What Should Your Normal Pulse Be?

Your doctor may take your pulse with a stethoscope.

A normal, resting pulse, or heart rate, for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Many factors can influence your heart rate, including your fitness level, body size and the influence of any medications you are taking.

Taking Your Pulse

You can take your own pulse. With your palm up, place two fingers from your opposite hand on your wrist on the thumb side. Count the numbers of heart beats for 10 seconds. Then, multiply that number by six. This will give you your resting pulse. Keep in mind that your pulse rate can change from day to day. To determine your average, resting pulse rate, take your pulse over the course of several days and at different times of day.

Significance

Having a normal, resting pulse between 60 and 100 beats per minute typically means your heart is efficiently functioning and you are in good cardiovascular health. According to the Mayo Clinic, some athletes may have resting pulse of 40 beats per minute.

Variations

A consistent resting pulse rate of over 100 or under 60 can imply other serious medical conditions. Tachycardia is the medical term for a consistently high pulse. Bradycardia is the term for a pulse rate that is too low. You should see your doctor if your pulse is regularly too high or low.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Heart Rate: What's Normal
• WebMd: Pulse Measurement