What is a normal resting heart rate?
A normal resting heart rate for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Well-trained athletes often have lower rates, sometimes around 40 to 60 beats a minute.
Resting heart rate is the number of beats a minute when you are calm and sitting or lying down. The best time to measure it is in the morning before getting up. You can count the pulse at your wrist or neck for 30 seconds and double it.
Many things affect heart rate, including age, fitness, temperature, stress, caffeine, medicines and illness. Children have faster heart rates than adults; a newborn's can be well over 100 beats a minute.
When to check with a doctor
A resting rate consistently above 100, or below 60 in someone who is not very fit, can sometimes be a sign of a problem. Dizziness, fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath together with an unusual heart rate are reasons to get medical help right away.
Did You Know?
Smartwatches can track resting heart rate over time, which helps people notice changes, though they are not as accurate as medical devices.
This answer is general information, not medical advice. For a personal health question, talk to a doctor.