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Pulse Rate (BPM) Chart and Information

Published: 2011/06/09 - Updated: 2022/09/01
Author: Disabled World - Contact Details
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On This Page: Summary - Defining Pulse Rate (BPM) - Main Article - About/Author

Synopsis: Instructions on how to check your pulse rate, including a chart of what your beats per minute (BPM) should be for children and adults. Your pulse is usually called your heart rate, the number of times your heart beats each minute (bpm). The average resting pulse rate for humans is usually around 60 to 100 beats per minute. You can measure your pulse rate anywhere an artery comes close to the skin, such as in your wrist, neck, temple area, groin, behind the knee, or top of your foot.

Definition

Pulse Rate (BPM)

Your pulse is defined as the rate at which your heart beats. Your pulse is usually called your heart rate, the number of times your heart beats each minute (bpm). The pulse may be palpated in any place that allows an artery to be compressed against a bone, such as at the neck (carotid artery), at the wrist (radial artery), behind the knee (popliteal artery), on the inside of the elbow (brachial artery), and near the ankle joint (posterior tibial artery). The pulse can also be measured by listening to the heartbeat directly (auscultation), traditionally using a stethoscope. You check your pulse rate by counting the beats in a set period (at least 15 to 20 seconds) and multiplying that number to get the number of beats per minute.

Main Digest

By checking your pulse and comparing the resulting beats per minute (BPM) using the pulse rate chart below, you can find out how well your heart is working and your general health and fitness levels.

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Pulse rates vary from person to person. The normal pulse rate for humans is usually 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, there are certain medical conditions, such as cardiac arrhythmia, which may alter the normal pulse rate of an individual. Other influencing factors include your age, gender, and fitness level.

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Checking pulse rate on the wrist
Checking pulse rate on the wrist
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How To Check Your Pulse Rate

You can measure your pulse rate anywhere an artery comes close to the skin, such as in your wrist, neck, temple area, groin, behind the knee, or top of your foot.

Baby and Child Pulse Rate (BPM)
1st month of life - 70-190 bpm
Between 1 and 11 Months - 80-160 bpm
1 and 2 yrs - 80-130 bpm
3 and 4 yrs - 80-120 bpm
5 and 6 yrs - 75-115 bpm
Between 7 and 9 yrs - 70-110 bpm
10 years of age plus - 60-100 bpm

The chart below shows target heart rates for different ages. An adult's maximum heart rate is around 220 bpm, minus your age.

Average Pulse Rate for Adults
Age Target Heart Rate 50 - 85% Average Maximum Heart Rate 100%
20 years 100-170 beats per minute 200 beats per minute
30 yrs 95-162 bpm 190 bpm
35 yrs 93-157 bpm 185 bpm
40 yrs 90-153 bpm 180 bpm
45 yrs 88-149 bpm 175 bpm
50 yrs 85-145 bpm 170 bpm
55 yrs 83-140 bpm 165 bpm
60 yrs 80-136 bpm 160 bpm
65 yrs 78-132 bpm 155 bpm
70 yrs 75-128 bpm 150 bpm

Heart Rate Explanations

NOTE: It is recommended that a physician be consulted for advice in event of doubts or therapy.

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Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2011, June 9). Pulse Rate (BPM) Chart and Information. Disabled World. Retrieved October 1, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/bpm-chart.php

Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified professional medical care, nor should they be construed as such. Funding is derived from advertisements or referral programs. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.