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What is a normal heart rate?

Learn about the average resting heart rate — and what to consider when looking at your own numbers.

Published: May 23, 2024 |3 minutes to read

Written by: Anastasia Climan

An illustration of a person running on an electrocardiogram line, which depicts a traditional heartbeat rhythm and pattern. Toward the right, the heartbeat rhythm changes from a traditional graph of highs and lows to the shape of a heart to indicate a healthy heartbeat.

Whether it’s an emergency visit or a routine check-up, there’s a good chance your health care provider will check your heart rate. When not in a healthy range — or when out of beat — your heart rate may be an indicator of an underlying health issue.

So, what is that healthy range? A heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) is considered cause for concern.1 Here’s why.

In this article:

What a normal heart rate means

The heart should beat around 60 to 100 times each minute when you’re in a relaxed state.2

Unless you’re an athlete, a heart rate under 60 bpm is considered too slow and is grouped under the term bradycardia. This lower rate sometimes signals an underlying health problem, but many athletes find that their heart rates lower beyond the normal range as they train.3

Having a high heart rate — over 100 bpm — can also be a red flag for a number of conditions. This condition is called tachycardia.

If you find that your resting heart rate is lower or higher than these heart rates, it’s important to contact a health care provider. (More on resting heart rate here.)

What is a good heart rate by age?

The body changes as we age, and so does the ideal resting heart rate. Usually, heart rates are faster in babies and children compared to adults.4

The following ranges are considered normal for various ages:

  • Newborns up to 4 weeks old: 100 to 205 bpm
  • Infants between 4 weeks to 1 year: 100 to 180 bpm
  • Toddlers up to 3 years old: 98 to 140 bpm
  • Preschoolers between 3 and 5 years old: 80 to 120 bpm
  • Children from 5 to 12 years old: 75 to 118 bpm
  • Teens and adults: 60 to 100 bpm

Using a heart rate monitor can help you keep track. Discover what types are out there by checking out our article, “Choosing the right heart rate monitor.”

What are common causes of heart rates outside of these ranges?

Heart rate may be out of the normal range for several reasons. Bradycardia, the lower heart rate, may be normal for athletes — but even this group may face greater heart-related risks in the long term.5 It’s also common for people on a type of blood pressure medication called beta blockers. Other causes of bradycardia include a heart condition (such as a heart attack), high potassium levels and an underactive thyroid. Certain infections, such as Lyme disease or typhoid, may also be causes.6

On the other end, a higher heart rate is often normal at times. For instance, heart rate will spike when you’re working out, consuming caffeine or during pregnancy. However, tachycardia may also be caused by health issues, including:

  • Anemia
  • Asthma
  • Certain medications (like allergy medications)
  • Fevers and infections
  • Heart problems
  • Low potassium levels
  • Overactive thyroid7

Talk to your health care provider if you think your heart rate is out of the normal range. They may suggest ongoing monitoring, lifestyle changes or medical treatments to get it under control.

Can anxiety cause a high heart rate?

If you’ve ever felt your “heart beating out of your chest” in response to a stressful situation, you may have experienced how anxiety affects heart rate. Heart rates can increase if a person is nervous, excited or scared. For some people, a trip to the doctor’s office is enough to speed up their heart.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.