Measuring your resting heart rate is like taking a snapshot of your heart muscle and gives an instant indication of how your heart is functioning. You can take your pulse yourself in 30 seconds, and it is one of the most effective measurements for assessing your health.
It is very easy to do:
- Place your index and middle fingers on your wrist.
- Count your pulse for 30 seconds while watching a clock, then multiply by 2 to get the value for one minute.
- Repeat several times for an accurate measurement.
- Although a normal heart rate is defined as 60 to 100 beats per minute, many healthy adults have a heart rate below 90 beats per minute.
When evaluated together with blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, your pulse rate is an important indicator of your health. As a general rule, a low heart rate is a sign of good health and of how fit your body is. A low heart rate also indicates a lower likelihood of many cardiovascular diseases. Likewise, a high heart rate brings with it an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In a study of 3,000 men published in 2013 in “Heart”, one of the leading journals in the medical literature, 3,000 men were followed for 16 years for cardiovascular disease, and a high heart rate was found to be associated with increased weight, low physical activity, high blood pressure and elevated blood lipids. The researchers also discovered that a high heart rate is an indicator of premature death from cardiovascular disease.
The researchers also discovered that a high heart rate is an indicator of premature death from cardiovascular disease.
Although a low heart rate is a sign of physical health and fitness, it can also be a symptom of certain electrical heart rhythm disorders, which typically present with fatigue and dizziness.
How Often Should We Measure Our Heart Rate?
It is recommended that you measure your heart rate several times a week and at different times of the day. It is also important to keep in mind that heart rate is affected by stress, anxiety, certain medications and lifestyle.
One way to lower your heart rate and keep it at normal levels is to exercise regularly. A study of adults around the age of 55 found that the group that exercised effectively every week achieved lower heart rates than the group that exercised below an effective level.
Tips for Measuring Your Heart Rate Accurately
- Wait 1–2 hours after exercise or a stressful event before measuring your heart rate.
- Wait at least an hour after consuming caffeine. Caffeine often causes palpitations.
- The American Heart Association recommends measuring your heart rate first thing in the morning when you wake up, before getting out of bed.
The information on our website is not intended to direct individuals to any treatment. Do not take any diagnostic or treatment steps without consulting your doctor. The content does not contain information about İzmir Can Hastanesi's therapeutic healthcare services.
