthcare center, the first thing is to take his vital signs, among which is the heart rate. Using the heart rate, we can measure the number of times the heart contracts. Knowing this sign will help us know if everything is working correctly, pumping blood properly so that the body can fulfill its usual functions.
The heart rate is one of the vital signs modified by stress, cardiovascular disease, or increased physical activity. Do you want to know what heart rate is and what types of heart rates exist? In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will explain it to you in detail.
Table of Contents
Definition of heart rate
Heart rate is a vital sign responsible for measuring the number of times the heart contracts and is calculated from beats per minute.
The heart rate can be abruptly affected by different substances secreted by the body, for example, adrenaline or epinephrine. These are hormones responsible for emitting a response in cases where the individual receives a surprise or is scared, for example, by making the heartbeat faster to promote escape.
Heart rate characteristics
The heart rate has very particular characteristics in the human being that will help at any time:
- In an adult at rest, his heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
- At the moment a person’s pulse is taken, the heart rate is being measured simultaneously.
- For greater precision, specialists usually measure the pulse at the wrist level.
The heart rate can be measured using the index finger and the middle finger without putting pressure on specific points on the body, such as:
- The groin
- Behind the knees
- The dolls
- Temples
- The inner side of the foot.
Types of heart rate
The heart is a muscle responsible for pumping blood and oxygen throughout the body and releasing certain waste products. It is the most critical organ in the human body and is essential for life and the individual’s health; If the heart does not do its job, the human body does not perform its vital functions in life.
Hence, knowing how the heart works and how often it does it in each activity that the body performs. The more effort nature requires to do its job, the higher that person’s heart rate will be.
To the extent that each beat is more efficient, the lower the frequency, the ideal is that the moments are typical but not too much. Otherwise, the heart will not pump blood to the body. This is why the heart rate will depend on the situation or moment the person is going through. For this reason, it is said that there are four types of heart rate :
Resting heart rate
It varies according to the individual’s physical, psychological, and genetic state. It is also influenced by age, sex, posture, and climatic conditions where it is found. It can be measured either with the person sitting or relaxed without making any physical effort.
The normal would be to find the rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute for adults, older adults, and children over ten years of age.
There are variations in heart rate considered normal, although there are possibilities that exercise or changes in body temperature can modify it.
- In women, the heart rate between 78 and 84 is considered normal.
- In men, a heart rate between 72 and 78 is expected.
Heart rate in an effort
Known as training frequency, it is usually measured when the person is doing physical activity. In this case, the pulsations will be greater than those present during rest. This indicates how often you are working out during the exercise.
Both respiration and heart rate increase during physical exercise due to increased oxygen demand by the muscles.
Basal heart rate
This type of heart rate includes the lowest pulsations that a person can experience in complete rest. To calculate this heart rate in a person, taking it in a decubitus position (lying down) or at rest is necessary. Nor should it be exposed to excessive heat or cold. It is advisable to measure this frequency when you wake up while staying in bed.
Maximum heart rate
It is the maximum reached by the pulsations. This can be seen when a person makes an effort or a physical exercise without needing to put health at risk as long as they are in excellent physical condition.
The maximum heart rate can vary according to age and the activity you are doing. The first thing that should be taken into account may be different from one person to another; however, it does not indicate the existence of a health problem but the person’s physical condition.
Medically, maximum heart rate can be measured through a stress test. In cases where it is required to know this frequency, it is enough to take a simple mathematical account:
- In women: 226 – Age.
- In men: 220 – Age.
The American Heart Association (AHA) [1] has indicated a guide on the relationship between heart rate and exercise during any physical training. The average maximum heart rate for a 40-year-old exercising is approximately 180 beats per minute (220 – 40 = 180).
Due to how important it is to know the types of heart rate that we can present in any circumstance, moment, illness, or with the slightest change in a heartbeat, you should go to a trusted cardiologist so that they can guide you regarding the studies you need. To reach the correct diagnosis and implement the appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Types of heart rate, we recommend that you enter our category of Blood, heart, and circulation.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.