What Is the Normal Resting Pulse Rate?

A normal resting pulse rate for adults and children over 11 can be as low as 40 beats per minutes (bpm) or as high as 100 bpm. In children 1 and under, a normal resting pulse rate is between 100 bpm and 160 bpm. A resting pulse rate between 100 bpm and 140 bpm is normal in children ages 1 to 11.

Fact

A lower resting pulse rate is usually indicant of a person's cardiovascular health and will be lower in someone who does a lot cardiovascular training.

Factors

The Mayo Clinic lists body size, temperature, activity level, fitness level, emotions, body position and medicine use as factors of a normal resting pulse rate.

Warning

A pulse rate in adults that is consistently lower than 40 bpm is called bradycardia and one higher than 100 bpm is called tachycardia. These rates may indicate a need for medical attention, especially in the presence of fainting, dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath.

Testing

It is easy to find a pulse by placing two fingers other than the thumb on the wrist behind the thumb. Once the heartbeat is located, count the beats for 30 seconds, then double the result.

Considerations

Checking a pulse rate while resting and exercising and after an energetic workout will give a better picture of a person's cardiovascular health.

References

• The Mayo Clinic
• WebMd