Understanding Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: What's Normal?

A blood pressure reading tells you two important numbers: the systolic and diastolic pressure. A third number, your pulse rate---the number of times your heart beats per minute---also helps determine your overall health.

Function

• Injury and environmental causes can affect your heart rate.

  When your heart pumps blood through your arteries, the arteries expand and contract. Your heartbeat tells you the rhythm of your heart and the strength of your pulse.

Effects

• Elite athletes can have a heart rate between 28 to 40 bpm.

  Factors such as your age, sex and gender affect your heart rate. Females 12 and over generally have faster heart rates than males. Heart rates also fluctuate due to emotions, temperature, altitude, exercise and illness.

Normal Heart Rate

• When the heart beats, it pushes blood throughout the body.

  According to the American Heart Association, a range of 50 to 100 beats per minute (BPM) is normal. Physically fit women will measure less than 70 BPM; physically fit men, less than 60.

Warning

• Maintaining a healthy heart rate is vital for seniors.

  Sedentary seniors' heart rates may go over 100 BPM, according to data from the American Heart Association, which says people with heart rates over 70 BPM have a higher risk for heart attack.

Prevention/Solution

• Consistent physical activity strengthens the heart.

  The American Heart Association recommends exercising for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, to promote a healthy heart rate.