What is the definition of a resting heart rate

What is a normal pulse rate?

We explain what a normal pulse rate is, what can cause it to change, and when to get medical help.

What's on this page

• What is a normal pulse rate?
• What is a fast pulse rate?
• What is a slow pulse rate?
• Is it normal for my heart rate to speed up when I'm exercising?
• What can cause my heart rate to change?
• Find out how to check your pulse
• Why do I need to check my heart rhythm?
• When should I speak to my GP?

What is a normal pulse rate?

Your pulse rate, also known as your heart rate, is the number of times your heart beats per minute. A normal resting heart rate should be between 60 to 100 beats per minute, but it can vary from minute to minute.

Your age and general health can also affect your pulse rate, so it’s important to remember that a ‘normal’ pulse can vary from person to person.

What is a fast pulse rate?

If your heart rate is over 100 beats per minute when you are at rest, this is considered fast.

A rapid heart rate, also known as tachycardia, can be related to many different health conditions. It’s normal for your heart rate to increase when you’re exercising or if your body is fighting off an infection.

If you have noticed a sudden increase in your heart rate and are also feeling dizzy, faint or having palpitations (a feeling of being aware of your heartbeat, or that your heart is pounding or beating irregularly), you should speak with your GP.

What is a slow pulse rate?

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute when you are at rest is considered slow (bradycardia).

A slower heart rate can be normal for some people, including athletes, fit and healthy young adults, or those taking medications like beta-blockers. For example, it is common for someone who exercises a lot to have a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute or less.

However, if a slow heart rate is not normal for you, especially if you feel unwell with it, this could indicate a problem with your heart. If you notice your heart rate is slower than usual, and you are feeling faint, fatigued or dizzy, you should talk to your GP.

Is it normal for my heart rate to speed up when I'm exercising?

Yes, it’s normal for your heart rate to increase to 130 to 150 beats per minute or more when you exercise – this is because your heart is working to pump more oxygen-rich blood around your body.

• Use our target heart rate tool to find out the beats per minute you should aim for during exercise

What can cause my heart rate to change?

As well as exercise, there are many other reasons why your heart rate may suddenly change. Some common reasons include illness or fever, dehydration, anxiety, medications, as well as other health conditions.

Dehydration

When you are dehydrated, the volume of your blood decreases and your heart needs to work harder to pump blood around your body. You may notice a faster heart rate and palpitations (a feeling of being aware of your heartbeat, or that your heart is pounding or beating irregularly).

Staying hydrated is an important way to regulate your heart rate and has many other health benefits. Women should aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day (or 1.6 litres), and men 8-10 glasses (or 2 litres).

Infection or fever (including Covid-19)

It’s common for your pulse rate to increase in response to an infection or fever. This happens as your heart pumps harder to deliver oxygen and immune cells around your body, helping to fight the infection. Viral infections such as the flu or Covid-19 may cause your heart rate to increase.

• Learn more about how Covid-19 affects your heart

Medication

Some medications can also cause changes to your heart rate. For example, certain asthma medications can cause your heart rate to speed up, while heart medications (like beta blockers) can make your heart rate slow down.

If you notice sudden changes to your pulse rate after starting a new medication, and you are not feeling well, it’s best to speak to your GP.

Heart conditions

In some cases, an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) can be caused by a problem with your heart’s electrical conduction system. This can cause your heart to beat more slowly, quickly, or in an irregular way. Some arrhythmias are more serious than others, and some may be related to more serious heart conditions.

• Learn more about heart conditions that can cause arrhythmias

Other health conditions

There are many other conditions, which aren’t heart or circulatory diseases, which can cause changes to your heart rate - including infection, anaemia, or disease of the thyroid gland.

Find out how to check your pulse

If you know how to check your pulse, you may be able to recognise changes to your heart rate or rhythm.

• Learn how to check your pulse

Why do I need to check my heart rhythm?

When you’re checking your pulse, you can also check whether your heart rhythm is regular or irregular. An irregular heart rhythm can be caused by a number of heart rhythm disturbances - the most common is atrial fibrillation, which puts people at a higher risk of a stroke. If you have atrial fibrillation, blood clots are more likely to form in the heart, and if one is pumped out of the heart and travels to the brain, it can cut off the blood supply and cause a stroke. Anticoagulant medication can reduce that risk.

You can ask your doctor to check your heart rhythm, or you can check it yourself at home. If you develop any new symptoms or suspect your pulse is irregular, let your doctor know.

When should I speak to my GP?

It’s important to remember that not all changes to your heart rate mean something is necessarily wrong. If you do notice that your heart rate is consistently fast, slow or irregular (especially if you are feeling faint or dizzy), it’s best to speak to your GP. They will be able to check your heart rate and arrange further tests if needed.

If you have any questions you can call our Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, to speak to one of our cardiac nurses.

Updated 27 May 2021